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Diana Sladen

Divorce and separation Attorney at Shrewsbury, MA

5.0   88 reviews

also known as Diana (Cortes) Sladen

Free consultation Virtual consultation available
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
  • Licensed for 10 years
    State CT
    Acquired 2012
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 11 years
    State MA
    Acquired 2011
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 11 years
    State RI
    Acquired 2011
    Status
    Inactive No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Diana

Learn Diana’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Divorce and separation
    40%

  2. Child custody
    20%

  3. Family
    20%
    Uncontested Divorce, Contested Divorce, Child Support, Child Custody, Adoption, Modifications, GALs, Father's Rights, Domestic Violence, Contempts, Pre-nuptial Agreements

    12 years

  4. Child support
    10%

  5. Guardianship
    5%

  6. Juvenile law
    5%

THE EXPERIENCE THAT YOU NEED. THE QUALITY THAT YOUR FAMILY DESERVES. CALL NOW.

For attorney Diana Sladen, the most fundamental area of the law is the law that directly impacts the family. Practicing family law gives Attorney Sladen the chance to practice in an area that truly affects the everyday lives of her clients. She practices in all areas of family law including, pre-nuptial matters, divorce, post-divorce actions, child custody, child support, enforcement actions, modification, adoption, paternity, LGBT matters and juvenile matters.

 

Attorney Sladen takes ownership of each case when a client retains her as his or her counsel. She strives to handle every case with great care, detail and responsibility.

 

Attorney Sladen recognizes the importance of client care in her family law practice. She takes the time and attention to develop specific and unique strategies to meet each client’s needs. She educates her clients on all available options so that her clients make informed decisions. Each and every client is treated with the respect that they deserve. Her clients are as up to date and informed as possible. She returns calls and emails promptly so clients are never left in the dark.

 

She places great importance on hiring an attorney that the client will trust to see them through the legal decisions that need to be made. She is not afraid to tell you what you need to hear rather than what you may want to hear. Attorney Sladen will evaluate the facts in your case and provide thoughtful and professional guidance from start to finish.

 

Attorney Sladen has devoted her entire professional career to the practice of family law. She has represented husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, grandparents and children. She has handled cases involving special circumstances including: mental health issues, children with special needs, substance abuse issues, allegations of domestic abuse, custody disputes that cross state and international borders, concurrent custody disputes in family and juvenile court, parental alienation cases, and military divorces.

 

Prior to starting her own practice, Attorney Sladen worked for the largest domestic relations practice in the country. Later in her career, she gained valuable experience working with a seasoned family law firm litigating difficult custody disputes and high-asset marital estates. She is a member of the Worcester County Bar Association and Rhode Island Bar Association. Attorney Sladen volunteers her time as an ARC (“Attorneys Representing Children”) Attorney for Children in contested custody matters. Attorney Sladen is in the process of becoming certified to act a Category “F” Guardian ad Litem in contested custody disputes.

 

Attorney Sladen speaks Portuguese and Spanish. She is a proud graduate from Providence College (Go Friars!) with degrees in Political Science and Philosophy. Attorney Sladen graduated from Roger Williams University School of Law and is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut.

 

Attorney Sladen is married to her husband, Eric, and the couple have two children together. The Sladen Family resides in Rhode Island. Outside of the office, Attorney Sladen enjoys spending time with her family, travelling, spending summers on the beach and Netflix marathons.

Awards

Client's Choice 2022,2021,2020,2019,2018,2017
Client's Choice
2022 2021 2020 + 3 ...

