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Steven R. Ballard
About Steven
Biography
I represent individuals in divorce and family law and criminal defense cases in the Greater Boston area. I regularly appear in the probate and family courts of Middlesex, Norfolk and Worcester Counties, and the other counties throughout Eastern Massachusetts. I represent a very diverse group of people with divorce and family law cases, and have developed substantial expertise in this area, as well as in the related areas of practice, such as criminal defense, and particularly domestic violence. I also appear regularly in district court and superior courts throughout the state of Massachusetts, in criminal cases of many kinds, but now mostly domestic violence and restraining order cases and sexual assault cases. I have successfully handled family law and criminal defense appeals, in the state and federal courts of appeal, and presently take appellate cases in the Massachusetts state court system.
I have been quoted several times in the past few years as a divorce and family law expert, in the Boston Globe, the Boston Business Journal, and elsewhere. I am the publisher and author of the Massachusetts Divorce and Family Law Blog, one of the most frequented and widely read family law blogs in the nation.
I am very experienced and very successful in high conflict cases, especially those which involve custody and visitation disputes, but also in high asset cases and all other divorce and family law matters, whether requiring skilled negotiation of agreements outside of court, or instead requiring expert litigation and trial advocacy.
Practice Areas
8
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Massachusetts for 25 years
State: Massachusetts
Acquired: 2001
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2025
Location
Law Offices of Steven Ballard
The Wheelhouse, 33 Bradford Street, Concord, MA, 01742
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Steven R. Ballard's Reviews
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Stephanie | July 15, 2015
Look No Further, He's the best
Steven worked with me diligently during a horrible divorce and custody battle. Not only did he work closely with my other attorney, but he also showed something very few attorney's do, compassion. He was so dedicated to making sure my family and the best outcome was what we got. He was able to truly,...
Posted by anonymous | May 18, 2012
Steven Ballard
My life would be drastically different had I not employed the compassionate, understanding, effective, pragmatic, good humored, wise and tough advocacy services of Steven Ballard. Against the odds of a slowly changing court system that has traditionally favored only mothers as able and willing caregi...
Posted by Rick Peralta | February 11, 2010
A human lawer
Attorney Ballard is sensitive, caring, intelligent, talented, congenial and so much more. He stood for me with dignity in difficult circumstances and challenged injustice. Regardless of the adversity he remained true. I have recently been reviewing his work and found that it was far more impressive t...
Steven R. Ballard's Lawyer Endorsements
"Steven Ballard’s unique combination of intelligence, street smarts, compassion, and integrity make him a standout even among the best attorneys. I know that he offers his clients a very high level of services whether it be mediation, negotiation or litigation. He is an effective, wise and ferocious advocate for his clients and I have recommended to my family and friends with great confidence that he will work with them to obtain the best possible outcome whether it be through mediation or litigation."
"I strongly endorse Attorney Ballard. On several occasions, I have been very impressed by his great ability to handle extremely difficult cases. His extensive knowledge about family law and his compassion for his clients and their cases make him a tremendous advocate!"
"I highly endorse Steven Ballard. I worked closely with Steve on a case involving a challenging set of facts and circumstances, and was very impressed with his lawyering and overall demeanor throughout the matter. Based on Steve's oral advocacy in court, as well as his written work, Steve repeatedly demonstrated he is a smart, ethical, and persuasive attorney. I am pleased to endorse Steve without reservation to anyone seeking legal representation in a divorce or family law matter."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I first met Steven as opposing counsel in a highly contested divorce, where he represented one of the spouses and I represented a potential witness. The next time I ran into him was in a completely different setting — divorce mediation training. Steven demonstrates a rare combination of fierce advocacy and attentiveness to the human interests that motivate people's actions, which together make him an incredibly valuable asset to his clients. As much as I wish family law litigation were never necessary, I am glad that we have attorneys like Steven to get the job done when it is."
"Mr. Ballard is an outstanding and excellent attorney. I would recommend anyone and everyone to him for his services. I have been practicing for 24 years as a judge, magistrate, law professor, private attorney, and prosecutor, and I learn from his answers on Avvo every day. Simply an exemplary attorney."
