I concentrate my practice on all aspects of family law, including divorce, custody, support, modification, removal, contempt, guardianship and paternity matters. I also prepare premarital agreements. I have extensive trial and appellate experience covering over 30 years.
I have been recognized as a Super Lawyer by Boston Magazine and have earned the designation of Certified Financial Litigator by the American Academy of Certified Financial Litigators. I am also a Certified Divorce Mediator.
I have extensive experience handling complex financial and custody issues in highly contested cases. I have discretely represented high profile clients in difficult and sensitive matters.
My dedication to children led me to cofound the Attorneys Representing Children program in several counties. The program provides free legal representation to children in high conflict custody cases.
I work very hard for my clients and am dedicated to obtaining the best possible results for them quickly, efficiently and cost effectively. But if that’s not possible, and I am fully prepared to go to trial to get them what they deserve.
Practice areas
Languages spoken
English
Kajko, Weisman & Colasanti, LLP
430 Bedfrd Street, Suite 190
Lexington, MA, 02420
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
NY | Resigned | 1993 | 02/24/2022 |
DC | Resigned | 1992 | 03/04/2021 |
MA | Active | 1983 | 05/30/2022 |
Legal answers | 45 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2017 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2016 |
Certification | American Academy of Certified Financial Litigators | 2015 |
Cerficate of Completion of Rule 8 Family Law Mediation Program | Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education | 2014 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Attorney | Kates & Barlow, P.C. | 2010 - Present |
Attorney | Global NAPs, Inc. | 2002 - 2010 |
Attorney | Melick & Porter, LLP | 1983 - 2002 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Boston Bar Association | Member | 2014 - Present |
Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation | Member | 2014 - Present |
Essex County Bar Association | Member | 2010 - Present |
Middlesex County Bar Association | Member | 2010 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Massachusetts Law Review | The Role of Child Counsel in the Attorneys Representing Children Programs in the Probate and Family Court | 2013 |
MCLE Divorce Law Practice Manual | Marital Agreements | 2011 |
MCLE Massachusetts Courtroom Advocacy Manual | Trial Motion Practice and Objections | 2005 |
MCLE Basic Practice Manual | Preparing and Trying a Civil Case | 2000 |
Defense Counsel Journal | Proving Improper Motives on Multiple Member Policy Making Boards | 1999 |
MCLE Massachusetts Tort Law Manual | Interference With Business Relations | 1999 |
Massachusetts Law Review | The Standard of Review in Breach of Warranty of Habitability Cases | 1997 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Boston University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1983 |
Haverford College | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1980 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Workshop for Mothers and Fathers | Divorce and Child Custody | 2015 |
Workshop for Mothers and Fathers | Divorce and Child Custody | 2014 |
Trying Divorce Law Cases | Trying Divorce Cases | 2014 |
Bench Bar Conference | The Attorneys Representing Children Program | 2014 |
Annual Family Law Conference | The Attorneys Representing Children Program | 2014 |
Bench Bar Conference | The Attorneys Representing Children Program | 2013 |
Bench Bar Conference | Attorneys Representing Children Program | 2012 |
Handling Child Issues in Divorce Cases | Adult Children With Special Needs | 2011 |
Annual Trial Advocacy Seminar | Trial Advocacy | 2008 |
Annual Trial Advocacy Seminar | Trial Advocacy | 2006 |
Annual Trial Advocacy Seminar | Trial Advocacy | 2004 |
Trial Advocacy Seminar | Advanced Trial Advocacy | 2003 |
Annual Trial Advocacy Seminar | Trial Advocacy | 2000 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Obtaining more parenting time for client | Parenting plan revised to mutual agreement. |
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December 12, 2021
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October 27, 2016
Nicole Levy, Appeals Attorney on Apr 7, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this attorney, whose reputation and credentials speak for themselves.
Beth Nussbaum, Family Attorney on Mar 8, 2016
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I worked with Jeff on a high conflict post-divorce custody modification matter. Jeff is a highly skilled and effective advocate who is nevertheless courteous and professional at all times.
Nicole Levy, Appeals Attorney on Apr 7, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this attorney, whose reputation and credentials speak for themselves.
Beth Nussbaum, Family Attorney on Mar 8, 2016
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I worked with Jeff on a high conflict post-divorce custody modification matter. Jeff is a highly skilled and effective advocate who is nevertheless courteous and professional at all times.
