Compassionate, experienced representation for divorce, child custody, alimony, modifications and restraining orders — in the Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk and Middlesex Probate Courts.
Request a Free Consultation Meet Maura Melcher
We prioritize our clients’ interests and work to secure the most favorable outcomes possible, so they can move forward with their lives.
Divorce is the legal process you follow to end your marriage. Whether you are deciding to file or have been served with divorce papers, working with an attorney who makes you comfortable and informed is the key to a process that is as smooth and efficient as possible.
Our attorneys have experience navigating divorces that include custody issues, domestic violence, substance abuse and other sensitive subjects. We help make decisions easier while keeping the financial burden of divorce in mind.
Our practice also covers nuptial agreements — pre-nuptial and post-nuptial.
The most contentious matter for divorcing parents is often who will gain custody of the children. The court decides based on what it determines is in the child’s “best interest,” and parenting plans can be complex and detailed.
In Massachusetts there are two types of custody: physical custody — the parent with whom the child lives — and legal custody — the parent who makes the major decisions about the child’s upbringing, often shared as joint legal custody.
An alimony lawyer can help you collect, or arrange, spousal support: a payment the earning spouse makes, if able, to support the financial needs of the spouse with lower income.
The court weighs factors including the length of the marriage, the health and income of each spouse, employment potential, the standard of living established during the marriage, and each spouse’s economic contribution. The Alimony Reform Act of 2012 provides for rehabilitative, reimbursement, transitional and general term alimony.
Life changes, and a fair judgment today may be unjust tomorrow. If there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances — a significant change in income, a parenting plan that no longer serves the child’s best interests, or an illness or disability — you may be entitled to a modification of custody, child support or alimony.
Even when both parties agree, it is always better to submit the change to the court for approval so both are protected. We also defend against modifications sought by the other side.
You need someone trustworthy, who is willing to listen and who will protect your rights, your children, your assets, and even your freedom. Our attorneys handle child custody, divorces, modification actions, restraining orders, alimony and other matters that arise in the probate court.
We listen to our clients’ needs and priorities above all else — sometimes you need the house, and sometimes peace of mind is what you value most. We weigh your options together, then work to realize your goals.
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 209A authorizes the court to grant restraining orders in certain cases of domestic abuse. To understand your rights under the statute — whether you are seeking an order to protect yourself or responding to one — you will want a 209A restraining order lawyer on your side.
Integrity and compassion that carry over into her law practice.
Maura appears regularly in the Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk and Middlesex Probate Courts and has argued several cases at the Massachusetts Court of Appeals. Her attention to detail, ability to read a situation, and negotiating skills give her clients the advantage in any and all venues.
She acts as a non-partisan election monitor in national elections and sits on the board of The Fuller Craft Museum.
Begin Your Inquiry“She is an excellent attorney! Maura is extremely professional, intelligent, and her knowledge of family law is outstanding. I have never met a more genuinely kind, compassionate and empathetic person.”
“There is no good outcome in divorce, but Maura helped to ensure the outcome for my children was a positive one.”
“She researches the law and spends more than enough time preparing. The best of the best. Always responds to questions or concerns in a timely manner.”
We learn what each client’s goal is and help them envision their best version of the future. Then we help you navigate a path forward.
Appears regularly in the Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk and Middlesex Probate Courts; J.D., New England Law | Boston.
Practiced for many years in Texas, including more than a decade as a Municipal Judge, before joining the Massachusetts bar. Focuses on family law and divorce. Principal Attorney at Logan & Logan LLP in Quincy.
Leads operations at Melcher Law PC. Formerly owned a mid-sized real estate brokerage in downtown Boston. An avid sailor, photographer and live music fan.
Also on the team: Michael Ilin, Associate Attorney · Erin Murphy, Katherine Manuel & Mikayla Ribeiro, Paralegals
The attorneys at Melcher Law PC have more than seven decades of combined legal experience.
We prioritize communication. Whenever you have a question, we guarantee your call will be returned within 24 hours.
We take the time to get to know you, your needs and your concerns, so that we can help you reach a positive resolution.
Please do not send confidential or time-sensitive information by email until an attorney-client relationship is established.