Business Details
9 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Family Law Attorneys in Burlington, MA
At Ryder & Phelps, we specialize in family law, offering a holistic approach to divorce and related legal matters. Established in 2017, our firm combines decades of collective experience to provide personalized legal solutions for clients in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Our attorneys, including Super Lawyers honorees Kathleen Ryder and Jordan Phelps, focus on empowering clients through compassionate counsel and strategic advocacy. We handle complex issues such as high-asset divorce, child custody, alimony, and domestic violence cases, prioritizing clients' emotional and financial well-being.Our team includes certified mediators and legal professionals dedicated to achieving favorable outcomes while maintaining transparency and trust. Serving Middlesex, Norfolk, Essex, and Worcester counties, we emphasize clear communication and local expertise to guide families through challenging transitions.
Services
Divorce
Child Support
Alimony
Mediation
Domestic Violence
High-Asset Divorce
Restraining Orders
Prenuptial Agreements
Child Custody
Modification Actions
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- Practicing a holistic approach to divorce matters
- Decades of combined experience since 2002
- Personalized attention and custom solutions
- Respected members of the Massachusetts legal community
- Dedicated to empowering clients through transparent counsel
Associations and certifications
- Super Lawyers
- MCLE Rule 8 Certified Mediators
What people say
Compassionate and competent
Highly recommend
Knowledgeable and responsive
Empowering guidance
Professional and caring
Services
Divorce Representation
Our attorneys guide clients through contested and uncontested divorce proceedings, addressing property division, spousal support, and parenting plans. We prioritize minimizing conflict while protecting clients' financial and emotional interests. With deep knowledge of Massachusetts family law, we advocate for equitable resolutions tailored to each family's unique circumstances.
Child Custody
We develop comprehensive custody arrangements focused on children's best interests, including visitation schedules and decision-making responsibilities. Our team prepares detailed parenting plans that address schooling, healthcare, and extracurricular activities. With experience in Middlesex County courts, we help clients navigate custody disputes and modification requests effectively.
Mediation Services
As certified mediators, we facilitate collaborative solutions for divorce and family law conflicts outside courtroom litigation. Our process helps couples reach mutually beneficial agreements on property division, child support, and co-parenting arrangements. This cost-effective approach preserves privacy while maintaining constructive relationships for future interactions.
Domestic Violence
We provide urgent legal protection for victims through Abuse Prevention Orders and represent clients in related custody and support matters. Our team handles emergency restraining order applications and defends against false allegations. We combine compassionate support with aggressive advocacy to ensure client safety and long-term security.
High-Asset Divorce
Our firm specializes in resolving divorces involving significant assets, business interests, and investment portfolios. We collaborate with financial experts to ensure accurate valuation and equitable distribution of marital property. With strategic negotiation skills, we protect clients' wealth while addressing alimony and child support considerations in high-stakes cases.
People
Kathleen P. Ryder
Partner
Super Lawyers honoree with 20+ years of family law experience, specializing in divorce mediation and child custody cases. Certified mediator and court-appointed Guardian ad Litem.
Jordan A. Phelps
Partner
Recognized family law attorney with expertise in high-asset divorce and domestic violence cases. Serves as court-appointed special master and mediator in Middlesex County.
Leah M. Paolini
Senior Attorney
Experienced litigator focusing on complex family law matters, including prenuptial agreements and post-judgment modifications. Certified mediator with extensive trial experience.
Alethea M. Shaddox
Senior Attorney
Specializes in child custody disputes and parenting plan development. Advocates for clients in Middlesex and Worcester County courts with a focus on children's best interests.
Nicole M. Cochis
Senior Associate
Handles high-conflict divorce cases and contempt actions. Known for strategic approach to property division and spousal support negotiations in contested matters.
Questions
What is the first step to filing for divorce in Burlington, MA?
Consult a family law attorney to assess eligibility, then file a Complaint for Divorce at Middlesex Probate & Family Court with proper financial disclosures.
How does the family court handle child custody disputes?
Courts prioritize the child's best interests, evaluating parental roles and living arrangements. Mediation may be required before final custody determinations.
Can I modify an existing family court order?
Yes, with demonstrated material changes like relocation or employment status. File a modification complaint with supporting evidence to Middlesex County courts.
What protections exist for domestic violence victims?
Victims can obtain Abuse Prevention Orders (209A) for custody, support, and no-contact provisions through emergency or full court hearings.
Do you offer virtual consultations?
Yes, we provide secure video conferences and phone consultations in addition to in-person meetings at our Burlington office.
