How We Can Help
Divorce & Mediation
You will likely find our approach a bit different than other firms, whether large or small. Whenever possible, our less adversarial solutions, such as mediation, will support you not only during your case, but recognizes the often-overlooked fact that relationships continue well after you pay your last invoice.
Aggressive litigation tactics might sound appealing when emotions are raw, but good luck asking your former spouse or partner to adjust the schedule for Thanksgiving next year; or consider why your older children are having challenges with school or their own relationships after observing their parent’s lengthy and tumultuous divorce battle costing tens of thousands of dollars - dollars that could have been available for their college or vocational training, or for your own retirement.
High conflict approaches to divorce and family legal issues tend to result in more of the same - lingering conflict, ongoing hostilities and resentment, and even more legal fees.
While this may be great news for law firms where hourly rates beyond $500.00 and $600.00 are now common, this approach is not typically necessary or good for most families.
It certainly is not the only option, and you should be weary of anyone that suggests otherwise. Ask anyone after their divorce if they wished they could have spent more money on lawyers. On the other hand, I hear weekly from someone that says, “I wish we went to mediation!”
Estate Planning
While the firm has primarily focused on family law matters, estate planning is not a new area for the firm, but it is an expanding one. Watching my own parents and in-laws age, need additional care, and eventually pass away, had an impact on me not only personally, but professionally.
Once your parents are gone, your children are grown, and you have lost friends or loved ones, the realization that time passes quickly becomes increasingly present. While it can be uncomfortable discussing illness, aging, and dying, such conversations deserve your attention. It is simply better for you and for those you care about to have a plan in place. It is also an easy thing to rationalize putting off.
Our caring approach to resolving domestic relations issues easily translates to supporting our estate planning and estate administration/probate clients, as supporting difficult conversations are a core part of our work.
Estate planning is not only for the wealthy, and getting your plan together does not have to be overly complicated or expensive.
Our firm is now a member of Wealth Counsel, the premier national organization of estate planning and elder law attorneys. Wealth Counsel membership provides attorney members world-class resources and support, including a robust drafting platform, ongoing professional education, and other resources.
Stephen McDonough, Esq.
Attorney and Mediator Stephen McDonough is the founder of Next Phase Legal and works closely with clients facing divorce and other family conflict.
Stephen McDonough and the Next Phase Legal team were professional, kind, and patient through the hardest time in my life. It’s such a relief to have someone Stephen who is so knowledgeable and understands the complexity of mediation and divorce. I can’t thank him and his team enough for going above and beyond to make this difficult situation go as smooth as possible.
Client
Stephen McDonough at Next Phase Legal is both knowledgeable and personable in his divorce mediation service. Going into this complicated, unknown legal phase of ending a marriage was definitely made smoother by Steve and his staff. Aside from coordinating the complicated paperwork involving personal and financial information, Steve was consistently comfortable to work with. We asked many questions (sometimes repeating the same ones in different sessions), but Steve was always accommodating in his answers.
Client
Next Phase helped me through a hard time with knowledge, sensitivity and genuine kindness. I know they went above and beyond for my family, and they never made me feel I was an inconvenience. They were patient with my (numerous) questions and thoughtful about their methods. When mediation was tense Steve diffused the tension and kept us on track. Communication was great. Phone calls always returned and emails always answered. The client portal made emailing, making payments and reviewing documents simple. What else can I say? If you are considering hiring them, you should.
Client
They were both very knowledgeable about family law and how to handle different situations that came up with my ex husband. They gave me great advice and they were always available and responsive. I felt someone they really cared about and not just a client. It has been three months since my divorce and they continue to check up on me. I really appreciate all they have done!!
Client
I feel so lucky to have found Stephen for divorce mediation services. He was unbelievably professional but also kind and sensitive during such a difficult period in anyone's life. I can not recommend him highly enough and would not hesitate to use his services again in the future if ever necessary. Stephen provided helpful suggestions and insights, above and beyond mediator services, that turned out to be very valuable. Initially he was the only individual who gave his condolences when I was trying to evaluate and choose a mediator. That initial kindness was a great indicator of his character. Very kind, knowledgeable and fair to both parties involved. Thanks so much for all of your help guiding us in such a difficult time.
Client
Steve McDonough and Next Phase Legal were a tremendous help as I went through the process of divorce. In choosing to do Mediation, there needs to be a high degree of trust that your attorney will provide honest and fair advice to both parties. Steve created a very open, trusting environment. My ex-husband and I both went into the meetings with high stress levels, but Steve was able to diffuse the tension and help us work toward a common goal at each session. The mediation process went quickly and we were able to cover all areas within six sessions. The Next Phase team prepared all of our paperwork, making it simple to file with the court. Overall, Steve helped make the painful process of divorce go smoothly and as pain-free as possible.
Client
Going to a lawyer for anything is not easy. There is apprehension about what is to come and the fear of the unknown. Steve's approach calmed things down, he was very easy to talk to, and by the end of our first meeting we had all the information in a logical order, we had a game plan to get us to a conclusion, and we had a tentative time table to make it all happen. Making an appointment with Next Phase Legal and meeting Steve is one of the best things I did in a difficult time.
Client
Attorney McDonough was a consummate professional during our conciliation. He gave us two full days to settle what was a very difficult and complex matter, one that was absolutely going to trial and managed to guide both counsel and their clients to a full settlement. His demeanor and knowledge of the law, our Judge and his ability to be empathetic and balanced to both clients was the turning point of this case. I would highly recommend Attorney McDonough for any matter which requires his level of professionalism in a mediation, conciliation or divorce.
Client
I feel so lucky to have found Stephen for divorce mediation services (lucky we did not have to turn to lawyer services). He was unbelievably professional but also kind and sensitive during such a difficult period in anyone's life. I can not recommend him highly enough and would not hesitate to use his services again in the future if ever necessary. Our case was sensitive and difficult. Stephen provided helpful suggestions and insights, above and beyond mediator services, that turned out to be very valuable. Initially he was the only individual who gave his condolences when I was trying to evaluate and choose a mediator. That initial kindness was a great indicator of his character. Very kind, knowledgeable and fair to both parties involved. Thanks so much for all of your help guiding us in such a difficult time.
Client
