Family Law Attorneys in Boston, MA

Boston families dealing with divorce, custody, or child support typically have their cases heard in Suffolk County. A Massachusetts-licensed family law attorney will review your situation for free and explain what happens next.

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How we match your Boston family law case

When you submit a Boston family law matter, we route it through a national network of independent partner firms and put it in front of the one that fits best — based on the kind of case it is, what it is likely to involve, where it has to be handled, and who has capacity to take it on now.

Case type

A family law matter needs someone who handles family law work day to day, not a generalist. Practice area is the first filter.

Size and complexity

Some firms are built for catastrophic injury and multi-party litigation; others resolve straightforward claims quickly. We weigh what your matter is likely to involve against how each firm actually works.

Jurisdiction and licensing

Your matter is decided under Massachusetts law, so it goes to an attorney licensed in Massachusetts who regularly appears where your case would be heard.

Capacity and fit

Availability, conflicts of interest and language all matter. If the best-fit firm cannot take your case, we route it to the next one that can — or tell you plainly when no one in the network is the right answer.

Every partner reviews your case for free. Injury and workers’ compensation matters are handled on contingency — no fee unless you win. Other matters are quoted upfront, before you commit to anything.

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Family Law cases in Boston

More about legal help in Boston →

Families in Boston navigate divorce, custody, and support in the Suffolk Probate and Family Court, where high housing costs, dual-career couples, and international or academic relocations often complicate matters. Parenting plans must account for everything from T commutes to a parent moving to Cambridge or out of state. Massachusetts divides marital property equitably rather than equally and uses guidelines for child support, but judges have discretion on alimony and parenting time. DearLegal matches you with a Massachusetts-licensed attorney who handles family law cases in Boston, and the review is free.

Divorce and custody matters from Boston are heard in Suffolk County’s probate and family court.
Boston’s expensive housing and two-income households make property division and support calculations complex.
Relocation disputes are common when a Boston parent moves for a hospital, university, or finance job.

Massachusetts family law rules at a glance

Boston cases run under Massachusetts law. The full walkthrough — timeline, when to call, case types, and what a recovery can include — is on the Massachusetts page.

Read the full Massachusetts family law guide →

Residency Requirement: 1 year
1 year if cause arose elsewhere; resident if cause arose in MA (M.G.L. ch. 208 § 5)
Property Division System: All-property equitable
All-property equitable distribution under § 34 — court can assign separate property (M.G.L. ch. 208 § 34)
Custody Standard: Best interests
Best interests under M.G.L. ch. 208 § 31; presumption of shared legal custody pending hearing
Child Support Guidelines: Income Shares-based
Income Shares-based — Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines (Trial Court Standing Order)
Spousal Support Framework: Four types
Four types under the Alimony Reform Act 2011 (M.G.L. ch. 208 §§ 48-55) — general term, rehabilitative, reimbursement, transitional; duration capped by marriage length
Typical attorney fee: Hourly
Hourly / Flat Fee

Exhibit D

How much do Boston family law attorneys cost?

Typical fee schedule

Massachusetts · Family Law

Fee modelHourly / Flat Fee

Feequoted per petition or matter

Filing costsitemized upfront

Case reviewFree

Illustrative only. Your fee terms are set in a written agreement with your attorney and may include costs and expenses regardless of outcome.

Family Law matters in Massachusetts are usually a flat fee per filing — quoted before you commit, not billed by the hour.

Family law cases in Massachusetts are not handled on contingency. Massachusetts Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5(d)(1) — patterned on ABA Model Rule 1.5(d) — prohibits contingent fees in domestic relations matters where the fee is contingent on securing a divorce or on the amount of alimony, support, or property settlement. Massachusetts family law attorneys charge hourly (billed against a retainer) or a flat fee for uncontested matters. Courts may award fees under M.G.L. ch. 208 § 38.

A good attorney walks through every number at your free consultation — before you sign anything.

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Exhibit F

Boston family law questions, answered

Still unsure? Tell us what happened and a Massachusetts attorney will review it for free.

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Divorces, custody disputes, and support cases for Boston residents are generally filed in Suffolk County’s probate and family court. If a spouse lives in Quincy, Somerville, or elsewhere, a different county may apply. A Boston family law attorney can confirm venue and explain the filing process.

Massachusetts uses equitable distribution, meaning the court divides property fairly based on factors like the length of the marriage, contributions, and future needs, not necessarily fifty-fifty. Boston homes and retirement accounts are often the largest assets. An attorney can help you value and negotiate them.

Usually only with the other parent’s consent or court approval. Suffolk County judges weigh the child’s best interests and the reasons for the move, which often involve Boston’s academic and medical job market. An attorney can help you seek or oppose relocation with a strong showing.

Uncontested 1A divorces in Massachusetts typically finalize 90–120 days after filing (the joint petition includes a 30-day nisi period after judgment before it’s absolute). Contested 1B divorces generally take 12–24 months. Massachusetts has a 90-day waiting period from the entry of judgment (nisi) before the divorce is absolute.

Yes. Massachusetts has two no-fault paths: M.G.L. ch. 208 § 1A (joint petition for irretrievable breakdown, requires written separation agreement) and § 1B (contested irretrievable breakdown, requires a 6-month waiting period). Massachusetts also retains 7 fault grounds.