From our very first meeting, I knew Demetra Pontisakos was the right attorney for me. She was straight forward as she gathered all the facts of my case and told me what to expect. Throughout the contentious divorce process Demetra was there for me, advocating, protecting, and advising. Her experience, attention to detail, professionalism's and quiet compassion guided me through this most difficult time of my life. I had the upmost confidence in her abilities from day one, and was not disappointed. Thanks in large part to Demetra I feel I am now living my best life. I am honored to call her a friend.
-Jane
Demetra recently represented me for a child support and custody case. I was actually referred to her by her opponent, who said her attorney completely caved during litigation and negotiations with Demetra. I bear witness to the same! Demetra negotiated on my behalf and was tough when needed. Leading up to court, Demetra spent ample time with me to walk me through the court process, and ensure that I understood probable outcomes. She was always responsive when I had a question, and made me feel that my case was her top priority. One thing I was nervous about was that she’d be manipulated by my ex and his attorney. Not a chance. Demetra gives zero attention to drama, and has a way about her that even the most difficult people respect her. I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome of my case, and I give all credit to Demetra. She advocated for me 100%.
I PROVIDE FAMILY LAW SOLUTIONS TAILORED TO YOUR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS. MY OFFICE ON ROUTE ONE IN TOPSFIELD PROVIDES A COMFORTABLE MEETING PLACE WITH AMPLE FREE PARKING. I have practiced in the Massachusetts courts since 1986 and in the New Hampshire courts since 2004. My practice areas include divorce, division of assets, alimony, child support, child custody matters, guardianship matters, grandparent visitation, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and interstate jurisdictional conflicts. I am trained and experienced in using a variety of techniques toward the resolution of family law conflicts, including traditional client representation, negotiation, litigation, collaborative law practice and mediation. I also provide services as a Parenting Coordinator to assist parents with the resolution of custodial and co-parenting conflicts outside of the court process. I am certified by the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court as a Category V Parenting Coordinator. I am trained and certified as a family law arbitrator by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
I am licensed to practice in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New York. I am a fellow of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. I am a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Essex County Bar Association, the New Hampshire Bar Association, the Salem Bar Association, the Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council and the Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation. I serve as a volunteer conciliator for the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court through the Essex County Bar Association. I have served as a lecturer and a speaker on family law topics, including the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education programs, Cutting Edge Issues in Northern Massachusetts Family Law (2015), Practicing Family Law on the Border of Massachusetts and New Hampshire (2017-program chair), and The Family Lawyer's Discovery Toolkit (2018).
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Review
From our very first meeting, I knew Demetra Pontisakos was the right attorney for me. She was straight forward as she gathered all the facts of my case and told me what to expect. Throughout the contentious divorce process Demetra was there for me, advocating, protecting, and advising. Her experience, attention to detail, professionalism's and quiet compassion guided me through this most difficult time of my life. I had the upmost confidence in her abilities from day one, and was not disappointed. Thanks in large part to Demetra I feel I am now living my best life. I am honored to call her a friend.
-Jane
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Posted by Michelle | September 5, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptional representation
Demetra recently represented me for a child support and custody case. I was actually referred to her by her opponent, who said her attorney completely caved during litigation and negotiations with Demetra. I bear witness to the same! Demetra negotiated on my behalf and was tough when needed. Leading up to court, Demetra spent ample time with me to walk me through the court process, and ensure that I understood probable outcomes. She was always responsive when I had a question, and made me feel that my case was her top priority. One thing I was nervous about was that she’d be manipulated by my ex and his attorney. Not a chance. Demetra gives zero attention to drama, and has a way about her that even the most difficult people respect her. I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome of my case, and I give all credit to Demetra. She advocated for me 100%.
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Posted by KathyM | July 12, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Five stars says it all
In my experience, Demetra serves her clients extremely well. She truly knows family law and the contracts/agreements that come with it. She gave me all of the advice I needed to make the best decision for me and my children (adopted). Throughout the time I worked with her, I always felt that Demetra presented all options to me honestly and objectively. When I decided to go with the long shot, Demetra was very frank with me that the likelihood of the outcome I wanted was slim. But Demetra gave it her all, even when opposing counsel submitted her response at the last possible minute. Thanks to Demetra's work ethic and commitment to her clients (me in this case), we prevailed. Demetra, I can't thank you enough and will always be ready to share my experience with you with other potential clients.
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Posted by Pilar | September 12, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The best family attorney you will find
Demetra Pontisakos is an outstanding family attorney. I had been in a litigation battle with my daughter´s father since 2010 but after hiring Demetra obtained all the rights and benefits of sole legal custody as well as more time with my daughter. I had gone through 3 previous attorneys and have some hard earned knowledge on what makes an effective family attorney.
