$ 350-385 per hour
Stephen F. McDonough
About Stephen
Biography
Future-Focused Dispute Resolution
I am a Massachusetts divorce and family law attorney and mediator, and the owner of Next Phase Legal & Dispute Resolution LLC of Norfolk, MA.
Although I believe many families are best served by considering mediation or the collaborative divorce process, it is not an option for everyone. In those instances, we provided trusted court representation in the Massachusetts Probate and Family Courts, primarily in Norfolk, Middlesex, Bristol, Plymouth, and Worcester Counties.
I am experienced in guiding my clients through complex, high-net worth Massachusetts divorces. I have focused on divorce and family law throughout my legal career, both here in MA and previously in Charlotte, NC. One of the most important things to me is also providing prompt service and communications to our clients.
At Next Phase Legal, we provide the option of a fixed fee for many of our clients, including our divorce mediation and collaborative cases.
Besides divorce, we work with clients needing help with modifications, parenting issues, child support, alimony, prenuptial agreements, and other family law matters. We are also pleased to provide estate planning services, and are a Wealth Counsel member firm.
I am a member of several other professional organizations, including the Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation, Association of Professional Family Mediators, Association of Family & Conciliation Courts, Massachusetts Association of Guardian ad Litems, and the Norfolk County Bar Association. I am also a volunteer conciliator, and available for private conciliations also.
Please visit our informative website and blog.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Massachusetts for 20 years
State: Massachusetts
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
Licensed in North Carolina for 21 years
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 2004
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
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Stephen F. McDonough's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
26 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Responsiveness
Posted by Hilary | October 24, 2012 | Family
Review for Stephen McDonough
Having to go through family court for custodial issues is hard enough on it's own; having Stephen McDonough by my side has made navigation through this process less stressful. Stephen is incredibly knowledgeable in the system and the procedures, and represents his client well both in the court room...
Posted by Stephanie | September 14, 2012 | Divorce & Separation
Be Aware
Retained this attorney for divorce and paid a flat rate fee which may not be legal in the state of Massachusetts. After repeated requests to file a motion for sole occupancy of the marital home, I had an emergency situation which required the filing of a restraining order. I replaced him with a dif...
Stephen McDonough
Replied last September 18, 2012As you can imagine, I was taken back by the review posted above and attempted to determine who “Stephanie” is immediately upon reading the review. Unfortunately, I am unable to ascertain Stephanie’s full name because Avvo will not confirm the full name of a reviewer even if requested by the attorney. I believe “Stephanie” is a client from 2008 and am surprised at her assertion that flat fees for legal services may be illegal. Flat fees for legal services are absolutely LEGAL and common in Massachusetts. This fact is easily confirmed with a few minutes of online research. It is troubling that such a comment may be posted in a public review forum. My firm - and many others - use fixed (or flat) fees frequently for clients, or a client can decide to use traditional hourly billing. This is the first time in my legal career that I have ever had anyone voice any regrets over paying a fixed fee. My records indicate I worked with Stephanie for 5-6 months. Paying a fixed fee for her case was clearly advantageous to Stephanie. Regarding Stephanie’s “repeated requests” to file a motion for sole occupancy of the marital home and “emergency situation which required the filing of a restraining order,” it should be pointed out that this was a collaborative divorce. For more information on collaborative divorce, please visit: http://www.divorcecollaborative.com/learning-center/collaborative-divorce/. In a collaborative divorce, the collaborative agreement, which is carefully reviewed with the client, makes it clear the collaborative attorneys SHALL NOT file any court documents, including motions and restraining orders until a full agreement is reached. The filing of any restraining orders or other motions would automatically terminate the collaborative process requiring new lawyers and more legal fees on both sides. Finally, what concerns me the most is that Stephanie wrote that I put her and her children in a “personally difficult situation.” As a father and former police officer, I would never suggest a course of action that would place a client in danger. According to my notes, there were no domestic violence or safety concerns in this case. As this case progressed, it was clear that there was a significant amount of conflict and inflexibility between spouses and that the collaborative process was not a good fit. I hope Stephanie is doing well post-divorce, and some 4+ years later. I am not familiar with what happened with her case after our representation ended, but do hope she has moved on and is happier.
Posted by anonymous | March 17, 2009 | Divorce & Separation
I would highly recommend this lawyer
I worked with Stephen McDonough for my divorce mediation and was completely satisfied. He clearly explained the process from start to finish, but kept it from feeling overwhelming by focusing on one step at a time. He was always professional, but at the same time his sense of humor and easy manner ...
Stephen F. McDonough's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. Steve is knowledgable and easy to work with."
"I endorse this lawyer. Stephen is a dedicated and caring attorney who is also involved in assisting families in medication and collaborative."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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"
"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."
"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."
"Stephen was a classmate of mine in law school. He is bright and compassionate. I have referred clients to him with complete confidence."
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Experience
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 MediatorsMember
2015 - Present
Town of Norfolk, MassachusettsAdvisory Board
2014 - Present
Bar association of Norfolk County, MACommittee on Bench-Bar Relations
2009 - Present
Association of Family and Conciliation CourtsMember
2006 - Present
Massachusetts Council on Family MediationMember
2006 - Present
Massachusetts Bar AssociationMember
2006 - Present
Norfolk County Bar AssociationMember
2006 - Present
Norfolk, MA Lions ClubMember
2005 - Present
International Association of Collaborative ProfessionalsMember
2005 - Present
American Bar Association, Law Practice Management SectionMember
2015 - 2016
MEMO - Medfield Employer's and Merchant's OrganizationDirector
2014 - 2017
Bar Association of Norfolk CountyVolunteer Conciliator - Probate Court
2010 - 2015
Association for Conflict ResolutionMember
2009 - 2010
Massachusetts Collaborative Law CouncilBoard of Directors
2009 - 2012
Western Norfolk County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Collaborative Divorce
Settlement on all issues
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
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
The Divorce Center
The Importance of Parenting Flexibility
2016
Avvo Stories
The Advantage of Filing First for Divorce
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
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Health insurance/child support
19 Apr 2020
Q&A
I received a settlement in a medical malpractice case, can my wife claim any of it, we just started divorce proceedings.
08 Mar 2014
Q&A
I am going through a Divorce, The ex wife lied and got caught lieing to the police.
20 Jun 2012
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
How to Avoid a Horrible Divorce
26 Jan 2016
Legal Guide
Returning to Work During & After Divorce
19 Jan 2016
Legal Guide
Talking to your Spouse About Divorce Mediation
03 Jun 2014