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Matthew F. Govan

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Avvo Rating10
  • Portland, ME
  • Licensed for 15 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

97 India Street
address map

Govan Law Office, P.A.

97 India Street
Portland, ME, 04101

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
MEActive200503/05/2020
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
Katahdin Counsel AwardMaine State Bar Association2014
Top 10 Attorney AwardNational Academy of Family Law Attorneys2014
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5Martindale-Hubbell2014
Top Lawyers In MaineThe Legal Network2013
Katahdin Counsel AwardMaine State Bar Association2013
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5Martindale-Hubbell2013
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

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

The best family lawyer in Portland

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Fantastic lawyer

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

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

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.

The very best impression

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.

Attorney endorsements

(23)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

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.

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.

Edward Brown, Divorce and separation 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

Amy Robidas, Divorce and separation 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.

Shelley Carter, Domestic violence 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.

Douglas Borthwick, Family Attorney on Nov 11, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 29, 2014
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer.

Richard Geller, Divorce and separation 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.

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

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

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

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

Peter Hong, Workers compensation 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.

Christian Lassen, Life insurance Attorney on Jan 20, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Richard Rosenstein, Personal injury 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.

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.

Timothy Zerillo, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 6, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer.

Rubin Segal, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Nov 20, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Marcia Mavrides, Divorce and separation 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.

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

I endorse this lawyer.

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

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

Gregory Orso, Litigation 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.