Masterson Law
The Law Offices of Venessa Masterson
and Associates
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Two wedding rings on a wooden table by a window
Practice Area

Divorce & Family Law

Compassionate, personalized representation for divorce, custody, and the next chapter of your family's life.

Call (978) 323-7880Confidential Consultation
Why It Matters

A Compassionate Attorney Can Make a Difference

Divorce proceedings are emotionally stressful and challenging due to the social, financial, and emotional impacts on everyone in the family. For many of us, our family life and the relationships we hold dearly form the foundation of who we are.

Families going through divorce and custody battles face complicated decisions that are often difficult to make. Parents and spouses must consider the best interests of their children, which can lead to uncertainty. In times like these, a good family law attorney can make a difference.

At The Law Offices of Venessa Masterson & Associates, PLLC, we take a highly personalized approach to family law. We listen, help you understand your rights, explain the various custody arrangements within the law, and help you formulate the best possible plan to obtain the results you deserve.

Our Approach to You
  • Sensitivity
    Handled with the care this chapter of your life deserves.
  • Personal Attention
    You work directly with Attorney Masterson — start to finish.
  • Honest Counsel
    Clear facts, never false hope. You decide with confidence.
  • Economical Approach
    Reasonable fees with payment plans you can actually manage.
Attorney offering compassionate counsel to a client
Personal
Approach
Flexible
Payment Plans
20+
Years Practicing

"Attorney Venessa Masterson holds a high level of professionalism and has a human touch to all her work. She went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable with the legal decisions I made during my case. She is a big advocate for her clients."

— Katie
What We Handle

Divorce & Family Law Services

Contested & Uncontested Divorce
Service 01
Service 01

Contested & Uncontested Divorce

Whether you and your spouse agree on the path forward or you're facing a contentious split, we guide you through every filing, hearing, and negotiation — handled with the sensitivity and rationality the moment demands.

What's Included
  • Contested divorce litigation
  • Uncontested (joint petition) divorce
  • Marriage annulment proceedings
  • Name change petitions
  • No-fault and fault-based filings
  • Settlement negotiation and mediation support
Who We Represent
SpousesPetitionersRespondentsJoint Filers
Custody, Support & Guardianship
Service 02
Service 02

Custody, Support & Guardianship

When children are involved, every decision matters. We help parents understand custody arrangements under Massachusetts law and craft plans that protect the best interests of the children — without losing sight of you.

What's Included
  • Legal and physical custody arrangements
  • Parenting plans and visitation schedules
  • Child support calculation and enforcement
  • Spousal support / alimony
  • Adult and minor guardianship
  • Modifications as circumstances change
Who We Represent
ParentsCustodial GuardiansGrandparentsChildren's Best Interests
Property Division & Modifications
Service 03
Service 03

Property Division & Modifications

Marital property, retirement accounts, debts, and the family home all need fair treatment. We work to secure equitable division — and stand ready to enforce or modify orders when life changes after the decree.

What's Included
  • Property and asset division
  • Retirement and pension division (QDROs)
  • Allocation of marital debts
  • Post-divorce judgment modifications
  • Contempt actions on divorce judgments
  • Enforcement of court orders
Who We Represent
HomeownersWorking SpousesStay-at-Home ParentsRetirees
Understanding Divorce

What to Expect

Grounds for Divorce

Massachusetts allows no-fault and fault divorces. No-fault simply requires a showing that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Fault-based divorce litigates who is responsible and can affect property and damage awards.

Divorce Timeline

There's no fixed timeline, but the minimum is roughly 90 days due to the statutory waiting period. Reaching agreement on property, custody, and support shortens the process — your attorney helps move things along smoothly.

Cost of Divorce

Costs depend on the type of divorce, time spent negotiating or mediating, whether you have children, and other factors. Most cases range from $2,500 to $20,000+. We'll give you a realistic estimate at your consultation.

Finalizing the Divorce

A divorce becomes final 90 days after a judge signs the Judgment of Divorce. Modifications later require either both parties' agreement or a Complaint for Modification showing a material change in circumstances.

Call (978) 323-7880 Today
Children First

When Kids Are Involved, the Stakes Are Higher

Custody and support orders shape your child's day-to-day life for years. We help you understand legal vs. physical custody, build a parenting plan that works, and protect what matters most — without losing sight of you in the process.

Confidential Consultation — (978) 323-7880
Client Voices

What Our Clients Say

4.9 ★ from 124+ Google Reviews
Leave a Google Review

"I had a pleasant experience working with attorney Venessa Masterson. She holds a high level of professionalism and has a human touch to all her work. She went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable with the legal decisions I made during my case. She is a big advocate for her clients which is a plus!"

Katie
Posted on Google
K

"She fought hard for me and my daughter and my daughter is with me today because of her. If you are looking for someone who honestly cares for your interest more than money, then she can be your attorney too."

