Marc I. Schmelkin

I am incredibly grateful to have had Marc represent me in a highly contentious custody case that resulted in a life-changing outcome. What began as a custody case quickly evolved into a complex, multi-day trial with my ex-wife filing for permanent removal from Massachusetts and multiple states being ...involved. With Marc’s representation, I was awarded full physical custody and final decision-making authority in legal matters concerning my Child. Prior to Marc taking my case, I had no custodial rights over my daughter and no guaranteed visitation schedule. My case was far from an easy one as I felt like my rights as a father had been completely given up. Marc demonstrated unparalleled expertise in probate law throughout the entire process. He meticulously prepared my case, reviewed the history, and presented it compellingly in court. His knowledge of family law and probate procedures was evident in every strategy and argument presented. Marc’s intimate knowledge of the probate courts in Massachusetts and his focus on the legal facts were key to the outcome of my case. Marc’s dedication and personal investment in my case were clearly evident from the beginning. He took the time to understand the nuances of my situation, showing genuine empathy and support. Marc was readily available throughout the process and always kept me informed and answered the multitude of questions I had throughout the case. Marc’s communication was always clear and realistic throughout the process. Marc provides honest assessments of what can be hoped for in a case and appreciates the entirety of a situation. I never felt like Marc was exaggerating the prospects of a potential outcome; his immediate honesty surrounding the difficulty of my case was reassuring to hear as I understood what I was seeking for an outcome. His ability to break down the complex legal terminology into relevant ideas and the core components allowed me to better understand what was happening throughout the process. His communication was clear and reassuring, keeping me informed and involved at every stage of the proceedings. Thanks to Marc’s representation and commitment, I now have the opportunity to provide a stable and loving environment for my daughter. I cannot recommend Marc highly enough to anyone facing similar challenges in probate court. He is not just a lawyer but a true advocate for his clients who displays a genuine care about you and your family.

Attorney Schmelkin was the best lawyer I could have ever hoped for. I was dealing with an extremely complicated inter-state custody battle with my son and we had spent years in court and I had gotten almost no where. I hired Mr. Schmelkin and within a few months my case was finally settled! He focuse...d on what was going to be best for me and my son. He was always very easy to get in touch with and always explain things to me clearly so that I understood exactly what was going on. There was a lot of hostility between me and my ex-husband and mr. Schmelkin was able to work with the opposing attorney wonderfully. I am so grateful that this case is finally settled without having to go to trial. Mr. Schmelkin was honest in forthcoming about everything that was going on. I could not possibly recommend a better attorney.

Underestimate this attorney at your own peril, he is a "pit bull". Marc got my first separation agreement changed so I had a fighting chance for litigation, as the first agreement was through a biased mediator. Marc then went on to fight for me and got a modified separation agreement with my wife's ...new attorney. When further modification was necessary for the final divorce agreement, Marc fought for me. In the final divorce agreement meeting, Marc decimated opposing counsel. He not only had answers for any anticipated questions opposing counsel may ask, he then went into questions that opposing counsel had no answers for. In the end I got 100% of my divorce agreement requests (including NO alimony), and my wife got 0% concession. This is the guy you want fighting for you.

For those undergoing a divorce, especially for the first time, it can be a very earth shattering experience with incredible stress and a sudden loss of the world you once knew.    I have been through this in the worst way possible, so please read below and hopefully my advice can help you avoid the... costly and life changing mistakes I made.   I had been blindsided by a long marriage and a subsequent divorce notice via email. I was hoping things could be split equally including sharing time with the kids, however my ex had the upper hand and she wasn't going to take equal as an option.  I had no idea what to do, so used Google and the phone book to find a lawyer.  That was my first mistake. The initial representation and defense by a SOLID attorney is your best hope. The initial court hearing will be the basis for the overall outcome, which I learned the hard way.  I had hired 4 attorneys in succession over the course of a year and had to remove them one after another when it was obvious that things were deteriorating from what I would call a fair outcome. I was not represented well. It was costly and personally very devastating.    It was a miracle to say the least, but when I was pretty much ready to throw in the towel and out of options, I met Marc Schmelkin.  I can't say enough how thankful I am for that day and for that meeting.  It has been over a year now that Marc has seriously turned things around for me.  My ex's attorneys have always been able to dance around my previous attorneys in terms of legal motions, and I would sit there in court and just feel like burying my head and wonder what just happened.   I tell you, Marc is a serious roadblock to that and that does not happen anymore.    Marc comes across as a very friendly, soft spoken, approachable guy when you meet him and he is very down to earth, however when it comes to defending you, he is like a pit bull, for lack of a better word; very aggressive and offers very good legal advice.  He is very calm and polite to the other counselors and the Judge, but when it comes to the law, he knows it and you cannot just dance around him.  He is highly intelligent and pays very close attention to every single detail.  I was incredibly impressed by how quickly he assimilates documents, faster than a scanner.  Marcs' strategy from what I have seen also differs from my past family attorneys, in that he would rather things end fairly and amicably, and doesn't want to prolong the inevitable, however, he will not back away from defending you tooth and nail and will put up the strongest of arguments in your favor, if he senses any unfairness, and from what I have seen so far, the opposing attorneys are not too thrilled about having to deal with Marc.    My case went beyond a normal divorce, it was an ugly and messy process with a 4 day trial.  Marc did a fantastic job at the trial.  I could tell the opposition was frazzled and it was easy to tell my ex was steaming.  When Marc can fluster the opposition in the courtroom, by knowledge of the facts and laws, it is the best internal feeling of relief you can have, because you know you are being represented properly.  Additionally, Marcs' fees are very reasonable compared to Boston law firms. He lets you know if things are going to be expensive, so you can prepare, if that's your decision.  I feel that its better to hire a good attorney, because they will save you not only monetarily but peace of mind in the end.    I think if you are going to file for a divorce or have been given notice, or need a prenuptial agreement, or any sort of family matter, it would be my strongest advice and in your best interest to at least discuss things with Attorney Marc Schmelkin.     I am a local physician here in Boston and these are my true unsolicited feelings.

My Husband filed a divorce after 30+ years of marriage. I was scared and concerned how I was going to support myself. He is self-employed and I didn't work much while we were married. Marc was able to go through all of the accounts and find out where my Husband was hiding money as well as find ou...t information on his business. At the end of the day, Marc was able to get me alimony and not only got me more than half of the assets but also got my Husband's business assets considered. Thanks to Marc, I know feel that I can move on with my life and I'll be fine.