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Christine G. DeBernardis

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Legal guides written by Christine DeBernardis

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Christine G. DeBernardis
Christine G. DeBernardis
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About Christine

Explaining Your Options; Getting You Results.

Christine G. DeBernardis earned her BS in Psychology and Law at Trenton State College in Trenton, New Jersey in 1996. She continued her education at the New England School of Law in Boston, Massachusetts, where she earned a Juris Doctor in 1999. Attorney DeBernardis was admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1999, the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts in 2003 and the State of New Hampshire in 2007. 


Attorney DeBernardis has a vast amount of experience in many areas of law. Throughout her practice, she has represented clients in domestic/family, criminal, civil, real estate (conveyancing, buyer, seller), debt collection, corporate, contract and landlord/tenant matters. As an attorney serving the Committee for Public Counsel Services, she provides legal counsel to indigent defendants in the Massachusetts Courts. 

 

Attorney DeBernardis has now focused her Massachusetts practice on criminal law and family law matters.  Her New Hampshire practice is focused solely on family law matters.  She can help you with divorce, separation, paternity, custody, parenting time and child support. She also assists clients in matters where a party may seek to change an existing court order (modification) or where parties are not adhering to a court order (contempt).  She applies her personal and professional experience in every case to get you the best possible result. 

 

Realizing that these matters are difficult and confusing, she will explain the process and explain how your matter will progress.  Knowing what to expect in your matter and having counsel to advise you on all of the possible outcomes will set your mind at ease and help you to make a well informed decision in your case. 

 

Practice areas

OtherAppealsChild supportChild custodyDivorce and separation
  1. Divorce and separation: 30%

    I understand that divorce can be a large and scary undertaking. You likely have many concerns regarding cost, property division, child custody and legal requirements. I will do everything within my power to accurately answer your questions while actively pursuing your legal goals.

    20 years

  2. Child custody: 20%

    Deciding which type of custody is best for both you as a parent and your child can be difficult. There are two main types of custody that you as a parent can establish: Legal Custody: establishes a parent's right to make key decisions for the child, including those regarding education, religion and medical care. Physical Custody: establishes with which parent a child lives. You won't know your options until you meet with me to talk about your situation and your history.

    20 years

  3. Child support: 20%

    Like many parents, you want to play a role in providing for your child's upbringing. You want to ensure your child is properly provided for. We will skillfully represent you in obtaining equitable child support that assure your child's financial needs are met. If you are a parent who will have the obligation to pay support, we can help make sure the amount you contribute is fair and reasonable. I have extensive experience handling these matters. I know what's important.

    20 years

  4. Appeals: 20%

    An appeal is a request for relief from a decision of a lower court. It’s basically asking the Court to overturn a lower court’s ruling based upon the fact that the lower court’s decision was in error. I can assist with your post conviction appeal.

    20 years

  1. Criminal defense: 10%

    Focusing on District Court trial work and appeals, I can assist you with your criminal case.

    20 years

Languages spoken

Portuguese, English, Spanish

Top Contributor 2018
Top Contributor 2016
Top Contributor 2015
Top Contributor 2014
Client's Choice 2012
Top Contributor 2012

Photos and videos

1434098 1241100627

Contact

100 Main Street Suite 15
address map

The Law Offices of Christine G. Debernardis

100 Main Street Suite 15
Amesbury, MA, 01913

Office (978) 225-0661

Website

http://familylawyernewhampshire.com/

Law Offices of Christine G. DeBernardis, Esq.

1 New Hampshire Avenue
Suite 125
Portsmouth, NH, 03801

Office (603) 373-0545

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
NHActive200705/01/2009
MAActive199902/28/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers1147
Legal guides6
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Client RatingMartindale-Hubbell2015
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
AttorneyLaw Offices of Christine G. DeBernardis, Esq.2013 - Present
JudgeMassachusetts Bar Association2012 - Present
PartnerDeBernardis & Associates, P.C.2008 - Present
AssociateAntico, Barrett, Burke & Kornitsky, LLP1999 - 2008
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Essex County Bar AssociationMember1999 - Present
Essex County Bar Association AdvocatesMember1999 - Present
Middleton Board of TradeMemberN/A
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
New England School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1999
Trenton State CollegeB.S.1996
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
How to Handle Clients with Substance Abuse Problems: Criminal, Family & Juvenile CasesHow to Handle Clients with Substance Abuse Problems: Criminal, Family & Juvenile Cases2019
CLE By the SeaWhich State Has Jurisdiction Under the UCCJA2019

Reviews

(18)
5 Star
94%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
6%
Review Christine DeBernardis

Excellent attorney - thank you!