NilK
Posted on Google
N

"Attorney Masterson is a true professional to work with. She will listen to what you have to say and provide you the best advice to move forward with. I highly recommend her."

Mark F.
Posted on Google
M

"Consider yourself lucky coming into contact with Venessa. Besides being excellent at delivering results with reasonable costs, she also takes the time to get the big picture and genuinely cares about you as a human being — not just a client."

Will O.
Posted on Google
W

"Vanessa Masterson is one of the most talented lawyers I have ever come across. She is responsive, knowledgeable, always kept me informed with my case. I highly recommend her."

Marian
Posted on Google
M

"This is a very true example of professionalism, knowledge and law experience; which is exactly what we needed for our family case. Vanessa took our case very seriously. Her staff were very helpful and consistent with great communication. Highly recommend!"

Romel B.
Posted on Google
R

"Attorney Venessa Masterson is highly recommended. She has the best and most reasonable prices around, very straightforward, highly intelligent. She does not waste your time or money and gets things done right."

Sara C.
Posted on Google
S

"Professional, knowledgeable representation at a great value. Venessa was responsive and took great time explaining the process with me. She acted as my advocate and wasn't afraid to follow up when needed."

Kiley N.
Posted on Google
K

"I had a pleasant experience working with attorney Venessa Masterson. She holds a high level of professionalism and has a human touch to all her work. She went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable with the legal decisions I made during my case. She is a big advocate for her clients which is a plus!"

Katie
Posted on Google
K

"She fought hard for me and my daughter and my daughter is with me today because of her. If you are looking for someone who honestly cares for your interest more than money, then she can be your attorney too."

NilK
Posted on Google
N

"Attorney Masterson is a true professional to work with. She will listen to what you have to say and provide you the best advice to move forward with. I highly recommend her."

Mark F.
Posted on Google
M

"Consider yourself lucky coming into contact with Venessa. Besides being excellent at delivering results with reasonable costs, she also takes the time to get the big picture and genuinely cares about you as a human being — not just a client."

Will O.
Posted on Google
W

"Vanessa Masterson is one of the most talented lawyers I have ever come across. She is responsive, knowledgeable, always kept me informed with my case. I highly recommend her."

Marian
Posted on Google
M

"This is a very true example of professionalism, knowledge and law experience; which is exactly what we needed for our family case. Vanessa took our case very seriously. Her staff were very helpful and consistent with great communication. Highly recommend!"

Romel B.
Posted on Google
R

"Attorney Venessa Masterson is highly recommended. She has the best and most reasonable prices around, very straightforward, highly intelligent. She does not waste your time or money and gets things done right."

Sara C.
Posted on Google
S

"Professional, knowledgeable representation at a great value. Venessa was responsive and took great time explaining the process with me. She acted as my advocate and wasn't afraid to follow up when needed."

Kiley N.
Posted on Google
K
Frequently Asked

Divorce Questions

Honest answers from a family law attorney who treats people like people.

How long does a divorce take in Massachusetts?

There is no fixed timeline, but the minimum is approximately 90 days because of Massachusetts' statutory waiting period. Reaching agreement with your spouse on property, custody, and support significantly speeds the process; contested matters can take a year or more.

What's the difference between contested and uncontested divorce?

An uncontested (joint petition) divorce is filed when both spouses agree on all major terms — division, custody, and support. A contested divorce is litigated when spouses cannot agree and the court must decide one or more issues.

What does a divorce typically cost?

Costs vary by complexity. An uncomplicated uncontested case may cost a few thousand dollars; contested cases involving litigation, custody disputes, or complex assets can range from $2,500 to $20,000+. We discuss expected costs at your consultation.

How is custody decided?

Massachusetts courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child, considering each parent's involvement, stability, and ability to co-parent. We help you understand legal vs. physical custody and build a parenting plan that protects your relationship with your child.

How is property divided?

Massachusetts is an equitable-distribution state, which means marital property is divided fairly — not necessarily equally. The court considers length of marriage, contributions of each spouse, future needs, and other factors. Retirement accounts often require a QDRO.

Can a divorce judgment be modified later?

Yes. Custody, child support, and alimony orders can be modified if circumstances materially change. If both parties agree, modifications can be submitted by stipulation. Otherwise, you'll need to file a Complaint for Modification.

Do I have to go to court?

Many divorces resolve through negotiation or mediation without a trial. When court appearances are needed — for status conferences, hearings, or trial — we prepare you thoroughly and advocate aggressively on your behalf.

Speak With the Attorney

Contact Attorney Masterson

Attorney Venessa M. Masterson
Venessa M. Masterson, Esq.
Family Law Attorney · MA Bar Since 2006

Whether you're filing, responding, or modifying an existing order — let's talk. Confidential consultations available today.

Call Direct
(978) 323-7880
Email
info@mastersonlawoffices.com
Office
385 Gorham St Suite #1, Lowell, MA 01852
Hours
Mon–Fri · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Call (978) 323-7880Confidential Consultation
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