Stephen F. McDonough

Stephen F. McDonough

4.7
Rating: 8.9

Licensed for 21 years

Mediation Lawyer at Norfolk, MA
Practice Areas: Mediation, Divorce & Separation, Estate Planning

65 Holbrook Street, Suite 270, Norfolk, MA

About Stephen

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Mediation 50%

A large portion of our divorce and family law matters are resolved through mediation. As practice areas have to do with areas of law, and mediation is a process, it is difficult to convey this information with the pie chart.

19 years

50%
Divorce and Separation 40%

Divorce and family law is my primary focus area. Modifications, and contempt actions, for issues such as alimony, child support, custody and other matters. I am also an experienced divorce mediator and collaborative lawyer. Fixed fees are available for many cases, including mediation and collaborative cases.

22 years

40%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 350-385 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Massachusetts for 20 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 2005

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in North Carolina for 21 years

State: North Carolina

Acquired: 2004

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Next Phase Legal & Dispute Resolution LLC

65 Holbrook Street, Suite 270, Norfolk, MA, 02056

Next Phase Legal & Dispute Resolution LLC

20 Cabot Blvd, Suite 300, Mansfield, MA, 02048

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Stephen F. McDonough's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

26 Client Reviews

5 star (24)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (2)

Posted by Deborah A. Mason, Esquire | September 12, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Absolutely outstanding conciliator

Attorney McDonough was a consummate professional during our conciliation. He gave us two full days to settle what was a very difficult and complex matter, one that was absolutely going to trial and managed to guide both counsel and their clients to a full settlement. His demeanor and knowledge of ...the law, our Judge and his ability to be empathetic and balanced to both clients was the turning point of this case. I would highly recommend Attorney McDonough for any matter which requires his level of professionalism in a mediation, conciliation or divorce.

Stephen McDonough

Replied last September 13, 2016

Thank you Attorney Mason for your positive feedback. I hope to work with you again in the future.

Posted by anonymous | January 24, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Highly Recommend to All

I feel so lucky to have found Stephen for divorce mediation services (lucky we did not have to turn to lawyer services). He was unbelievably professional but also kind and sensitive during such a difficult period in anyone's life. I can not recommend him highly enough and would not hesitate to use ...his services again in the future if ever necessary. Our case was sensitive and difficult. Stephen provided helpful suggestions and insights, above and beyond mediator services, that turned out to be very valuable. Initially he was the only individual who gave his condolences when I was trying to evaluate and choose a mediator. That initial kindness was a great indicator of his character. Very kind, knowledgeable and fair to both parties involved. Thanks so much for all of your help guiding us in such a difficult time.

Posted by Jennifer | January 13, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Helped simplify the Mediation Process

Steve McDonough and Next Phase Legal were a tremendous help as I went through the process of divorce. In choosing to do Mediation, there needs to be a high degree of trust that your attorney will provide honest and fair advice to both parties. Steve created a very open, trusting environment. My ex...-husband and I both went into the meetings with high stress levels, but Steve was able to diffuse the tension and help us work toward a common goal at each session. The mediation process went quickly and we were able to cover all areas within six sessions. The Next Phase team prepared all of our paperwork, making it simple to file with the court. Overall, Steve helped make the painful process of divorce go smoothly and as pain-free as possible.

Stephen McDonough

Replied last January 14, 2016

Thank you for your nice comments. We are glad the mediation process worked out well for you and your family.

Posted by Karen | January 13, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Stephen was my divorce attorney

I would highly recommend attorney Stephen MdDonogh. I was going through a painful divorce after 23 years and he was able to keep me focused and help me to understand what I needed to do to not only take care of myself, but what I needed to think about going forward. Really can't say enough!

Stephen McDonough

Replied last January 13, 2016

Thank you for your positive feedback!

Posted by Brian | January 7, 2015

Good guy

Steve was great to work with. Divorce is an awful situation and Steve treated me with respect and kept me calm through the process. He moved the divorce as quickly as the court could accomadate and was very fair with his bills. I would highly recommend him

See All Client Reviews

Stephen F. McDonough's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Stephen
David A Hoffman headshot
David Hoffman

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Steve is an excellent lawyer - I was involved in a case with him a few years ago and was impressed by his legal expertise and his collaborative, problem-solving approach. I would welcome the chance to do more cases with him."

