About Us

Even better, with a laser-like focus on a single practice area of family law, one thing is for sure: our team has earned the reputation as the Boston child custody attorneys. Click on a link below for more details of what we have to offer.

1. About the Firm
2. Meet the Team

About the Firm

A subsidiary of The Massachusetts Family Law Group, its founder, Attorney Irwin M. Pollack established a child custody practice area to enable men and women of medium-to-high net worth to develop strategies for getting what they want and deserve as it relates to custody, visitation and parenting arrangements with their children.

If you are looking for a less expensive "cookie cutter" approach to handling your child custody matter, you will not find it from Attorney Pollack. The attorneys at the firm believe that each set of facts is unique and therefore deserves to be handled strategically. Like the pieces of a puzzle, the attorneys handle each piece and strategically interlock it with the others until they get the fairest resolution in any child custody or parenting case.

Clients of the Boston child custody attorneys come from all walks of life. The attorneys have successfully represented business owners, athletes, moms, dads, celebrities, professionals, senior citizens and even young children throughout Massachusetts and across New England.

When any divorce action relates to children, custody, visitation or parenting plans, clients who come to see the attorneys want their interests and the interests of their children aggressively championed.

With their main office in Dedham, the attorneys regularly schedule client meetings starting each weekday at 5 a.m. Consultations are also available in Worcester or Plymouth/Cape Cod, or on a weekend-only basis, Attorney Pollack also meets clients in Andover at the Massachusetts School of Law, where he is an adjunct faculty member.

Learn more about our parent firm, or our regional offices in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth or on Cape Cod. For a no-obligation consultation, contact us today.

Meet the Team

IRWIN M. POLLACK,
Founder & Lead Attorney

Irwin M. Pollack, the founding partner of The Massachusetts Family Law Group, is a focused and goal-oriented strategic thinker who works on cases of contested divorce, business matters involving asset values of $1,000,000 or more, child custody cases (helping clients with both custody risk factors and evaluations), modifications, and issues relating to reducing alimony and imputing income to voluntarily underemployed spouses.

Ask him and he’ll tell you that one of the most appealing aspects of family law is the variety it offers. “Every case is different,” Attorney Pollack says. “On any given day I could be dealing with fathers’ rights in Boston, custody and parenting plans in Worcester or child support on the Cape or in any of our six offices across Massachusetts.”

An unwavering advocate for his clients, Attorney Pollack would rather divide assets than assign blame for a failed marriage. Many millionaire divorces end-up in his hands.  Some say that Pollack’s commitment to fathers’ rights is unmatched; he’s the first person anyone with divorce, support or custody issues should seek out.

Attorney Pollack exhibits straight-forwardness and integrity in a field often ridiculed as being populated with vultures preying on the weak. One client said, “Irwin is extremely kind, competent, and caring.  He actually bills honest hours, does not run up the bill, and finds the right strategy for the problem.”

Attorney Pollack has two qualities that clients like – he’s relatively inexpensive in comparison to most, and he doesn’t waste time. His philosophy is to resolve cases in the most cost-efficient manner and still achieve a reasonable objective. Pollack regularly rejects cases he considers outlandish, such as that of the father who traveled 200 days a year and wanted to file for sole custody.

His billing rate – $325 an hour – is considerably less than you might pay for legal fees at a large Boston law firm. His past clients rave about how this adjunct faculty member from The Massachusetts School of Law at Andover shares divorce secrets with clients, offers invaluable advice such as the importance of and is quick to sum up a case and, unlike many of his better-known peers, settles cases with ease.

A guy with street smarts who went through a messy divorce himself, Pollack, 47, knows the game. Nine times out of ten, he tries to reduce the animosity between the parties and settle the case amicably, for the long-term benefit of his client. But if the other party is unreasonable or unrealistic about their expectations, he is just as able to take them to court where he’ll act as a strong, faithful advocate for his client. He is able to change gears between personal compassion and toughness whenever necessary.

If your spouse walks into a deposition with Attorney Pollack, you know you’re in trouble. Thorough and brutal when he needs to be, Pollack can be one of the most feared divorce lawyers across Massachusetts.  He has an impressive business background and spots hidden assets and family-owned business problems in divorce in record time. 

The verdict on him is split among fellow attorneys – those who work cooperatively claim how he’s reasonable, while those who are contentious by nature dread having to deal with him or the most common motions he files in court.  

