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Matthew F. Govan

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Avvo Rating10
  • Portland, ME
  • Licensed for 16 years
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About Matthew

Practices predominantly family law in the counties of Cumberland, York, Kennebec, and Southern Oxford.

Practice areas

OtherChild custodyAdoptionFamilyDivorce and separation
  1. Divorce and separation: 40%

  2. Family: 30%

  3. Adoption: 10%

  4. Child custody: 10%

  1. Child support: 10%

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

1954401 1360292115

Contact

Govan Law Office, P.A.

97 India Street
Portland, ME, 04101

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    MEActive200512/01/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers54
    Legal guides0
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    Peer Review RatedMartindale-Hubbell2016
    Katahdin Counsel AwardMaine State Bar Association2015
    Preeminent 5.0 out of 5Martindale-Hubbell2015
    10 Best Attorneys AwardNational Institute of Family Law Attorneys2015
    Preeminent 5.0 out of 5Martindale-Hubbell2014
    Top 10 Attorney AwardNational Academy of Family Law Attorneys2014
    Katahdin Counsel AwardMaine State Bar Association2014
    Katahdin Counsel AwardMaine State Bar Association2013
    Preeminent 5.0 out of 5Martindale-Hubbell2013
    Top Lawyers In MaineThe Legal Network2013
    Preeminent 5.0 out of 5Martindale-Hubbell2012
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    Attorney/OwnerGovan Law Office, P.A.2007 - Present
    Abstractor/AttorneyWarranty Title Company2004 - 2007
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    Maine Collaborative Law AssociationBoard Member2020 - Present
    International Academy of Collaborative ProfessionalsMember2013 - Present
    York County Bar AssociationMember2011 - Present
    Cumberland County Bar AssociationMember2008 - Present
    American Bar AssociationMember2005 - Present
    Maine State Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember2005 - Present
    Maine Collaborative Law AllianceFormer Chair2015 - 2020
    Katahdin CounselMember2011 - 2019
    Publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    University of Maine School of LawThe Rights of Parents to Make Medical Decisions for Their Children Based on Religious Preferences2003
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    University of Southern MaineMSW2012
    University of Maine School of LawJD - Juris Doctor2003
    University of Massachusetts, AmherstBBA1999
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    Maine Family Law InstituteCollaborative Divorce2015
    Information for ProfessionalsSeparation, Divorce & The Very Young Child2011
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    Yap v. Vintonpending
    Freeman v. Daweaffirmed
    Quillen v. CrossMaine Supreme Court- Appeal was successfully dismissed.

    Reviews

    (6)5.0 stars
    5 Star
    		100%
    4 Star
    		0%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		0%
    1 Star
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    Review Matthew Govan

    Attorney

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Attorney Govan is an expert in his field and skilled at finding collaborative solutions in difficult situations. He has assisted me in providing answers to challenging legal questions. His intelligence, empathy, and common sense are effective (and rare) tools in his field.
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    The best family lawyer in Portland

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    I have been working with Matthew and his team for over a year now. Matthew has treated me and my family with a courtesy that is unmatched. He treats us like family and is very in tune with our situation. Matthew is an aggressive go getter that fights for his clients and his clients children. Matthew also has a humility about him that helps take the stress of court away, he truly cares about his clients and their children. Matthew is professional unlike any other and caring to your needs and very prompt to answer phone calls, emails or text messages either by himself or by his wonderful assistants ( Andrea and Wendy, both are amazing and very friendly). Over the past year I have spent many hours working with him on my case. He has gone out of his way countless times for me and my children to get them what they deserve. I cannot begin to be able to say how outstanding of a lawyer he is and how grateful I am to have him and his crew. The depths these folks go to to ensure your children's well being and protection is absolutely phenomenal. I will continue to work with Matthew and his team indefinitely.
    More
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Fantastic lawyer

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Matthew Govan is an exceptional divorce lawyer. He walked me through the whole process like we were old friends. He's compassionate and caring. Matthew had my best interest at heart. Getting a divorce was one of the darkest time in my life but with Matthew's guidance I got through it without too many scars. I highly recommend Matthew Govan for all your legal needs. He's the best!!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    I recommend anyone to give him a call

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Matthew Govan helped me get my children. I’m a single dad and he’s helped me keep my children. I thank him. He’s gone above and beyond. I recommend anyone to give him a call.