Posted by

When my wife left me and our children, I was devastated. I was a very difficult client always calling to check in and worrying about how I would get child support. Attorney DeBernardis was professional and knowledgable. After calming me down many times, she was able to help me get child support and help me and my kids keep our home. She was always professional, although I admit, I was not. Divorce is never a good situation but she made it tolerable.

Excellent Advisement on Divorce Issues and Proceedings

Posted by

I went to Christine DeBernardis when I found out my husband was cheating, and she gave me excellent advices before any divorce proceedings began. She fully prepared me for what was to come, and it made for no surprises down the road.

Highly recommend!

Posted by

I would highly recommend Christine as an attorney. She handled an extremely challenging situation for me with my ex revolving our custody agreement. She took her time to fully understand our history and current situation and then worked towards a resolution that was in the best interest of myself and my children. She was very responsive, knowledgeable and took the time to explain the legal process and next steps. I would not hesitate to use her again (although hope not to have to).
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Always Thinking

Posted by

Christine handled my divorce and was always thinking about my best interests. She did not let me make mistakes. She never let me give up something for nothing. She asked me what I wanted and fought for it. She was always available and promptly returned messages. I recommend her wholeheartedly and without reservation.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Fantastic resource

Posted by

Christine went out of her way to answer numerous inquiries I had posted here, for which I am very thankful. At one point, I left a detailed VM for Christine seeking further advice and possible representation for which she in turn called, provided additional answers to numerous inquiries within my difficult situation knowing that as I was in a court district for which she could not represent me in. Christine is a true professional! Thank you!
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

knowledgeable about legal issue

Posted by

I consulted Christine during an very difficult and complex legal issue. She knowledge of the law and compassion toward helping me was outstanding.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Very Content & Satisfied

Posted by

I have hired two lawyers prior to retaining Ms. DiBernardis and could not be happier with my time with her. She was very accessible and prompt with her communications, timely with her meetings, and grasped my issues and offered simple common sense solutions that made sense immediately. Not only did she take the time to really listen to my immediate issues but she also help me clean up a few unrelated loose ends with my case. She is both upbeat and energetic as well as calm and rational. Not easy to find that combination of traits in the same attorney. I left her office at the completion of my case totally content and satisfied.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

A fantastic lawyer and person. Very compassionate

Posted by

I did not have Christine represent me but I did speak with her several times a few emails and I have to say she's punctual, knowledgeable and is compassionate to the problems I was going through. I still may need her depending. Thank you so much Christine! It was my pleasure. Sincerely, Joseph
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

SHE IS A GOD SEND!

Posted by

I've spent a lot of time thinking about what to say and what to put into a review of Attorney DeBernardis that would actually do her justice. All I can say is, I wish I went to her from the beginning. I had originally hired another lawyer who dug me deeper into a hole. Just when I thought I should just give up fighting and cave into a situation that was not best for my daughter, I found her. She totally saved my case... Not only did she get what I thought was best for my daughter, she worked out resolutions to ease both mine and her father's concerns. Ultimately, we all won in our own ways, but most importantly, my daughter did too. I can't say enough about her professionalism, compassion, and patience. I would recommend her to anyone! She gets the job done.. eases your stress.. and makes you truly feel like you have a friend going through the legal process.. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! I am forever grateful for her!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great Advice. Christine made me feel at ease!