Clients worship him. In nasty divorces where parties want blood, most of his clients come away satisfied especially as it relates to how divorce effects children, cases where one parent wants to move away, allegations of abuse or drug use or those associated with bad mouthing, bashing and brainwashing from a former spouse.

Working hand-in-hand with each of the firm’s attorneys, Attorney Pollack begins client conferences as early as 5 o’clock each morning and has been known to meet clients over the weekend when necessary. He represents clients in each of the 351 towns and cities in Massachusetts.

During the past year, Attorney Pollack logged more than 30,000 miles on Massachusetts highways traveling to and from offices in Dedham, Andover, Worcester, Springfield, Plymouth and on Cape Cod. He appeared before 31 Probate and Family Court judges and seven First Justices. He has appeared in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly and Boston Magazine. He’s been heard on radio stations across the Commonwealth and produced two different CD programs relating to divorce and child custody-related matters. 

As a young boy growing up in Los Angeles, Irwin spent his summer vacations taking public transportation to courtrooms to watch trials. It was a form of entertainment at the time, but it sowed the seeds of interest in a man who has become fast on his feet, a quick study of small business and entrepreneurship, and fiercely determined.

Attorney Pollack is member in good standing of both the Massachusetts and Connecticut Bars.

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STACEY D. EACHUS,
Sr. Attorney (Southern Mass)

Attorney Stacey D. Eachus has taken on dozens of high-profile divorce cases and emerged all over Southern Massachusetts and Cape Cod as the go-to “no-nonsense” divorce lawyer when it comes to divorce, custody and parenting plans, guardianships, paternity actions, grandparent visitation cases, and aggressive defense against claims made by The Department of Social Services (DSS).

Quickly earning the reputation as competent and aggressive, while at the same time highly compassionate, Attorney Eachus gives prospective clients her best advice when they seek divorce guidance and family law advice in her no-obligation consultation:  “Being informed and educated is priority one!” she insists. 

Prior to accepting any new case, Stacey and her team of family attorneys and paralegals in Southern Massachusetts insist that their clients develop a divorce plan or strategy, and become the manager of their own divorce case.  The first homework assignment they give new clients is simple:

1.  Put your divorce papers in order
2.  Keep an expense journal
3.  Establish credit
4.  Open a bank account in your name
5.  Keep inheritances separate
6.  Keep your documents secure
7.  Don’t leave the marital home
8.  Keep good records – child care, child expenses, support, payments, etc.
9.  Prepare your spouse
10. Be willing to file first!

Attorney Eachus would rather help more clients resolve their cases than work continuously with fewer clients who are locked in never-ending battles.  She has the determination, wisdom, and moral fortitude to search for creative ways to end senseless acrimony and reduce conflict between parties.

As a resident of Plymouth County for most of her life, Stacey has an affection and understanding of the area, as well as the Cape counties.  She has appeared before 6 of the 7 judges in Plymouth and Barnstable counties, and has been complimented on her work by the judges.

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MARIA M. RIVERA-ORTIZ
Sr. Attorney (Worcester & West Mass)

Maria M. Rivera-Ortiz leads The Massachusetts Family Law Group’s efforts in Worcester and across Western Massachusetts.  Prior to joining MFLG, Attorney Rivera-Ortiz was an attorney in the Family Law Unit by the Legal Assistance Corporation of Central Massachusetts and also an Assistant District Attorney for Worcester County prosecuting domestic violence cases. 

Quite often, prospective clients come to Maria when questions arise about alimony and spousal support.  Attorney Rivera-Ortiz gives prospective clients the bottom line:  “Alimony gets treated differently from child support on your tax return.  Alimony is tax deductible to the person who pays it, and included in the taxable income of the person who receives it.  Child support, by contrast, is not taxable to the person who receives it and not tax deductible to the person who pays it.  That means that when you and your spouse have dramatically different incomes, there may be some tax advantages to using alimony, even if a judge in Worcester, Springfield or Northampton wouldn’t ordinarily award it.”

