I’ve practiced family law for the duration of legal career. I consider it my professional mission to help my clients navigate the legal process, using the tools I’ve accumulated over the last 15 years. Together, my clients and I build the framework for the next stage of their lives. I see my role as principled advocate, stalwart defender and calming presence.
I represent clients in all aspects of family law including complaints for divorce, modification and removal, complaints for civil and criminal contempt, preparation of prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, and paternity proceedings. In addition to trying cases, I am a trained mediator able to assist couples with the negotiation of separation agreements. I have significant experience advising clients about the division of complex marital estates, including business valuations. I served on the Taskforce that drafted the 2017 Child Support Guidelines and am able to assist clients with the negotiation of a child support and alimony obligations. As President Elect of the Massachusetts Association of Family and Conciliator Courts, I am able to connect my clients with therapists and other experts who can advise on difficult parenting issues, or, development of a parenting plan that is tailored to meet each child’s specific needs.
In 2018, after 13 years of rewarding practice at the general practice law firm Grindle Robinson LLP, I opened Clapp Family Law, LLC, a firm dedicated entirely to the resolution of complex family law matters. Our office is located in Wellesley Massachusetts, close to Routes 95 and the Massachusetts Turnpike, and, walking distance from the Wellesley Hills Commuter Rail. I continue to assist clients who residing in Norfolk, Middlesex, Suffolk, Worcester, Essex, and Plymouth Counties.
I received my BA from Hiram College in 2000 and my Juris Doctorate from American University Washington College of Law in 2003. Despite selecting AU for its international law program, I found my calling in another area of the law: I graduated with a concentration in family law.
I have been recognized by my peers in Massachusetts and nationally. I am listed in the 2013 - 2020 editions of Best Lawyers in America, a respected national peer review guide. I have been recognized by my colleagues as a Super Lawyer Rising Star from 2010 – 2013 and as a Super Lawyer from 2014 – 2020. I am the former Chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association’s Family Law Section Council and continue to be active on this board, providing me with the opportunity to stay on the cutting edge of developments within the practice of family law, and, on the forefront of advocating for clients through proposed legislation.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me traveling, gardening, cooking, or walking on the beach. I love to spend time with my family and friends. I believe in fostering connections through handwritten notes, a glass of wine the garden at golden hour, or cooking Sunday supper for all the friends who can fit around the table. I travel as often as I can. I’ve been as far away as Zimbabwe and I travel to Paris annually. And, as a Midwesterner, I never tire of going to the beach, even on cold gray days!