Jenifer G. DeCristofaro

When Attorney Jenifer DeCristofaro first became a lawyer nearly 20 years ago, she chose to concentrate on family law because she wanted to help people in a meaningful way, providing sound legal counsel and zealous advocacy for men and women dealing with intensely personal and highly emotional matters that have a profound impact on the rest of their lives.

Attorney DeCristofaro loves the personal relationship she develops with each of her clients, and she’s represented hundreds of men and women of all ages and financial statuses, in a variety of divorce and family law matters over the years. Whether it’s a simple or complex divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, modification of support or parenting plans, parental alienation, fathers’ rights, or grandparents’ rights, she has handled them all.

“Family law is about so much more than just the law -- it’s about children and families and marriages and messy, busy lives,” she says. “I’m the attorney who always hugs my clients and holds their hands while they cry. But I am also always honest with them about what they can realistically expect to see in their situation. It’s hard for clients to see the big picture when they are dealing with so many emotions and that is my job, to keep their focus where it needs to be in the case.”

She also has extensive experience dealing with clients whose divorces involve immigration issues, including those with spouses are all over the world or in parts unknown. She has successfully divorced clients here with spouses in Iceland, the Congo, Rwanda, Ghana, and Canada.

With nearly 20 years of experience in the Massachusetts probate and family courts, Attorney DeCristofaro knows all of the judges and clerks and the ins and outs of the system so she knows how best to make things happen, quickly and efficiently.

Her clients rave about her extensive knowledge of divorce and family law and her masterful skills in negotiations and in the courtroom. She is known as a straight shooter who takes time to get to know her clients and listens to their needs. But what they love most is her genuine care and concern for them and their families. Her clients take comfort knowing that once they’ve hired Jenifer she’s got their back and they’ve got her support every step of the way.

“I’m honored that my clients trust me, literally with their lives,” Attorney DeCristofaro said. “That’s why I put my heart and soul into each and every case – and I will make you laugh, even in your darkest hour.”

Attorney DeCristofaro said that being the mother of two small children has made her an even better, more compassionate family law attorney. She understands when clients are distracted by their children, often telling them: “Get the kids to bed, grab a glass of wine and call me at 9 or 10 p.m. so we can really focus on what needs to happen.”

She also takes time to talk to clients about life after divorce; how to move forward and manage their new financial situation, as well as encouraging them not to give up on love or marriage despite all they’ve been through.

“My favorite part of being a family law attorney is helping families create their ‘new normal’ so that divorce does not become a crushing life change,” Attorney DeCristofaro says. “I love when people who originally came to me distraught and feeling trapped are able to triumph and take back their lives.”

Attorney Jenifer G. DeCristofaro is a graduate of Davidson College in Davidson, NC, and the New England School of Law. She also attended University College Galway in Ireland. She is licensed to practice in Massachusetts and the U.S. District Court. She’s a member of the Middlesex Bar Association and the Essex Bar Association, and she is a notary public in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. When not working with clients, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, as well as playing tennis. She also is an avid reader and writer of fiction and short stories.