A good portion of Maria’s clients find her as they contemplate a change in attorneys.  She makes her position clear:  “If your divorce is not progressing the way you had hoped, or you’re frustrated with the lack of communication between you and your lawyer, you do have a right to make a change.  You do not want to choose your lawyer lightly, but you are not obligated to stay where your needs are not being met.”  As the word spreads about Maria’s stellar client service, she beams like a Christmas tree saying, “Getting my clients to the next stage of their life is Priority Number One to me!”

As a graduate of Boston College and Suffolk University Law School, Attorney Rivera-Ortiz is admitted to practice in Massachusetts and the federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court.  She is an active member of the Worcester Bar Association.

Attorney Rivera-Ortiz offers an important advantage to her Spanish-speaking clients.  When you come to Maria’s office, you can speak directly with your lawyer in your native language, rather than through a translator.

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RITA DeMILIA,
Director of Operations

In developing The Massachusetts Family Law Group, Attorney Irwin M. Pollack knew the firm needed a leader on the inside who would be considered the rock star of the firm, complete with adoring employees, treasured clients and, in some cases, the ability to stand up to him and convince him that he should handle the law and clients on the outside while somebody should navigate the business on the inside.

When Rita DeMilia joined the firm, Attorney Pollack announced her arrival by saying, “Throughout history, certain people have plied their knowledge of business to help others learn the ins and outs of success.  They’ve stepped inside companies to offer wisdom about time management, human relations, slashing costs, or motivating the troops.  While law firms have yet to be run as businesses first, MFLG must be a leader in this arena, and when it comes to Rita DeMilia’s track record, she’s going to help our lawyers, clients and business model make it to the top.”

Rita has an impressive 20 year background in business management.  And while her background is in the manufacturing and distribution industries, Attorney Pollack was impressed with her desire, and ability, to work under enormous pressure to produce results.  On her first interview, Pollack remembers how Rita said, “Anything – an idea, a tool, a word – that can keep us ahead of the pack is fair game.”

On a daily basis, Rita admits that she gets paid to analyze complex situations and recommend a course of action.  On top of that, Attorney Pollack wants answers, not a long story.  He and the firm focus on courses of action and solutions they can implement tomorrow, not a 300 page book.  That’s why Rita DeMilia was put at the top of the pack.

Having been through the divorce process herself, and being a single mother of two young children, Rita was both intrigued and touched by the fact that Attorney Pollack puts the best interest of the children first.  Somewhere throughout every day, you will hear her say, “Don’t forget, it’s all about the children!”

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PATTY HALL,
Chief Paralegal

Regarded as one of the most accomplished paralegals of
the Massachusetts Bar, Patty Hall shows no signs of slowing down as she heads into her 19th year of domestic relations work.

Upon retaining the firm, Patty gets clients up-to-speed faster as it relates to their financial statement, discovery, worksheets and learning about the entire court process step-by-step.

Given the firm’s high-worth clients, Patty is Attorney Pollack’s “go-to person and right hand” when it comes to engaging forensic accountants, business valuation experts, or even the nebulous matter of pricing and splitting goodwill.

Some of the best stories Hall shares are about the times she and Attorney Pollack meet – as early as 4:30 or 5 o’clock in the morning – as they prepare for trial.  The two are a real team because word has it that Attorney Pollack won’t go into a deposition or head to trial without Patty at his side.

After working at Boston law firms for years, Patty is proud to be working in her home town of Dedham.  “The only reason we have a Dedham office is because if we were to ever leave, Patty wouldn’t be a part of our family,” Attorney Pollack says with a smile. 

The two of them have their weekly ritual as they share their weekly lottery ticket every Friday morning.

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RENEE MAHONEY
Paralegal

Renee Mahoney joined The Massachusetts Family Law Group in 2007, bringing with her the reputation as one of the brightest minds in the legal community.

Her area of practice is domestic relations where emotions run high and clients are living through the worst time of their lives, and Renee insists she finds the practice very satisfying.

Serving as paralegal, Renee is an essential part of the firm helping clients get through the Pre-Filing stage, money matters and sensitive issues relating to children and divorce.

Starting her day at 6am, Renee is the often the first voice to greet clients.  One thing is for certain – she’s the only one who volunteers to help Attorney Pollack each morning with his routine of tracking where all the attorneys are, reminding him of where he has to go himself and reassuring him that “everything will be just fine!” 

Her favorite part of the job is helping clients and sharing Attorney Pollack’s divorce secrets for women.

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Contact us about your legal matter today!