"I am glad to endorse Steve. We have opposed each other and have worked together. Steve has an extraordinary ability to think on his feet and to address every critical aspect that must be presented to the Court. He is a tireless, effective and extremely sharp advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Steve is an excellent advocate and skilled litigator."
"Attorney Ballard provides clients with zealous and dedicated representation. He has a sterling reputation in the community and truly cares about his clients. I highly endorse Attorney Ballard for any custody or family law matter that an individual may be faced with."
"I endorse this lawyer. As a loyal follower of Attorney Ballard's blog, "Massachusetts Divorce & Family Law Blog", I have found his posts regarding family law matters to be extremely informative. I will continue to follow attorney Ballard's posts and strongly endorse him as a family law practitioner."
"Steven's answers and comments are thoughtful and helpful. I endorse this lawyer."
"Steven is a fellow lawyer in the community and I know him through his very popular blog. He provides a great deal of good information."
"Steven is a well-regarded attorney and I have enjoyed reading his blog over the past couple of years. Besides both being attorneys, Steven and I are both musicians, and perhaps it is a coincidence, but quite a few lawyers I respect are also musicians or creative in other ways. Steven brings a lot of experience to the table whether working with a criminal defense client or a family law matter."
"I endorse this lawyer. Steven was reasonable in his approach, knew the law, and was able to advocate for his client effectively."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Ballard is a respected attorney who will zealously advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Attorney Ballard provides well thought out legal advice borne from a wealth of experience and knowledge."
"Attorney Steven R. Ballard is a very knowledgeable and articulate advocate. It is clear that he represents his clients with passion, commitment, and legal competence. I endorse attorney Ballard enthusiastically.."
"Steven Ballard is an experienced divorce attorney who expresses a collaborative approach to family law cases. I think good representation of family law clients requires consideration of both the law and the emotions involved in family related issues and for those reasons I endorse Steven Ballard."
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Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2025.
Suspension issued in MA, 2025
updated on 03/24/2025This status means that an attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a specific period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.
Honors
2015
SJC Pro Bono Honor Roll 2014, Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts
2015
Certificate, Collaborative Business Law, Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council
2014
Certificate, Collaborative Divorce, Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council
2014
Certificate, Marital Mediation, Laurie Israel
2014
Facilitative Co-Mediation, Community Mediation, Mediation Works Incorporated
2013
Certificate of Appreciation for Pro Bono Legal Service, Massachusetts Justice Project
2013
Certificate, Court-Connected Conciliator, SJC Rule 1:18, Boston Bar Association
2013
Divorce Mediation Training Certificate (Rule 8), Divorce Mediation Training Associates
2012
Certificate of Appreciation for Pro Bono Legal Service, Massachusetts Justice Project
2011
Certificate of Appreciation for Pro Bono Legal Service, Massachusetts Justice Project
2010
Certificate of Appreciation for Pro Bono Legal Service, Massachusetts Justice Project
2009
Certificate of Appreciation for Pro Bono Legal Service, Massachusetts Justice Project
2008
Certificate of Appreciation for Pro Bono Legal Service, Massachusetts Justice Project
2007
Certificate of Appreciation for Pro Bono Legal Service, Massachusetts Justice Project
2006
Certificate of Appreciation for Pro Bono Legal Service, Massachusetts Justice Project
2005
Certificate of Appreciation for Pro Bono Legal Service, Massachusetts Justice Project
2005
District Court Certification, Massachusetts Committee for Public Counsel Services
2002
Appointment to Criminal Justice Act Panel, United States First Circuit Court of Appeals
1995
New England Conservatory Scholarship, New England Conservatory of Music
1992
Honors Graduate, University of Georgia School of Law
1990
Public Interest Law Initiative Fellowship, Public Interest Law Initiative (Chicago)
1984
Jacoby Presidential Scholarship, Columbia University
Associations
2016 - Present
Divorce CenterTreasurer
2015 - Present