Susan Correia-Champa, Family Attorney on Jul 16, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. I have had the pleasure of dealing with Jeff when he was a mediator in one of my cases and as an attorney in a very high conflict divorce/custody matter. I find his demeanor and legal skills an asset to the family law practice.
Anton Reinert, Family Attorney on Jun 9, 2015
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Jeff effectively represents his clients through zealous advocacy and comprehensive preparation. At the same time, he maintains professional integrity that is conducive to negotiation.
Alisha Tomasino, Family Attorney on May 14, 2015
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Jeff and I were opposing counsel on a very contentious and difficult custody matter. Jeff zealously advocated on his client's behalf and did great work for her. I would highly recommend him.
Karen Stuntz, Family Attorney on May 13, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Attorney Melick is one of the most professional, ethical and knowledgeable attorneys I have had the pleasure to work with. He is a prolific and phenomenal writer, with a eye towards detail and creativity. It is with pleasure and without reservation that I endorse Attorney Melick as one of the best family law attorneys.
Jessica Dubin, Family Attorney on May 5, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jeff is an excellent family law attorney. He was opposing counsel in an extremely high conflict case, and although he zealously advocated for his client, he was professional and appropriate while doing so, which can sometimes be a hard balance to manage.
John Postl, Family Attorney on May 4, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I am happy to endorse Jeff. I have known Jeff for approximately 15 years and have observed his legal work first hand. He is extremely knowledgeable about the law and is a talented trial attorney. He is also easy to get along with and comes up with creative solutions to complex legal problems. I highly recommend him.
Michael Judge, Family Attorney on May 4, 2015
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I have worked both collaboratively with Jeff, and as an opposing counsel. Jeff is well-versed in family law, a tireless advocate for his clients and a champion of children's rights. I highly recommend this attorney.
Howard Lewis, Family Attorney on May 3, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Melick is not just one of the finest attorneys in Boston, he is one of the finest people I have had the pleasure of meeting and work with, a true gentleman, a scholar and a credit to the legal profession. Kates and Barlow is very fortunate to have Jeff on their wonderful team.
Sierra Butler, Family Attorney on Apr 21, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Jeff is very knowledgeable in the area of family law and is a superb trial lawyer. He is responsive to clients and professional in and out of the courtroom. I wholeheartedly recommend him to handle complex and difficult family law matters.
Anthony Fusco, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 21, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jeff is an outstanding divorce lawyer. He understands the emotional and sensitive nature of the divorce process. Jeff is very client focused. I have referred many clients to him, and I am very pleased with the results.
Marc Cooper, Family Attorney on Apr 20, 2015
Relationship: Co-worker
I was a partner at Kates & Barlow for 4 years and had the opportunity to work with Jeff Melick during that time, both in collaborating on cases and as co-counsel on many cases. Based upon my personal experience, I can say without hesitation that he is one of the most thorough, hard working and diligent attorneys that I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He cares about his clients very much and is particularly devoted to all issues pertaining to the well being of children. He works very hard to settle every case; but in the event that settlement is not possible, he is an excellent litigator and strong advocate for his client's in whatever forum the case may be presented. His research and writing skills are second to none. I highly recommend him for any family law matter of any nature.
Joshua Tracey, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 15, 2015
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. Jeff is a talented trial attorney who brings a wealth of experience and perspective to the domestic relations bar. His balanced and calm approach allow the attorneys to communicate and discuss the issues in order to try to resolve them. If those issues cannot be resolved, he zealously advocates for his clients in court, in an aggressive but respectful and intelligent way. Any client would be well-served by his counsel and representation.
Geraldine McEvoy, Family Attorney on Apr 10, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I highly recommend Jeff Melick. He is a conscientious, caring and highly skilled attorney. He cares about his clients and the impact of divorce and other matters that impact the family. While a fierce advocate, Jeff will not put litigation before the needs of a family that would be better served in alternate dispute resolution. He is a true advocate and puts family first.
Jill Rogers, Unknown Attorney on Apr 9, 2015
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer. Highly respected in the community.
Rackham Karlsson, Family Attorney on Apr 8, 2015
Relationship: Co-worker
I had the great pleasure of working with Jeff when I was a newly minted attorney learning about Massachusetts family law. He is a knowledgeable, skilled, and thoughtful attorney who is a tremendous asset to any clients lucky enough to have him.