Contact Diana

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  88 customer reviews
5 Star
 
99%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
1%
Client's Choice 2022
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by Elizabeth | June 5, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Respectful and compassionate attorney
Diana brings a level of knowledge to family law that would give any client a sense of comfort, add in her compassionate and understanding side and you’ve got an attorney that take care of you in all aspects of your case. Diana is understanding and compassionate but will never lead you astray or sugarcoat information. She will tell you her honest opinion and advice based on her countless hours of experience. I highly recommend Diana and her team to help manage a stressful time in your life. She was a breath of fresh air and was always spot on with her advice.
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Posted by anonymous | April 26, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Definitely recommend
Diana managed to get my narcissistic husband to agree to a mediated agreement saving me thousands in court costs. He waivered often but she got it done. She also walked me off the ledge several times with great professionalism.
Posted by Katy | September 11, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Second to none, Diana will not disappoint!
During a very difficult time in my life, fighting a custody case, I'm so glad I had Diana in my corner! My friend referred me to Diana and told me not worry that she would fight for me like no other. My friend couldn't have been more right. She's knowledgeable & compassionate; but fierce. Child custody cases are scary, confusing and stressful; but, Diana made feel at ease and took the burden of worry from me. The entire team at Sladen & Costigan always made me feel as if this were their fight as much as mine. If you need a family attorney, you need Diana Sladen!
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Posted by anonymous | July 25, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Best
Diana is truly the best when it came to dealing with DCF Fair Hearings. I had hired that Seaver guy out of Boston who is totally useless. He talks big but does nothing. Diana was able to correct his mistakes and set things straight very clearly and easily with DCF in 1/4 of the time and money Seaver charge me for. Shes also very kind, easy to communicate with and not judgmental at all. I 100% recommended Miss Sladen for any of your family court needs. Shes is the best of the best.
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Posted by anonymous | July 23, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great representation during a horrible situation
Family court cases can be difficult to say the least. Diana was always there whether it be to work on the case or answer my phone calls or even calm me down. She really did go above and beyond and I’m grateful for her AND her entire team, who all seem to work together amazingly in that office. Caitlin wasn’t even my attorney and she was just as great and helpful whenever I needed something. Thank you all!
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Posted by Amanda | June 21, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best choice by far
If you are seeking someone to guide you through what is most likely the most difficult time of your life (child custody), Diana is the best choice that you could make. She is compassionate, knowledgeable, caring, understanding, informative, and willing to go the extra mile. Diana made the terrifying process so much easier, and at times, quite literally held my hand. I could not be more thankful for her! I can't imagine going through it with any other attorney.....and before Diana, I had spoken to a few...none come close in comparison!! Everyone in her office has been amazing start to finish in every way. I can not recommend her services enough! I not only gained an attorney, peace of mind that someone was helping and fighting for me, but also, the results that I needed and what I now consider a friend. Look no further and call Diana....you'll forever be thankful that you did.
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Posted by anonymous | June 14, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Diana Sladen
Diana Sladen is very empathetic and knowledgeable in her area of expertise. Her approach to her client is very welcoming. She is a strong lawyer with a big heart.
Posted by Sharon | May 18, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best decision I ever made!!!
Diana and I were a perfect fit right from the start. After our initial phone consultation, I knew I had found the right representation for myself and my children. Diana was kind and compassionate and at the same time a straighter shooter. She understood the intricacies of my situation and started right away with a plan of action. Every divorce is different, like snowflakes, no two are the same, and Diana treated my divorce as such. She employed strategies along the way to keep things on track. Opposing side unfortunately had hired counsel that wasn’t as on top of things, which made settlement difficult. Diana persevered until the very end, settling much of our case on the day of court. Diana has surrounded herself with a dream team of employees! Every communication, from documents to requests, was responded to on the day it was received. I never had to wonder what was going on, I had everything at my fingertips. Much like Diana, each of her employees and associates treated me in the same fashion. I always knew I had someone in my corner. It’s hard to summarize just what Diana has given me throughout my time with her. I never expected to be in the position of needing a divorce attorney. I am forever grateful for receiving her name as a recommendation, and I hope this review does the same for others in this situation. I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life, and knowing I have Diana for whenever I may need her in the future is comforting. She is not just another divorce attorney; she became someone I can call a friend.
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Posted by Mary Jo | May 3, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Turn Lemons into Lemonade
After being forced to unexpectedly find a new lawyer to represent me in my divorce only a month before my scheduled hearing, being referred to Attorney Sladen was nothing short of a blessing. She quickly stepped in and within just a few short days, had a seamless understanding and grasp of my case that far outweighed my former representation. Attorney Sladen is unbelievably real and relatable. She was able to help finalize my divorce as expeditiously as possible and I will recommend her to everyone.