Divorce CenterFaculty for "Divorce Matters" Workshops
2015 - Present
Divorce CenterBoard of Directors
2014 - Present
Divorce CenterMember
2014 - Present
Massachusetts Collaborative Law CouncilMember
2013 - Present
Association of Family and Conciliation CourtsAttorney Member
2013 - Present
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (Massachusetts chapter)Attorney Member
2013 - Present
Massachusetts Council on Family MediationMember
2013 - Present
Senior Partners for JusticeMember
2013 - Present
Association for Conflict Resolution (New England chapter)Member
2013 - Present
International Society of Family LawMember
2013 - Present
Association for Conflict ResolutionMember
2012 - Present
Boston Bar Association, Volunteer Lawyers ProjectMember
2002 - Present
Massachusetts Bar Association, Access to Justice SectionMember
2002 - Present
Boston Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
2002 - Present
Boston Bar Association, Solo and Small Firm SectionMember
2002 - Present
Boston Bar Association, Litigation SectionMember
2002 - Present
Massachusetts Bar Association, Criminal Justice SectionMember
2002 - Present
Boston Bar Association, Criminal Law SectionMember
2002 - Present
American Bar AssociationCriminal Law Section Member
2002 - Present
American Bar AssociationFamily Law Section Member
2002 - Present
Massachusetts Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Commonwealth v. Client, Worcester Superior Court
No prison time, agreed disposition of probation on much lesser charge of indecent assault. Worked up the case for defendant client so that prosecution feared it would lose case at trial.
Commonwealth v. Client, Westborough District Court
Not guilty after jury trial. Brought out faulty field sobriety test administration through cross examination of arresting officer.
Commonwealth v. Client, Uxbridge District Court
Not guilty after two-day jury trial.
Commonwealth v. Client, Dudley District Court
Not guilty after bench trial.
Husband v. Client/Wife, Middlesex County Probate & Family Court
Got trial judgment awarding sole physical and legal custody for client/wife, with limited visitation for husband.
Wife v. Client/Husband, Middlesex County Probate & Family Court
Sole physical and legal custody of child for husband/client; vacated restraining orders against him; restored his sole possession of marital home; no alimony obligation for stay-at-home wife who did not work.
Wife v. Client/Husband, Norfolk County Probate & Family Court
Got judgment granting joint physical and legal custody for client/husband of two young children, despite husband's being on disability for depression.
Wife v. Husband v. Aunt & Uncle/Clients, Middlesex County Probate & Family Court
Won trial judgment awarding sole physical and legal custody of small child to out-of-state aunt and uncle/clients, and permission to remove the child out of state.
Wife v. Client/Husband, Worcester County Probate & Family Court
Obtained sole physical custody for client/husband of two children in divorce action, through agreement on eve of divorce trial; later fended off efforts by ex-wife to gain custody through further litigation, all the while maintaining physical custody
Education
1997
New England Conservatory of Music
MM-Master of Music
1992
University of Georgia School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor cum laude
1987
Columbia University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
The Divorce Center's Workshop (February, April, June, October, December), Westford, Massachusetts
“Divorce Matters for You” – What You Need to Know about Divorce in Massachusetts
2015
The Divorce Center's Workshop (April, June, October, December), Wellesley and Boxborough, MA
“Divorce Matters for You” – What You Need to Know about Divorce in Massachusetts
2015
New England Association for Conflict Resolution's Biennial Conference: "What's So Hard About Conflict Resolution?" Waltham, MA
Flexible Court-Connected Mediation and Conciliation: Alternating Between Facilitative and Evaluative Approaches (co-presented with Kim Whelan)
2014
Annual Conference, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, Toronto, Canada
Shared Parenting and Child Support: Formulas, Incentives and Consequences
Publications
2008
2008
N/A
Massachusetts Divorce and Family Law
Numerous articles from 2007 to date, as publisher and author
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
My child is being questioned at school by dcf without my consent or without me present.
27 Mar 2014
Q&A
My divorce decree states that child support will end at age 23 as long as she is enrolled in post secondary school or college.
05 Sep 2011
Q&A
Can my ex boyfriend take 50/50 custody of our baby ?
31 Aug 2011