Learn More About Me

I am an attorney, mediator, collaborative law professional, and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) based in Salem, Massachusetts. I work with clients throughout Massachusetts through both in-person and secure virtual meetings, with a particular concentration in the North Shore and Essex and Middlesex Counties.

My practice includes divorce and family law representation, mediation, collaborative divorce, uncontested divorce, legal consultation for clients participating in mediation, and residential real estate.

As an attorney, mediator, collaborative law professional, and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®), I am committed to helping clients navigate important life decisions with knowledge, preparation, and confidence.

Professional Background

I began working in the legal field before attending law school. While earning my law degree from Suffolk University Law School, I worked full-time at a Boston law firm, first as a paralegal and later as an associate attorney after my admission to the Massachusetts Bar in 2002.

That experience included litigated divorce matters involving complex asset division, child custody, support, and other family law issues.

When I established my own practice, one of my goals was to provide clients with access to a range of options for resolving divorce and family law matters rather than assuming that every case should proceed through litigation. My practice therefore developed to include mediation, collaborative law, negotiated resolutions, limited assistance representation, uncontested divorce, and traditional representation when needed.

This range of experience allows me to help clients understand both the legal process and the different approaches available for resolving their matter.

Legal and Financial Perspective

Divorce frequently involves important financial decisions as well as legal ones.

As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®), I bring additional financial perspective to issues involving support, retirement accounts, property division, debt, the marital home, and other financial considerations that may affect a client's future.

My goal is to help clients understand the practical and financial consequences of proposed resolutions in addition to the legal issues involved.

Residential Real Estate Experience

I also bring more than 30 years of experience in residential real estate.

Before becoming an attorney in 2002, I worked full-time as a real estate paralegal. I later expanded that experience by working as an Exclusive Buyer's Broker while practicing law. Since becoming an attorney in 2002, I have represented buyers, sellers, and lenders in Massachusetts residential real estate transactions.

My real estate experience is particularly valuable in divorce matters involving the marital home or other real estate assets, including issues involving a sale, refinancing, a buyout, mortgage obligations, and the transfer of title.

Education

Suffolk University Law School, Boston, MA

• Juris Doctor, cum laude, 2002
  
• Phi Delta Phi (The Rehnquist Inn of the International Legal Fraternity)

 

Northeastern University, Boston, MA

• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, summa cum laude, 1995
  
• Golden Key National Honor Society
• Phi Kappa Phi
  

Legal and Professional Affiliations

• Essex County Bar Association (Member & Conciliator)
• Greater Newburyport Bar Association
• Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation
• Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council

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