Jeffery Paul Alford headshot
Jeffery Alford

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 03

Relationship: Friend

"Steve and I have known each other for a few years after first meeting at a conference. It became obvious from our first meeting that Steve is committed to remaining on the cutting edge of his practice both technologically and from a client services perspective. Steve has a passion for service to his clients. A family law case is one of the most stressful and difficult things a person can go through and Steve is committed to making it as easy on his clients as possible. I wholeheartedly endorse him not only for his legal skill but also his compassion."

Jac E Knust headshot
Jac Knust

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 19

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Steve is knowledgable and easy to work with."

Carolan Kiely Hardy headshot
Carolan Hardy

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Stephen is a dedicated and caring attorney who is also involved in assisting families in medication and collaborative."

Leila Judith Wons headshot
Leila Wons

Family lawyer | Dec 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Steve is dedicated to helping his clients resolve their family law matters as quickly and smoothly as possible. He is always up-to-date on the latest news and technology, which he generously forwards to his clients and the legal community. I endorse this attorney."

Scott E. Allen headshot
Scott Allen

Family lawyer | Nov 20

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with Stephen for several years in the same firm. I know him to be compassionate, diligent, and ethical. I would not hesitate to recommend Stephen to a friend for the handling of any kind of family law case."

Steven R. Ballard headshot
Steven Ballard

Mediation lawyer | Aug 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse this lawyer. I have been very impressed with his legal blog, and know he has an excellent reputation as a lawyer, mediator, and collaborative lawyer."

Justin Lee Kelsey headshot
Justin Kelsey

Family lawyer | Jan 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've met with Stephen McDonough to discuss how he and I both practice family law, divorce and mediation cases. Stephen has a great grasp on the emotional complications of divorce cases and the right way to minimize the trauma of clients going through a divorce. From my interaction with Stephen I believe he understands the challenges of divorce law and the necessity of balancing good representation and service with the value to families of settlement and moving on with their lives. Although our practice areas overlap, I intend to recommend Stephen to potential clients in his area when I have the opportunity to do so."

Donna L. Valanzola headshot
Donna Valanzola

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I would highly endorse Attorney Stephen McDonough. He is a very intelligent, caring and committed professional. Stephen is down to earth and he has a great sense of humor which makes him a pleasure to be around. Stephen is also a remarkable businessman. I am so impressed with his business and technical skills and also his incredible generosity in sharing his expertise with his colleagues. Although I have not yet had the pleasure of working directly with him on a case, I would wholeheartedly recommend him, and I very much look forward to working with him."

Christopher McHallam headshot
Christopher McHallam

Family lawyer | Mar 10

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Steve and have referred matters to him with the utmost confidence. Steve is dedicated, pragmatic, and focused on obtaining great results for his clients in a manner that is both effective and rational. Steve is an excellent resource both as an attorney and mediator."

Glenn James Murphy headshot
Glenn Murphy

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. I carefully consider the impact of referrals to other attorneys on my own law practice. I can honestly say that a referral to Steve is given in full confidence. He cares deeply about his clients and his practice. It shows in his ability to combine his skills and knowledge as an attorney/mediator with a sense of humor, enthusiasm and genuine good nature. Steve also serves his clients well by assimiliating the latest technologies into his practice. Glenn J. Murphy, Esquire"

Timothy Brewster Borchers headshot
Timothy Borchers

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I want only the best results and best relationships for my clients in their family law and divorce cases. I am therefore very pleased to recommend fellow lawyer Steve McDonough. Steve is not only well versed in domestic relations law, but he also cares deeply about his clients. I know this because I share an office building with him. Steve is highly organized, discreet, smart, quick, funny, and good company. After 25 years in the practice of law, I know that clients will need to rely on all of these attributes through their divorce. Steve has the street smarts that are useful in understanding human nature, the investigative nose that comes from years in law enforcement, and the guts to work hard for the client. He also loves families and wants the best for all concerned. From what I can see, Steve has always been a top performer. His leadership shows especially in his promoting of the collaborative approach to divorce, which really impresses me. I recommend Steve highly."

Joshua D. Blumen headshot
Joshua Blumen

Family lawyer | Mar 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I enjoy working with Steve on matters and find him to be very thorough, creative, efficient and personable. He brings a unique perspective to his clients and continues to be a valuable resource to me and my clients who need his firm's services."

Leanna Hamill headshot
Leanna Hamill

Family lawyer | Feb 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Stephen was a classmate of mine in law school. He is bright and compassionate. I have referred clients to him with complete confidence."

