We understand the complex financial aspects of matrimonial law, such as sophisticated asset valuation issues, complex compensation structures, and can recognize potential tax consequences of support payments and property division. We regularly negotiate and prepare premarital agreements and postnuptial agreements to protect existing assets, family trusts, inheritances, ownership in closely held businesses, and real properties in the event of divorce or death of a spouse. In addition, we are well-versed in the evolving area of law involving same-sex marriages and legal issues involving domestic partnerships.

Few human problems are as emotional, complicated, or important as those that clients bring to our Family Law attorneys. At Conn Kavanaugh, we approach these human problems with the confidence and skill that comes from our extensive experience and reputation in the field. We understand that the well-being of children, economic stability, and effective representation are just a few of the paramount concerns of our clients. We also understand the importance of accessibility to clients when they need us the most.  

Family Law disputes frequently occur in a volatile and emotionally charged atmosphere. At Conn Kavanaugh, we bring a calm, dignified advocacy role to these matters. The problems and expense of family law proceedings can be daunting and should be handled by experienced practitioners who cut through complex issues, offer creative solutions, and articulate these solutions to the other side or to a court if necessary.

Effective advocacy for a client means considering, with the client, what is in the client’s best interest and then determining the most effective means to achieve that result. Experience and ability are the hallmarks of the Conn Kavanaugh family law attorneys.

Our Family Law attorneys serve many functions. Often the appropriate role is a skilled litigator – the person who can help clients achieve their goals in court. Our formidable trial reputation enhances our effectiveness in any negotiations to bring reason and resolution to complex and contentious issues – before they have to be tried in court. Effective courtroom advocacy demands the very highest skills.  

Conn Kavanaugh’s attorneys stand out in those instances where the appropriate role is to negotiate or resolve differences by way of settlement. Outside the courtroom, our attorneys take a counseling, problem-solving approach for clients in resolving difficult issues and conflicts. In addition to advocacy, our attorneys are well-versed in the problem-solving involved in negotiations.

Frequently in divorce proceedings or other family law matters, it is necessary to work closely with other professionals to provide our clients with multidisciplinary services. Our attorneys have significant experience dealing with valuation experts, medical providers, and financial advisors.

Representative Matters:

• Resolved a divorce action involving complex compensation, over $6 Million in assets, and properties held in trust. 
• Negotiated a prenuptial agreement involving over $25 Million in assets to provide our client with substantial security in event of divorce.  
• Uncovered hidden bank accounts and secret double life of client’s divorcing spouse.
• Successfully argued against depriving our client of parenting time with his children when he was falsely accused of abuse by a disgruntled former spouse. 
• Engaged experts to testify and advise on matters such as business valuations, compensation structures, parental alienation, and appropriate parenting plans in domestic abuse cases.  
• Settled a divorce matter upholding the terms of a prenuptial agreement and protecting our client’s substantial premarital assets.  
• Worked with our client and the Department of Children and Families to address allegations of child abuse.  
• Appointed as Guardian ad Litem by the Justices of the Probate & Family Court to investigate facts and make recommendations on matters that implicate the rights of minor children.  
• In a divorce action we represented the husband who was principal of an investment advisory firm.  The issues were valuation of his interest in the firm, including whether personal good will was to be considered in the valuation and whether his income received from the company would be used in the valuation of the company and then used to determine the level of alimony – the classic “double dipping.”  We were able to convince the court that the valuation of the business had to be discounted and we were also able to convince the trial judge that the alimony component for the wife had to be tied in to her “needs,” not a percentage of the husband’s income.  A very good result for the client.  This case is typical of valuation issues, particularly of closely held corporations, and the ongoing issues of double dipping and good will in Massachusetts.