Demetra’ s communication is superb, she will NEVER leave you guessing what the status your case is. She sends you copies of all documentation and lets you know immediately of any updates. She is honest and will never misguide you or make false promises. Demetra will be the strongest possible advocate for your case and will give it her complete focus during trial. Her paperwork is clean, professional and well prepared. She pays attention to each detail when drafting agreements always keeping in mind your interests and needs.
Additionally, Donna Allen, her paralegal, is fantastic. Polite and professional, Donna follows up quickly, is easy to work with and as efficient as Demetra.
I would hire Demetra without hesitation in the future if I need a family attorney again.
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Posted by Anthony | September 30, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
really Really good as a negotiator/peace maker and as a trial attorney
I have consulted many times with Demetra for her counsel and experience. Demetra has that rare ability to be really good as a negotiator/peace maker and as a trial attorney. She is not one to “throw gasoline on the embers”. She feels no compulsion to play “mind games” while always being fully aware of all the “mind games” that exist. In court, she is direct and to the point. I have noticed the subtle, but present, attention (and respect) judges show her when she speaks.
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Posted by Michael | August 16, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Child Custody
I hired Demetra several years ago to help gain custody of my son who was 8 years old at the time. She did not judge me. She is professional and does not make promises. She is a extraordinary Attorney!
Posted by Martina | December 11, 2014
Experienced, professional, realistic and compasionate
Divorce is emotionally and financially trying time. Selecting the best attorney is a challenging first step in the long legal process. A friend told me that Ms Pontisakos not only won her divorce case but also became her dear friend. My experience was similar. Demetra researched my case thoroughly. Her recommendations were solid and realistic. She was thorough and paid attention to every detail. She was also compassionate and understanding. She made me feel that she cared for my well being and took personal interest in my case. I am eternally grateful to her for guiding me through this ordeal. I was totally satisfied with the resolution and the settlement. If you choose Ms Pontisakos to represent you in a divorce case, you will be in the best possible hands.
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Posted by Deborah | December 4, 2014
Extremely professional and knowledgeable
I was referred to Attorney Pontisakos at the time of my divorce and am thankful for it. Demetra was extremely knowledgeable of not only newly revised divorce law, but also provided guidance on dealing with the division of finances. I was confident with my representation throughout the process. I highly recommend her.
Posted by Chris | February 5, 2014
Top notch divorce attorney
Demetra is very experienced in dealing with difficult ex's and in dealing with difficult custody battles. She worked with me to ensure that I would receive top notch legal assistance even when my budget ran low. She has continued to fight for me and my children.
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Divorce and separation Attorney | Jun 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Demetra Pontisakos excels in three areas that make her a leader and role model in divorce law.
She reads, learns and excels in understanding and applying case law, statutory law and local “judge law”. Additionally, she shares and educates her fellow attorneys who seek her insight and advice on the law.
She combines experienced practicality and the interests of her clients to achieve positive results. For her clients, she does not pontificate; she produces.
For the legal community, she gives energy and thought to her membership on the Board of the Essex County Bar Association, and as a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the Massachusetts Family & Probate American Inn of Court.
She is and continues to be a positive role model for her peers and for those to follow.
I highly endorse her."
Family Attorney | Mar 21
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Demetra is not only a colleague and and a mentor but also is a good friend. She is extremely experienced and has always been very gracious sharing her knowledge with younger "green" attorneys like myself. I am very excited to be working with her on a CLE class for other attorneys this summer. She is incredibly organized and articulate and sets the bar very high for our profession. I am proud to know her."
Family Attorney | Oct 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I highly endorse this lawyer. I have known Demetra for more than 15 years, as a co-worker, and as an opponent. Demetra is a knowledgeable, strong, zealous advocate for her clients while not compromising her ethics. She is a straight shooter as opposing counsel, and doesn't waste time or client funds. She is deservedly well respected by peers and the judiciary."
Family Attorney | Sep 30
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Attorney Pontisakos for over 17 years. She is a dedicated lawyer whose skill set includes knowledge of Family Law, courtroom presence, negotiation and litigation skills, compassion and unswerving professionalism. She knows how to handle a case, a client, an opposing party or attorney and a judge. I have worked together with her over the years and believe that she is one of the finest family law attorneys in Massachusetts."
Divorce and separation Attorney | May 20
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse Demetra Pontisakos without reservation. In the law and in life, every so often one comes across someone of exceptional character. Demetra Pontisakos is that someone. I had the extreme pleasure of working opposite Demetra in an emotionally charged complex divorce matter. Demetra is ethical, intelligent, insightful, knowledgeable, diligent, compassionate and zealous. In my opinion, Demetra is an exceptional lawyer and a consummate professional."