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Posted by Nicole | May 3, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Honest and straight forward
Diana and her partner both assisted in my divorce. The whole office was extremely professional, and always responded to me with any questions almost immediately. Diana was very straight forward and open with me and got my divorce settled fairly easily. She didn’t sit on things and pushed for me when it warranted. I highly recommend her.
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Posted by anonymous | January 10, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
We won our removal case!
Diana and her team are just excellent. I interviewed a dozen or so attorneys and instantly felt comfortable with Diana. Being a mother of young children herself, she was able to relate to my concerns about removing my children from MA and support me through the entire process. If you're like me and are a Type A personality, Diana is definitely a fit for you! She is on top of everything! I was extremely impressed with her use of technology and how much she included me every step of the way. This is drastically different from the service you would get from an attorney without these traits. I highly recommend Diana and her team!
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Posted by anonymous | January 5, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great representation
Diana is professional, compassionate, and understanding. I recommend her for representation for anyone who maybe unfairly investigated by DCF. She will protect you and she knows your rights. She will be there with you if they schedule a home visit. She will fight for your rights and your family
Posted by anonymous | November 24, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
WE WON!
Diana and her team were very effective, diligent and empathetic while successfully representing our family’s complaint for Judicial Review against Massachusetts DCF in Superior Court. She remained responsive and positive, and was in constant contact throughout the process, which was a difficult 3-year ordeal, and throughout COVID.
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Posted by Elise | November 23, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent
This is the human being you want by your side for your legal issues. Diana and her office were easy to talk to & timely with replies and gathering materials. Diana herself was competent and reasonable in and out of court. I felt like she guided me to the best end result I could hope for. Intelligence and professionalism wrapped up in a very compassionate persona.
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Posted by Emily | November 19, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Relocation, Custody, and Support issues resolved
I had contacted Sladen Family Law and several other practices regarding the removal of my children from the Commonwealth. After speaking with Diana, I hired here immediately. She brought up my divorce case file while talking with me for the consultation. Other firms had no interest in taking on a relocation case or even calling me back. Diana stuck with me for 11 months to fight for relocation, fair custody and child support. She gave me guidance and support through the process. Her team was very helpful and someone was always around to give a quick answer. The process that I went through was mentally draining and Diana and her team did everything they could to see to a fair resolution on child support and custody with relocating without costing an arm and a leg. I would recommend her to anyone that is going through child custody and support issues and I would contact her again in the future if any other issues arise.
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Posted by Nick | November 15, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Nick P
I’m a Divorced Father of three children and needed representation to settle an urgent custody situation. The team at Slayden & Costigan listened to what was important to me and produced immediate results. I couldn’t be happier with the final agreement and I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of exceptional council to settle any family law situation.
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Posted by Jezriel | July 30, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Service
Diana and her team worked really hard on my case. She dug up information and prepared vital questions during court proceedings and during conciliation meetings. If you want someone who will go above and beyond for you hire Diana Sladen Family Law.
Posted by Kathleen | June 15, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Love my Lawyer
My lawyer Diana, is absolutely fabulous. I had to suspend my alimony payments due to an illness. She helped me to get through nearly four months with not only the law part but also by her genuine concern for my health.
Posted by Jessica | March 24, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Diana is amazing!
I have been working with Diana for 7 months. She has helped me with my divorce in more ways than I can list. Her response is always very quick and thorough. I put this divorce off due to feeling anxious about it. She put my mind at ease as soon as we first spoke. She was always there to answer a question or reassure me that all would be fine. My divorce is done and I feel such relief. Thank you Diana!
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Posted by anonymous | February 17, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great family advocate
Diana is a kind lawyer and calming presence to clients like us, but tenacious to those she was representing us against. I have had several moments of stress throughout our case and each time she said that it was her job to be the worrier, that she would take care of it - and she did. She is great with our kids too. I would recommend her to any family or any "mama bear" type in search of advocacy.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
  • Hourly Rates $ 250-350 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Owner
  • Sladen & Costigan, PLLC
  • 2018 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Callahan, Barraco & Inman, P.C.
  • 2016 - 2018
  • Attorney
  • Cordell & Cordell, P.C.
  • 2015 - 2016
  • Senior Attorney
  • Pollack Law Group, P.C.
  • 2011 - 2015
  • Law Clerk
  • Homonoff, Levine and Pulner
  • 2010 - 2011
  • Associate Attorney
  • Miller & Caine LLP
  • 2009 - 2011
View all work experience