Posted by

I went to Christine seeking advice on a private matter. She instantly made me feel comfortable and at ease. I would highly recommend her to anyone. Thank You Christine!
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Attorney endorsements

(23)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Donald Cobb, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jul 10, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Endorsement: I endorse this lawyer's work. I am familiar with Ms. DeBernardis from her many insightful and intelligent answers to questions posted on Avvo. Always willing to help out and give good concise answers. In the end, you may need to hire an attorney to get to the outcome you seek, but at least here you can get a good start with her informative answers, blogs, and legal guides.

Joseph Ghabour, Real estate Attorney on Jan 12, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Christine is a competent and caring attorney who provides her clients with the utmost attention and expert legal advice. When my NJ or NY clients are looking for a Massachusetts or New Hampshire family attorney, they are given Christine's name.

David Newton, Divorce and separation Attorney on Nov 6, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Paul Sweeney, Divorce and separation Attorney on Feb 26, 2018
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer. I have been reading Christine's answers and find her to spot on with her answers.

Lauren Montana, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 1, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer. I have worked closely with Attorney DeBernardis on both criminal and divorce matters. She is very thorough in her legal representation and builds great relationships with her clients. She dedicates a great amount of work and attention to each case she handles.

Estela Matta, Divorce and separation Attorney on May 20, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Attorney DeBernardis has an informed, articulate understanding of Family Law and has demonstrated this prowess in her responses to questions posted on Avvo. She is a valued member of our legal community. I endorse this lawyer.

Hovanes Margarian, Consumer protection Attorney on Jan 18, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Douglas Borthwick, Family Attorney on Nov 12, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

John O'Brien, Personal injury Attorney on Jul 19, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of her clients and getting them the most favorable result possible.

Timothy Connors, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 2, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Michael Szklasz, Family Attorney on Mar 26, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Christopher Leroi, Mediation Attorney on Aug 16, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Ms. Cotter is an extremely talented attorney who provides great advice. Even though I have been practicing for 24 years and I am a former judge and magistrate, I learn from her every day. I would recommend her to anyone in her area.

Ismail Mohammed, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 18, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Attorney DeBernardis is an excellent attorney who will zealously advocate for her clients.

Todd Davidson, Family Attorney on Jun 11, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I strongly endorse Attorney DeBarnardis. She is a great advocate for her clients, is very knowledgeable, and has a great reputation in the legal community!!!

Anthony Rao, Child custody Attorney on Jun 1, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Attorney DeBernardis. She is a strong advocate, and has superior knowledge on substantive legal issues. I strong recommend her legal services.

Curt Bogen, Divorce and separation Attorney on May 6, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Christine has a fine grasp of the law. She is conscientious, maintains a fine reputation, and is attentive to detail. I have seen her Answers on legal issues, and they are well thought out and thorough. She works hard for her clients to get results, and she will find ways to win for you.

Bradley Fisher, Divorce and separation Attorney on Mar 9, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. She provides detailed and insightful analysis to questions posed by AVVO subscribers. The detailed responses and thorough explanations provided here display a vast knowledge of the law. She is an asset to the legal community.

Joseph Ghabour, Real estate Attorney on Jan 12, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Christine is a competent and caring attorney who provides her clients with the utmost attention and expert legal advice. When my NJ or NY clients are looking for a Massachusetts or New Hampshire family attorney, they are given Christine's name.

Dominic Pang, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 5, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Attorney DeBernardis has an excellent understanding of Massachusetts law and is a credit to her profession. She is knowleadgeable, extremely thorough, and a zealous advocate for her clients.

Philip Mason, Child abuse Attorney on Oct 31, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Attorney Christine G. DeBernardis is a practical, knowledgeable and articulate legal advocate with substantial experience. She clearly represents her clients with passion, commitment, and judicial efficacy. I endorse attorney DeBernardisis with enthusiasm.

Howard Lewis, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jun 30, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Christine is an outstanding attorney with an excellent reputation. She is a strong and zealous advocate for her clients and a credit to the legal profession. I highly recommend her.

John McKindles, Divorce and separation Attorney on Oct 19, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer's work. Christine has also done a great job answering the many questions posed on this site, and given good insights in her articles. Anyone seeking advice regarding family law issues would be well advised to consult with her.

Legal guides written by Christine DeBernardis

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