    Expertise

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    I have been in and out of court for close to 4 years with my ex-husband over custody of our 15 year old son. Even though my son wanted to live with his father, I felt it was in my son's best interest to remain with me in a stable, healthy environment. A young teenage boy is easily influenced and doesn't always know what's best for him. I was well aware of how difficult this case was going to be but with the help of Matthew Govan presenting my case in the most professional manner, highlighting what is best for a child not what a child wants my son will remain with me. I highly respect Matthew Govan for his intelligence, professionalism and ability to maintain a caring attitude. I felt this was NOT just another case for him.
    More

    The very best impression

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Took over my divorce and child support case. I was not allowed to be in the states so I needed a lawyer that I could fully trust. I did the best possible choice for me because my absence did not effect him to work really hard. Most of us have experienced some kind of cold atmosphere with lawyers and their offices but Mr. Govan made me feel like we knew each other for many years, and all this by phone and emails. Very friendly, simple talking, flexible and of course smart. I am very grateful for his representation and I recommend Mr. Govan to everyone who wants his work done.
    More

    Attorney endorsements

    (23)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer
    Lawyer Tori L. Stenbak

    Tori Stenbak, Family Attorney on Oct 25, 2017
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Great Attorney who is good to work with and trustworthy! I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Jeanette M. Durham

    Jeanette Durham, Divorce and separation Attorney on Mar 10, 2016
    Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

    Matthew is an excellent family law attorney because he is very knowledgeable and thorough in his representation. He is also very responsive and well organized. For those reasons, I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Tori L. Stenbak

    Tori Stenbak, Family Attorney on Oct 25, 2017
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Great Attorney who is good to work with and trustworthy! I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Jeanette M. Durham

    Jeanette Durham, Divorce and separation Attorney on Mar 10, 2016
    Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

    Matthew is an excellent family law attorney because he is very knowledgeable and thorough in his representation. He is also very responsive and well organized. For those reasons, I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Edward A. Brown

    Edward Brown, Family Attorney on Jul 6, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. He works hard, and has a vision of a better future for family law

    Lawyer Amy T. Robidas

    Amy Robidas, Family Attorney on Apr 27, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Mathew is a knowledgeable attorney and string advocate for his clients. I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Shelley P Carter

    Shelley Carter, Family Attorney on Feb 3, 2015
    Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

    I endorse Attorney Govan. Matt is a compassionate advocate who has the skill, knowledge and work ethic it takes to resolve matters with positive results.

    Lawyer Douglas MacMillan Borthwick

    Douglas Borthwick, Divorce and separation Attorney on Nov 10, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Dmitriy Shakhnevich

    Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Adoption Attorney on Sep 28, 2014
    Relationship: Other

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Richard Geller

    Richard Geller, Unknown Attorney on Sep 15, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse Matthew. A highly respected attorney in the legal community with a reputation for client advocacy and dedication.

    Lawyer Sean Cleary

    Sean Cleary, Adoption Attorney on May 19, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community.

    Lawyer John M O'Brien

    John O'Brien, Child custody Attorney on Apr 11, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community.

    Lawyer Peter Joon-Sung Hong

    Peter Hong, Family Attorney on Jan 23, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Govan is a well respected attorney and is very knowledgeable in his field.

    Lawyer Christian K. Lassen II

    Christian Lassen, Unknown Attorney on Jan 19, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community.

    Lawyer Richard Todd Rosenstein

    Richard Rosenstein, Unknown Attorney on Jan 19, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Govan consistently offers sound, practical and insightful legal advice in the Avvo forum.

    Lawyer Howard M Lewis

    Howard Lewis, Divorce and separation Attorney on Dec 10, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Govan is an outstanding attorney with an exceptional reputation. I highly recommend his legal services.

    Lawyer Timothy E. Zerillo

    Timothy Zerillo, Divorce and separation Attorney on Dec 6, 2013
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Rubin G Segal

    Rubin Segal, Family Attorney on Nov 20, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Marcia J Mavrides

    Marcia Mavrides, Family Attorney on Oct 21, 2013
    Relationship: Other

    I met Attorney Matthew Govan at a recent legal conference addressing an alternative dispute resolution process, known as collaborative law. I was very impressed with his legal analysis and creativity in this unique area of the law and also got the sense that he is a compassionate, realistic family lawyer highly capable of working on complex and emotional charged cases. I wish him the best in a long career in all aspect of family law dispute resolution.

    Lawyer Chris A Nielsen

    Chris Nielsen, Unknown Attorney on Jul 17, 2013
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Edward L. Dilworth III

    Edward Dilworth, Family Attorney on May 20, 2013
    Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

    I endorse this lawyer. Matt does a great job and is always prepared.

    Lawyer Gregory J Orso

    Gregory Orso, Family Attorney on May 15, 2013
    Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

    I endorse this lawyer. Matt was very professional and prepared in my dealings with him. Although I was opposing counsel in the matter, he was easy to work with while also being vigilant in protection of his client's rights. I look forward to working with him again.

    Cost

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