Education

  • Roger Williams University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2010
  • Providence College
  • B.A.-Philosophy + B.A. - Political Science
  • 2008

Associations

  • Worcester County Bar Association Conciliation Program
  • Co-chair
  • 2021 - Present
  • Rhode Island Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2018 - Present
  • Worcester County Bar Association, Family Law Secti
  • Member
  • 2018 - Present
  • Rhode Island Family Court Bench Bar Committee
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • Worcester County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • Portuguese
  • Spanish
  • English

Honors and Awards

  • 2022 Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2022
  • Client's Choice
  • Avvo
  • 2019
  • Client's Choice
  • Avvo
  • 2018
  • Client's Choice
  • Avvo
  • 2017
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • Paralegal's Guide to Divorce and Pre-nuptial Agreements
  • Legal Ethics in Family Law
  • 2021
  • Paralegal's Guide to Divorce and Pre-nuptial Agreements
  • Smart Phones and Social Media Discovery in Divorce
  • 2021
  • Divorce Seminar
  • Divorce in Massachusetts
  • 2017

Attorney endorsements

Received (9)
Given (10)
Endorse Diana
Family Attorney | Aug 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Attorney Sladen professionally for 6 years. Not only is she is highly skilled as a seasoned practitioner, she is a fierce advocate for her clients. I highly recommend and fully endorse her."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Apr 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney Sladen generously gives her time to her client's and puts true passion into each case. She really treats every case as though it is her own family."
Family Attorney | Apr 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Diana personally and professionally for many years. She is extremely knowledgeable in the field of family law, professional and a fierce advocate for every client. Anyone would be lucky to have Diana as an attorney, I cannot endorse her enough!"
Child support Attorney | Apr 17
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Diana was opposing counsel on a hotly contested post-divorce modification. Despite the challenges of the case, Diana was always professional, cordial, and a zealous advocate for her client. I endorse Diana wholeheartedly."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Aug 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney Sladen is a fantastic advocate for her clients. She puts her clients first, from the start of the case to the settlement, and ensures that the client receives the best results possible. I highly recommend Attorney Sladen."
Divorce and separation Attorney | May 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Diana's confident presence, her knowledge and passion for her profession make her one great attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Apr 17
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Attorney Sladen brings a fresh perspective to any divorce or custody matter and is able to find the best solution for her clients in an expedient and cost effective manner. Her tenacity and attention to detail are beyond compare and lend to her high level of court room performance, as well as negotiating skills."
Family Attorney | Apr 17
Relationship: Co-worker
"Attorney Sladen makes herself available to aid both clients and fellow attorneys within the firm. Her willingness to help is compounded by her knowledge of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut law."
Alimony Attorney | Dec 13
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"When it comes to navigating the new alimony statute she is one of the "go to" attorneys in the state."
View more endorsements

Avvo Contributions

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Shrewsbury Divorce and separation Lawyer Diana Sladen
Diana Sladen
Divorce and separation Attorney
Shrewsbury, MA
Licensed for 11 years
Free Consultation
Virtual consultation available