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Christine G. DeBernardis

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Avvo Rating9.1
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. 

 

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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.

    21 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.

    21 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.

    21 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.

    21 years

  1. Criminal defense: 10%

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

    21 years

Languages spoken

Portuguese, English, Spanish

Photos and videos

1434098 1241100627

Contact

The Law Offices of Christine G. Debernardis

100 Main Street Suite 15
Amesbury, MA, 01913

Website
http://familylawyernewhampshire.com/ 

    Law Offices of Christine G. DeBernardis, Esq.

    1 New Hampshire Avenue
    Suite 125
    Portsmouth, NH, 03801

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    NHActive200705/01/2009
    MAActive199906/06/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers1146
    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!
    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (23)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    Donald Cobb, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jul 9, 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, Divorce and separation 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, Child custody Attorney on Nov 6, 2018
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Paul Sweeney, Family Attorney on Feb 25, 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, Divorce and separation 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

    I endorse this lawyer.

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

    I endorse this lawyer.

    John O'Brien, Family 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

    I endorse this lawyer.

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

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Christopher Leroi, Divorce and separation Attorney on Aug 15, 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, Child custody 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, Divorce and separation 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, Child custody Attorney on May 5, 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

    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, Divorce and separation 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, Family Attorney on Oct 30, 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 18, 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.