View All Endorsements
David G. Nagle Jr. headshot
David Nagle

Divorce and separation lawyer

Deborah A. Mason headshot
Deborah Mason

Divorce and separation lawyer

Jennifer Colleen Roman headshot
Jennifer Roman

Litigation lawyer

Carl Emilio D'Angio Jr headshot
Carl D'Angio

Divorce and separation lawyer

Renee Marie Hawk headshot
Renee Hawk

Divorce and separation lawyer

John J Hoffman headshot
John Hoffman

Divorce and separation lawyer

Jeffery Paul Alford headshot
Jeffery Alford

Divorce and separation lawyer

Jac E Knust headshot
Jac Knust

Family lawyer

Kyle McCarthy headshot
Kyle McCarthy

Estate planning lawyer

Tomasz M Stasiuk headshot
Tomasz Stasiuk

Social Security & Disability lawyer

Steven R. Ballard headshot
Steven Ballard

Family lawyer

Katherine Green headshot
Katherine Green

Divorce and separation lawyer

Carolan Kiely Hardy headshot
Carolan Hardy

Family lawyer

Victor J Medina headshot
Victor Medina

Estate planning lawyer

Leila Judith Wons headshot
Leila Wons

Family lawyer

Scott E. Allen headshot
Scott Allen

Divorce and separation lawyer

Justin Lee Kelsey headshot
Justin Kelsey

Family lawyer

Donna L. Valanzola headshot
Donna Valanzola

Divorce and separation lawyer

Glenn James Murphy headshot
Glenn Murphy

Real estate lawyer

Timothy Brewster Borchers headshot
Timothy Borchers

Estate planning lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.9 (Excellent)

Honors

2021

Quest for the Best - Divorce Lawyers, Silver Award, MyFM 101.3 - Milford, MA Listener's Choice

2015

Volunteer Recognition Certificate, Norfolk Probate and Family Court and Norfolk County Bar Association - Massachusetts

2015

Certified Mediator, Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation

2001

Honorable Mention - Best Oral Advocate, Suffolk University Law School, Legal Practice Skills

2001

Distinguished Brief, Suffolk University Law School - Legal Practical Skills Class

Work Experience

2014 - Present

Owner, Attorney/Mediator, Next Phase Legal LLC

2009 - 2013

Owner - Principal Attorney & Mediator, The Divorce Collaborative LLC

2007 - 2009

Managing Partner, Wagner McDonough LLP

2005 - 2006

Attorney, Rosen Law Firm

Associations

2016 - Present

Association of Professional Family Mediators

Member

2015 - Present

Town of Norfolk, Massachusetts

Advisory Board

2014 - Present

Bar association of Norfolk County, MA

Committee on Bench-Bar Relations

2009 - Present

Association of Family and Conciliation Courts

Member

2006 - Present

Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation

Member

2006 - Present

Massachusetts Bar Association

Member

2006 - Present

Norfolk County Bar Association

Member

2006 - Present

Norfolk, MA Lions Club

Member

2005 - Present

International Association of Collaborative Professionals

Member

2005 - Present

American Bar Association, Law Practice Management Section

Member

2015 - 2016

MEMO - Medfield Employer's and Merchant's Organization

Director

2014 - 2017

Bar Association of Norfolk County

Volunteer Conciliator - Probate Court

2010 - 2015

Association for Conflict Resolution

Member

2009 - 2010

Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council

Board of Directors

2009 - 2012

Western Norfolk County Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Collaborative Divorce

Settlement on all issues

See More Legal Cases

Education

2004

Suffolk University Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1998

Westfield State College (Westfield)

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2017

Massachusetts Bar Association 2017 ADR Symposium Online Dispute Resolution

2017

Luncheon Seminar

Divorce Financial Issues & Mediation

2012

Divorce Basics for Attorneys The New Alimony Statute in MA

2011

Prudential Page Real Estate Agent's Conference

Working With Divorcing Families

2011

Norfolk, MA Lions Club Members Meeting

Collaborative Law - A Better Way to Resolve Conflict

2011

Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council Members Meeting

Making the Collaborative Process More Affordable

2010

Television Show, Sharon, MA Cable Access

Divorce Mediation and Collaborative Divorce

2010

Montachusett Estate & Retirement Planning Council

Divorce & College Financial Planning

2010

Membership Meeting

Fixed Fees in Mediation

2010

Attorney/Bar Organization

Use of Fixed Fees in Domestic Relations Cases

2010

Alternative to Divorce Litigation

Divorce & Family Law

2009

The New Massachusetts Child Suport Guidelines

Major revisions to Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines

Publications

2017

2015

New England Woman Magazine Returning to Work During and After Divorce:

2008

The Norfolk Boomerang Collaborative Law - The New Kid on the Block

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution