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# Next Phase Legal & Dispute Resolution LLC: Next Phase Legal is focused solely on divorce and family law. We help clients get back on their feet while hopefully avoiding the stress and expense of lengthy court battles. Our transparent pricing options and attentive client service combine with our skills and experience to help you reach your goals for parenting and your financial future. We serve Massachusetts with both in-person and virtual services, including contested and less-contested cases. Mediation, conciliation, parenting coordination, court representation, and the collaborative law process are available. We look forward to assisting you.

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [Durable Powers of Attorney](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2025/06/30/durable-powers-of-attorney/): The Legal Superheroes of Estate Planning 
- [Openshaw v. Openshaw: Savings As Part of the Needs Analysis of Alimony in Massachusetts](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2025/03/26/openshaw-v-openshaw-savings-as-part-of-the-needs-analysis-of-alimony-in-massachusetts/): The recent decision in Openshaw v. Openshaw, 493 Mass. 599 (2024) by the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts presents significant legal implications for family law, particularly concerning spousal support and the division of liabilities. This case, decided on March 7, 2024, addresses the nuanced consideration of marital lifestyle, including savings practices, in determining alimony and the equitable division of marital liabilities.
- [Understanding Prenups in Massachusetts](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2024/12/11/understanding-prenups-in-massachusetts/): It is worth noting that the most important standard for prenups in Massachusetts is that the agreement must be fair and reasonable at the time the document is signed, and fair and reasonable (not unconscionable) at the time of divorce. Here are some other standards to be familiar with if considering a prenup in Massachusetts:
- [Recent Updates to 529 Plans](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2024/06/25/recent-updates-to-529-plans/): As college costs have climbed steadily, helping our children get through college without saddling them with a pile of debt remains a challenge for many families in Massachusetts.  Financial experts (and I am not a financial professional) tend to agree that incurring a lot of debt for undergraduate studies is best avoided.  As part of my divorce and family law practice, I’m regularly working with parents that have 529 Plans.   This article is not financial advice, but general information about some of the more recent developments regarding these plans. 
- [How Is Divorce Mediation Different from Going to Court?](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2023/08/25/how-is-divorce-mediation-different-from-going-to-court/): Parents and spouses are increasingly choosing to look into forms of alternative dispute resolution such as mediation. One of the primary reasons for this has to do with the perception or the actual experience of people going through divorce court. It takes a lot of work to prepare for any divorce, but the entire process can feel fraught with tension and conflict from day one when going through litigation.
- [Exploring Life Insurance Policy Options for Financial Security](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2023/07/06/exploring-life-insurance-policy-options-for-financial-security/): Life insurance is a powerful tool that offers financial protection and peace of mind for you and your loved ones. However, navigating through the various policy options can be overwhelming, especially after a divorce. Understanding the different types of life insurance policies available is crucial in making an informed decision that aligns with your needs and goals. Here are some common life insurance policy options, empowering you to make the right choice for your financial security.
- [Creating a Solid Parenting Plan for Your Children’s Well-being](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2023/06/02/creating-a-solid-parenting-plan-for-your-childrens-well-being/): Divorce can be an emotionally challenging time for all parties involved, especially when children are part of the equation. As parents, your primary concern should always be the well-being and happiness of your children. One of the most critical aspects of post-divorce co-parenting is establishing a well-thought-out parenting plan. These are the recommended steps that will guide you through the process of setting up a good parenting plan that promotes stability, cooperation, and ensures a healthy environment for your children.
- [Three Things to Know About Uncontested Divorce](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2023/04/20/three-things-to-know-about-uncontested-divorce/): When you decide to end a marriage in Massachusetts, spouses may be able to avoid some of the typical downsides of court by pursuing an uncontested divorce. An uncontested divorce may resolve more quickly, allowing both spouses to move on with their lives. When the parties agree on all key issues for marital dissolution, an uncontested divorce can reduce the time, stress, and expense.
- [Can Mediation Speed Up the Divorce Process?](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2023/03/23/can-mediation-speed-up-the-divorce-process/): Getting divorced is an emotional and difficult experience for most people, but going through the court system adds another layer of complexity, and the increased legal fees that go along with it. A court-centric approach can also extend the amount of time it takes for you to end your marriage and move forward.
- [Is it Time to Revisit Your Child Support Order?](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2022/05/16/is-it-time-to-revisit-your-child-support-order/): About every four years, Massachusetts and other states are required by federal law to review their state child support guidelines. In Massachusetts, this responsibility is fulfilled by the Child Support Guidelines Task Force. The Task Force considers economic trends, policies, and other data and obtains input from various stakeholders such as family law practitioners and advocacy groups when reviewing the Guidelines.  The current Child Support Guidelines (CSGs) went into effect in October of 2021 and has caused significant changes to child support orders for many of our clients.
- [Introducing Your Children to Your New Romantic Interests…While Avoiding a Potential Minefield](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2022/05/02/introducing-your-children-to-your-new-romantic-interestswhile-avoiding-a-potential-minefield/): When you have school age children, introducing new significant others to your child/children is an area that deserves some careful consideration and planning.   While you may understandably be excited about your new connection and want your kids to meet him or her, go ahead and put the brakes on while you consider some things before potentially wandering into what can turn into a minefield.  Mishandling these issues can quickly harm what may have been a good parenting relationship between you and your former partner.  
- [Next Phase Legal & Dispute Resolution LLC Wins Silver Medal Award in Quest for the Best Contest.](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2021/09/30/next-phase-legal-dispute-resolution-llc-wins-silver-medal-award-in-quest-for-the-best-contest/): Next Phase Legal & Dispute Resolution LLC, a divorce and family law firm in Norfolk, MA, is pleased to have won the Silver Medal Award in the “divorce lawyer” category for MyFM’s (101.3) Quest for the Best contest. Winners were selected based on over a quarter of a million votes by area residents submitted to the local radio station.  An independent company ran the contest to assure integrity with the voting.
- [Massachusetts Probate & Family Court Suspends Requirement for Parenting Education Classes](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2021/07/27/massachusetts-probate-family-court-suspends-requirement-for-parenting-education-classes/): On July 8, 2021 Chief Justice John Casey of the MA Probate and Family Courts announced a suspension to the requirement for divorcing parents to complete the mandatory parent education program specified in the court’s Standing Order 2-16, Parent Education Program Attendance, issued in 2016. 
- [Assisted Living: Is it time for your loved one to transition?](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2020/10/26/assisted-living-is-it-time-for-your-loved-one-to-transition/): If you are the caretaker of an aging parent or grandparent, the question of whether they can live alone has likely crossed your mind more than once. Typically, when we consider moving our parents out of their home, assisted living is our first choice. However, how do you know if it’s the right time? How do you prepare? And, more importantly, how do you talk to someone about it?
- [Parent Education Programs & Covid-19](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2020/06/25/parent-education-programs-covid-19/): June 11, 2020: Before the era of Covid-19 (the good old days), the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court required that parents of children under 18 registers for a Parent Education Program within 30 days from when the original complaint was served on the defendant, or within 30 days from an order from the Court. When we are working with mediation clients, the timeframe is less formal, but the class must be completed before the Separation Agreement and related documents are filed with the Court. When the class is completed, a parent receives a certificate on a lovely golden-colored piece of paper. We like to call that the “golden ticket.”
- [Coronavirus Challenges and Solutions at NPL](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2020/03/22/coronavirus-challenges-and-solutions/): Next Phase Legal & Dispute Resolution LLC of Norfolk, MA (and now several other locations!) remains ready to assist current and new clients. All meetings, including mediation sessions and consultations, are available by video-conference or telephone, and the office is staffed by one person. Let us know how we can help.
- [Top Ten Considerations When Hiring a Special Education Lawyer](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2019/06/01/top-ten-considerations-when-hiring-a-special-education-lawyer/): Parenting is challenging under the best of circumstances. Dealing with ongoing stress and conflict over issues related to your child’s schooling without someone on your side is more difficult. Once you decide that you need some help from a caring special education lawyer, how should you select one? 
- [New 2018 Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines Released](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2018/06/21/new-2018-massachusetts-child-support-guidelines-released/): On June 15, 2018, new Massachusetts child support guidelines went into effect. Not quite so new child support guidelines were just released in the Fall of 2017, and the Massachusetts child support guidelines typically follow about a three to four-year update cycle, thus the release of an updated child support worksheet is noteworthy.   Federal law mandates that all states review their child support guidelines periodically.
- [New MA 2017 Child Support Guidelines](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2017/09/03/new-ma-2017-child-support-guidelines/): New child support guidelines go into effect in Massachusetts on September 15, 2017.
- [Mansfield MA Divorce Mediator](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2017/08/27/mansfield-ma-divorce-mediator/): Our Mansfield location is located at 20 Cabot Boulevard, Suite 300, within the Cabot Business Park, and provides area residents and those working in the area (which is home to large companies such as Medtronic) more than just a convenient and professional location.
- [McDonough Speaks at Mass Bar Conference](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2017/05/27/mcdonough-speaks-at-mass-bar-conference/): Attorney and Divorce Mediator Stephen McDonough of Next Phase Legal LLC in Norfolk, MA presented on the topic of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), along with Newton attorney and mediator Ellen Waldorf; and Sheri Wilson, the Director of Operations at Massachusetts Dispute Resolution Services.  The panel discussed different facets of ODR, including benefits and drawbacks, ethical considerations, and a review of various platforms available to practitioners that can help them interact efficiently with both existing and new clients.
- [A Divorce from Social Media: Avoid Creating a Messy Trial](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2017/04/26/a-divorce-from-social-media-avoid-creating-a-messy-trial/): Have you ever stopped to think how child custody, support, or property division could be affected by social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and various dating websites? Make no mistake – anything you post, tweet, or “snap” can and most likely will be used against you in settlement negotiations or in the courtroom.
- [Family Business Mediation: Solving Legal Issues Without Going to Court](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2016/10/25/family-business-mediation-solving-legal-issues-without-going-to-court/): Mediation is often considered an excellent means of conflict resolution for personal or family disputes, but the benefits of mediation extend to more than just familial problems. In fact, mediation is oftentimes the best conflict resolution tool available for small and medium sized businesses.
- [Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in Massachusetts](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2016/10/12/contested-vs-uncontested-divorce-in-massachusetts/): If you get divorced in Massachusetts, there are different types of divorces that are available to you, with each following a different path as it goes through the courts. Some are quicker, simpler, and less expensive than others. It depends on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested and also on whether it is a fault or a no-fault divorce.
- [Conciliation: What is the Advantage?](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2016/09/13/conciliation-what-is-the-advantage/): The conciliation process can be an invaluable tool to reduce intractable conflict in cases where obstacles prevent out of court settlements and cost-effective resolutions.
- [Is Adultery in Massachusetts Really a Crime?](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2016/09/06/is-adultery-in-massachusetts-really-a-crime/): It is extremely unlikely that you would have been prosecuted for adultery before the law was repealed in 2018, much less given a sentence of three years. But, there have been rare prosecutions under the adultery law in the past. The last time someone was convicted of adultery in Massachusetts was in 1983, when a married woman was discovered having sex with a man, not her husband, in a parked van. Commonwealth v. Stowell, 389 Mass. 171 (1983).   On a positive note, at least the van was parked so as not to endanger the motoring public.
- [Fighting Over Fido: Custody of Pets in a Divorce](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2016/09/06/fighting-over-fido-custody-of-pets-in-a-divorce/): Just as parents fight for time with their children, pet parents demand their wishes to be considered when it comes to their pet's living arrangements after a relationship heads south. Therefore, if you are separating from your spouse, you need to know your rights when it comes to custody of pets, because you don't want to go barking up the wrong tree (ugh…sorry, had to do it).
- [Is Limited Assistance Representation Right for You?](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2016/08/18/is-limited-assistance-representation-right-for-you/): Limited Assistance Representation (LAR) in divorce and family law cases allows clients the opportunity to acquire help in Massachusetts on their own terms, and we can help you do it. These “unbundled legal services” can be used in a variety of scenarios, and we'll give you a few to consider in an effort for you to decide if LAR might be right for you.
- [Surviving the End of Summer in Massachusetts](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2016/08/11/surviving-the-end-of-summer-in-massachusetts/): Now, don't get me wrong.  I love my son.  I love spending time with him—bike riding, arts and crafting, reading, throwing a baseball…you get the idea. But as a single mother working full time, summer stinks. For the time of year that is supposed to be low-key and schedule-free, summer causes more anxiety, more bills, and more gray hairs than any other time of year.
- [Are Massachusetts Divorce Records Public?](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2016/06/20/are-massachusetts-divorce-records-public/): After a divorce, you may not want the whole world to know about it. So are your divorce records public?
- [7 Crazy Prenup Agreements](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2016/06/11/7-crazy-prenup-agreements/): Prenuptial agreements can be a source of contention between a couple before they tie the knot. In the event the couple splits up, who gets the house? The money? The gardener?
- [What is the Difference Between Annulment and Divorce?](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2016/05/26/what-is-the-difference-between-annulment-and-divorce/): Sometimes a marriage ending can be the best thing for a couple, and divorce or getting an annulment may be a topic of discussion. Both options will end a marriage but there is a difference between annulment and divorce.
- [Elder and Adult Family Mediation](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2016/05/06/elder-and-adult-family-mediation/): Whether you live in the Westwood or Walpole area or on Cape Cod, geography should not stop you and your family from considering the benefits of elder and adult family mediation.
- [Unmarried Parents & Establishing Paternity](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2016/05/02/unmarried-parents-establishing-paternity/): Dear Jon Snow: No judgment here. There are plenty of “Snow” children in our current age. (For those of you who don't watch “Game of Thrones”, characters born out of wedlock in the show have the surname “Snow” instead of a parent's last name. Also, check out HBO and thank me later).
- [Fixating on the amount of your Massachusetts child support may not be the best idea.](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2016/01/21/returning-to-work-during-or-after-your-massachusetts-divorce/): A common example we see involves a scenario such as this (some assumptions were made for the purposes of brevity, such as including an amount for medical insurance when determining the Massachusetts child support figures used in this example):
- [Siblings & Elder Mediation](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2015/08/15/disputes-between-siblings/): As our family members age, conflict between siblings is no longer based upon who gets to decide what to watch on TV or who gets to sit in the front seat.  A myriad of issues may surface requiring a consensus among other adult family members.  Oftentimes, these challenges can lead to conflict among siblings as family dynamics become more complicated, and conversations deteriorate or even end altogether.  Siblings may have different economic and family circumstances, and may live far away from each other and their aging parent or parents. Siblings may find working together challenging, and reaching an agreement may seem out of reach.
- [Online Divorce Mediation… Without Pants?](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2015/07/09/online-divorce-mediation-without-pants/): Are you feeling constricted?  Maybe you have not found the right fit for your divorce or other mediation?
- [The Fields of Opportunity – Divorce Mediation](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2015/06/01/the-fields-of-opportunity-divorce-mediation/): Many potential clients I meet with have read about divorce mediation and focus on the more obvious benefits of the process when compared to a court-based case.   The “low hanging fruit” includes the lower cost of divorce mediation and the potential for a quicker resolution. A recent mediation session had me thinking about how some clients understand that mediation can pave the way towards a significantly better divorce, including truly cooperative parenting, while others are less willing or able to see the big picture. It is true that divorce mediation is less expensive than the traditional court-based Massachusetts divorce. For those considering a more cooperative approach, mediation is ripe with less obvious benefits that make the low-hanging fruit seem less important.
- [Certified Divorce Mediator](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2015/05/21/certified-divorce-mediator/): Stephen McDonough, founder of Next Phase Legal LLC, recently achieved status as a Certified Divorce Mediator through the Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation, the premier family facilitative mediation organization in Massachusetts, and the only organization offering a robust certification process. Only about 11% of mediators achieve this certification.
- [Divorce Financials – Employee Benefits](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2015/04/12/divorce-financials-employee-benefits/): During your Massachusetts divorce (or a post-divorce issue such as a child-support modification), it makes sense to understand your employee benefits, and those of your spouse or former spouse.  Interestingly, we find that some people are unfamiliar with their employee benefits, whether it is the various health insurance options or something else. This post covers the basics about Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Reimbursement Arrangements, or HSA.
- [Returning To Work During Divorce](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2015/04/11/massachusetts-child-support-returning-to-work/): An issue that comes up frequently involves a client that has been out of the workforce, but is feeling some pressure – either internal, from another person, or both – to go back to work.  If a divorce is looming, or even in-process or finished, and you find yourself in this situation, should you go back to work?
- [High Conflict Divorce and Custody](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2014/12/22/high-conflict-divorce-and-custody/): Are there ways you can better manage a high conflict divorce or custody conflict?  Is everything a battle with your ex-partner, spouse, or your child's other parent?
- [How Does Massachusetts Child Support Work?](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2014/12/19/massachusetts-child-support-lawyer/): Contact us for help with your child support case. We're experienced with Massachusetts child support and can lead you to a successful outcome.
- [5 Tips on How To Evict Someone](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2014/11/06/5-tips-on-how-to-evict-someone/): During my years as a Boston area real estate lawyer, I've worked with many landlords, both residential and commercial. When you have a non-paying tenant, it is a miserable situation.   There is a lot to consider, but remember these five fundamental points as you address your options.   Of course, it is a good idea to consult with an experienced landlord – tenant lawyer experienced in evictions.
- [MBA Family Law Conference](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2014/10/20/mba-family-law-conference/): The conference was held at the Chatham Bars Inn on Cape Cod. Topics discussed included advanced issues such as:
- [The Psychological Impact of Divorce](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2014/10/10/the-psychological-impact-of-divorce/): On October 8, 2014 Norfolk, MA divorce mediator and lawyer Stephen McDonough from Next Phase Legal LLC attended a seminar hosted by the MA Council on Family Mediation.  The seminar, Exploring the Psychological Impact of Divorce, included information about:
- [Children & Entertainment Contracts](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2014/10/03/children-entertainment-contracts/): Does your child long to perform on the stage or big screen?  Or any screen for that matter?  In Massachusetts, an increase in film production over the last few years may provide more opportunities for young stars, but what about the rights of minors when working in the entertainment industry?
- [Discover Medfield Day 2014!](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2014/09/23/medfield-day-2014/): The 2014 Medfield Day is Saturday, September 20th.  The Festivities kick off at 9:00 a.m. and run throughout the day until 3:00 pm, although the children's area remains open until 4 p.m.  This year marks the 35th Medfield Day!
- [Grandparent Visitation Rights in Massachusetts](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2014/09/08/grandparent-visitation-rights-in-massachusetts/): A grandparent's rights to visit their grandchild are limited in Massachusetts.  If the parents of a minor child are married and living together, the grandparents do not have any rights to visitation.
- [Market Basket News – The Legal Battle](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/2014/08/27/market-basket-news-the-legal-battle/): A long-lasting clash in the public’s eye is not a good thing for any business.

## Pages
- [Copy of Next Phase Legal LLC](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/next-phase-legal-llc-2-copy/): 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.
- [Behind the Curtain of Divorce Mediation Guide](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/divorce-mediation-guide/): If you are here, chances are you have some important decisions to make. At Next Phase Legal, we are here to help guide you through your feelings of uncertainty and confusion. We are committed to helping you and protecting your children (if you have them) through the entire divorce process. We offer options that are designed to avoid court and the high cost of litigation, whenever possible.
- [Divorce Mediation](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/divorce-mediation/): Contact our attorneys today to learn more about our divorce mediation services
- [Leave a Review](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/leave-a-review/): How did we do? We would like to know how we have helped our clients or ways that we can improve our services. If you've had a positive experience with our law firm, one of the best things you can do as our valued client is to leave us a genuine online review. Please take a few moments and leave us a review on any of the sites listed below.
- [Estate Planning in Massachusetts](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/services/estate-planning/): When you hear or think of estate planning, your next thought might be that you really should get your estate planning documents drafted, or at least updated if you originally did your will and health care proxy when your son was in a car seat rather than the driver's seat heading off to college.
- [Berkley Divorce Attorney](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/service-areas/berkley-divorce-attorney/): With a skilled divorce attorney by your side, take control of your divorce. If you live in Berkley, Massachusetts or the surrounding area, Next Phase Legal Dispute & Resolution is ready to help you with all your divorce needs. Our divorce lawyers and mediators provide you options for resolving your divorce case. 
- [Attleboro Divorce Attorney](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/service-areas/attleboro-divorce-attorney/): Negative divorce stories feed rumors at social gatherings, but your case doesn't have to be one of them. If you need a qualified, confidential divorce attorney and live in the Attleboro, Massachusetts area, we can help. 
- [Ashland Divorce Attorney](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/service-areas/ashland-divorce-attorney/): Spare your family the stress of a messy, drawn-out fight. The attorneys at Next Phase Legal Dispute and Resolution have years of experience helping clients in the Ashland, Massachusetts and surrounding areas take charge of their divorces. 
- [Service Areas](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/service-areas/): Ashland Divorce Attorney
- [Why Choose Us](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/why-choose-us/): Divorce and family law are what we do at Next Phase Legal & Dispute Resolution. Unlike many firms, we do not divide our attention between different practice areas. Your attorney or mediator provides personalized service to help support your goals, while helping you avoid expensive litigation whenever possible.
- [How We Charge](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/how-we-charge/): At Next Phase, our transparent fee options differentiate us from competitors. We have some strong opinions about hourly billing vs. flat fees, and we have yet to meet the client that ends up liking hourly billing as a case moves along.
- [How to Get Started On Your Next Phase](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/get-started/): Taking this first step toward divorce is a big deal. We understand that. You've thought things through, and you're ready to move forward and make some changes for the better. There's a good chance you haven't hired a divorce or family mediator or lawyer before now, so let's demystify the basic steps so you know how it all works from when you first contact us.
- [Considering Mediation vs. Divorce?](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/considering-mediation-vs-divorce/)
- [Zoom](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/zoom/): Made with Zoom
- [Next Phase Legal Team](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/about-us/attorneys/): Attorney and Mediator Stephen McDonough is the founder of Next Phase Legal and works closely with clients facing divorce and other family conflict.
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/privacy-policy/): An anonymized string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service to see if you are using it. The Gravatar service privacy policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/. After approval of your comment, your profile picture is visible to the public in the context of your comment.
- [Stephen F. McDonough](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/about-us/stephen-mcdonough/): Attorney and Mediator Stephen McDonough is the founder of Next Phase Legal & Dispute Resolution and works closely with clients facing divorce and other family conflict. He is a certified mediator through the Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation, a designation that only about 11% of mediators in Massachusetts hold, and a trained collaborative attorney. In addition to providing mediation services, Stephen appears in Massachusetts Probate and Family Courts on behalf of clients involved in court-based cases. He is also a conciliator and parenting coordinator.
- [Anti-Spam](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/anti-spam/): We have a strict policy against spamming. We forbid the sending of unsolicited bulk emails or emails of any kind in connection with the marketing of our websites or attorneys.
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/privacy-policy-2/)
- [Terms of Use](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/terms-of-use/)
- [Directions to Next Phase Legal & Dispute Resolution LLC in Norfolk, MA](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/contact-us/next-phase-legal-norfolk-ma-lawyers-mediators/): Our main office is located at 65 Holbrook Street, Suite 270, in Norfolk, MA 02056. The development is known as River's Edge.
- [Why Should You Refer Your Clients to Next Phase Legal?](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/contact-us/referring-therapists/): We receive many referrals from therapists and other mental health professionals throughout the Greater Boston area. Most mental health experts appreciate that their clients will benefit from a less stressful process when faced with conflict. Oftentimes, their clients are facing a divorce or other family law issues.
- [ADR Providers | Next Phase Legal and Dispute Resolution of Norfolk, MA](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/contact-us/referring-lawyer/): For more information about working and/or referring to us, please contact Stephen McDonough at Next Phase Legal at (508) 359-4043.
- [Location](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/contact-us/locations/): (508) 359-4043
- [Causes We Support](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/causes-we-support/): We are pleased to be a member and/or a sponsor of the following charitable organizations and events:
- [Testimonials](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/testimonials/): "Anyone looking for a divorce lawyer is probably not in a situation that they ever hoped to find themselves.. the process is not easy and is definitely uncomfortable. That being said having a good legal representation is critical. Being able to talk to someone you trust and you know has your best interests at hand is not only welcome but can bring comfort.
- [Legal Fees](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/about-us/fees/): You probably have heard stories or even know someone that spent enormous sums on their Massachusetts divorce or other family law matter. Getting into an expensive divorce war is almost always a mistake.   High conflict cases are usually driven by emotions, and mixing emotions and important financial decisions tends to be a bad combination.  Even when a divorce or other matter is concluded, it is common that litigants continue to spar and file additional pleadings, further increasing legal fees.
- [How Should You Resolve Your Case?](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/services/conciliation/process-options/): When it comes to resolving your divorce or other family law challenges, you have some options regarding HOW your case will get resolved. In a big-picture sense, consider whether you want to maintain more control over decision making (mediation, negotiaition), or turn decision making over to someone else (such as a judge).  Unfortunately, if the other involved party refuses to participate in alternatives, this decision may be made for you and you most likely end up in court.  It is usually best to discuss these options early on with your spouse or the other involved party whenever possible.  Futhermore, some (but not most) situations are just not a good fit for dispute resolution methods.  For example, the presence of domestic violence can make mediation a poor option. 
- [Areas We Serve](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/about-us/areas-we-serve/): Our office is located in Norfolk County, at 65 Holbrook St, Suite 270, in Norfolk, Massachusetts.  Yes, Norfolk is also a town, near Foxboro, Franklin, and Walpole!
- [Initial Consultation FAQs](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/about-us/initial-consultations/): We expect most people are nervous when they walk through our door or log onto their device if a video consultation.  Remember, this stage is about your gathering helpful information and learning about your options. There is no pressure to do anything. It is not that uncommon that we meet with someone but they do not move forward for weeks or even months later.
- [About Our Firm](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/about-us/): Next Phase Legal & Dispute Resolution LLC (NPL) is a Massachusetts family law and estate planning law firm located at 65 Holbrook Street, Suite 270, in Norfolk, MA.  Much of the firm's divorce and family law work focuses on dispute resolution instead of expensive litigation. We're pleased to offer mediation, conciliation, parenting coordination, and settlement counsel services as efficient and less-adversarial options to litigation.
- [Legal Representation – MA Divorce and Family Law](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/services/legal-representation/): There are a variety of process options available and different types of legal representation for your MA divorce or family law matter.  Although television and movies focus on court and litigation, the vast majority of Massachusetts family law cases resolve without a trial.  In Massachusetts family law cases, whether divorce, child support, parenting, or custody disputes, there tend to be more hearings than formal trials.
- [Dispute Resolution – Advantages over Litigation](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/services/dispute-resolution-advantages-over-litigation/): In litigation, as in combat, neither side escapes unscathed!
- [Dispute Resolution Lawyer](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/services/dispute-resolution-lawyer/): Other divorce mediators and lawyers may make claims for advertising purposes that are simply not true, misleading, or not based upon fact.  You should understand that non-lawyer mediators are not required to follow the strict rules of professional conduct that Massachusetts attorneys must follow, and some may use this to their advantage when it comes to advertising and promoting their business.
- [Case Evaluation](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/services/case-evaluation/): Case evaluation is another form of ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) where a neutral person attempts to assist the parties with settlement. Case evaluation provides a reality check to those involved, and may be most helpful earlier in the process although it can be initiated at any point during a dispute.
- [Alternative Dispute Resolution](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/services/civil-disputes/): When you hear that one person (or another entity) is suing another party, then it is a civil action. If you have a civil case, an important consideration is how to navigate towards a resolution. Massachusetts state or federal courts are options, but not the only choices.  Alternative forms of dispute resolution may serve your needs better, including mediation and arbitration.  The total cost of litigation is high, including legal fees, expert fees, stress, your time, and other factors.  Litigation moves slowly, and you may want to seek out a faster resolution.
- [How to Achieve Your Best Possible Outcome?](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/litigation-alternatives/): Is litigation the best option for your divorce or other family law case?
- [MA Probate & Family Court Information](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/services/ma-probate-family-court-information/): If you are reading this page, maybe you have your uncontested divorce hearing coming up following your divorce mediation, or perhaps you have a hearing scheduled at one of the Probate and Family Courts in Massachusetts? This page is meant to provide information on the different probate and family courts in Massachusetts. Sometimes information changes, so we will certainly try and keep the information here up to date. To be safe, we encourage you to confirm any specific information with the court's website.
- [Helpful Resources For Massachusetts Parents Living Apart](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/services/co-parenting-resources/): Parenting is a lot of work, even under the best circumstances. When parents are separated or divorced, additional challenges present themselves. Co-parenting isn't a contest. Rather, co-parenting is a team exercise and it requires both parents to use some essential teamwork skills, including timely and respectful communications, flexibility, responsibility, and accountability.
- [Do it Mostly Yourself – Limited Assistance Representation](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/services/do-it-yourself/diym-form/): Name* Email* Phone*How would you like to be contacted? Phone Email How Can We Help?*Disclaimer* I AgreeSubmission of this form does not create any type of attorney-client relationship.CommentsThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Δ
- [Limited Assistance Representation Packages](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/services/do-it-yourself/packages/): Limited Assistance Representation (LAR) is also known as unbundled legal services. It differs from the traditional lawyer-client engagement where you hire a lawyer to handle all aspects of your legal matter. It is important that you understand the differences between LAR and traditional legal representation here in Massachusetts, so please take a moment and review our main LAR page here.
- [Do it Mostly Yourself – Limited Assistance Representation](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/services/do-it-yourself/): Thus, although full-service representation is the best option for a court-based case, it is a choice that more and more people just cannot afford.  Limited Assistance Representation (LAR) may be the best solution for your circumstances.
- [Collaborative Divorce](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/representative-case-collaborative-divorce/): Cheryl called our office to schedule an appointment. She wanted to understand her options and learn more about issues such as alimony and property division. Cheryl wanted a lawyer on her side during negotiations, and wanted to avoid a long court-battle. We reviewed the different ways to get through the divorce process, and Cheryl was felt a collaborative divorce would be the best alternative.
- [What Is Collaborative Law?](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/services/conciliation/collaborative-law-overview/): This frustration spurred the beginnings of the Collaborative Law process, now used around the globe to respectfully resolve various types of legal conflict.  although it began in 1990, collaborative law is still considered a new approach in the slow-moving legal world.  Under the collaborative model of dispute resolution, lawyers are retained to work cooperatively in an effort of reaching a resolution that is acceptable for both sides – without any court intervention or even the threat of court intervention.   The collaborative law process also encourages the use of neutral,non-lawyer professionals, whether financial experts or mental health professionals serving as neutral coaches and facilitators as part of the collaborative team.
- [Conciliation in Massachusetts](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/services/conciliation/): At the Massachusetts Probate and Family Courts, many counties offer free conciliation services in an effort to move cases along that are otherwise heading for trial.  Unlike mediation, conciliation occurs when a court case is already underway.  Usually the lawyers for the parties are also present during conciliation, which is uncommon during the Massachusetts divorce mediation process.
- [Family Mediation & Divorce](https://www.nextphaselegal.com/services/divorce-demystified/divorce-mediator/): Over 90% of court-based divorces settle before trial, but people use a lot of financial and emotional resources to get there. Why not work  towards fair settlement from the start and move on with your life?

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