Filter by

Stephen F. McDonough, experienced Estate Planning, Family Law attorney in Norfolk, MA with 54 reviews
Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
43,96
star star star star star
4.9/5
Avvo
5.0
20 Reviews
Google Maps
4.9
34 Reviews
star star star star star
06 Jun, 2024 by Jennifer shammas
My husband admitted to threatening to kill me in front our mediator at Next Phase Legal, the mediator quit a month later. I asked for the documents showing that my husband admitted this and I was told by the owner via email to file a restraining order if I feel threatened and refused to give me the documents. Added after owner commented: The comments written by the owner in response are not accurate and I can post photos of emails and our correspondence so you can make an informed decision to choose or not to choose this mediation firm.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
02 Jan, 2024 by Brenda glover
Although no one wants to go thru a divorce, Stephen at NextPhase made the process seamless. He walked us thru the process and over the course of several meetings we discussed and came to an agreement on topics such as custody, child support, selling or keeping marital assets, life insurance, 401k, etc. I would recommend NextPhase for mediation.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
12 Oct, 2023 by Sara kane
I have worked with next phase legal to help me with my child custody case. Stephen and his paralegal Karen have been such big help in helping me with my case. I have worked with a lawyer in the past and she had told me that with my situation with getting full custody that she wouldn’t be able to help me. Stephen has helped me in so many ways and was very knowledgeable with ever question that I had asked. I had worked through the portal app that they have used and have received all my paperwork and documents. It was great being able to see everything that has been sent to the courts and back and forth. It helped me to keep track of my payments and was a great form of communication between us. I would highly suggest Stephen to everyone as an attorney and will be doing so if I need legal help in the future. i have gotten everything I had asked for in court and thank Stephen and Karen for that. thank you!!!
Read more Google Maps
See more
Kevin W. Fulcher, experienced Family Law attorney in Norfolk, MA with 34 reviews
Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
38,34
star star star star star
4.9/5
Google Maps
4.9
34 Reviews
star star star star star
06 Jun, 2024 by Jennifer shammas
My husband admitted to threatening to kill me in front our mediator at Next Phase Legal, the mediator quit a month later. I asked for the documents showing that my husband admitted this and I was told by the owner via email to file a restraining order if I feel threatened and refused to give me the documents. Added after owner commented: The comments written by the owner in response are not accurate and I can post photos of emails and our correspondence so you can make an informed decision to choose or not to choose this mediation firm.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
02 Jan, 2024 by Brenda glover
Although no one wants to go thru a divorce, Stephen at NextPhase made the process seamless. He walked us thru the process and over the course of several meetings we discussed and came to an agreement on topics such as custody, child support, selling or keeping marital assets, life insurance, 401k, etc. I would recommend NextPhase for mediation.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
12 Oct, 2023 by Sara kane
I have worked with next phase legal to help me with my child custody case. Stephen and his paralegal Karen have been such big help in helping me with my case. I have worked with a lawyer in the past and she had told me that with my situation with getting full custody that she wouldn’t be able to help me. Stephen has helped me in so many ways and was very knowledgeable with ever question that I had asked. I had worked through the portal app that they have used and have received all my paperwork and documents. It was great being able to see everything that has been sent to the courts and back and forth. It helped me to keep track of my payments and was a great form of communication between us. I would highly suggest Stephen to everyone as an attorney and will be doing so if I need legal help in the future. i have gotten everything I had asked for in court and thank Stephen and Karen for that. thank you!!!
Read more Google Maps
See more
Melanie Soloman, experienced Consumer Protection, Criminal Defense attorney in Norfolk, MA with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
7,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
See more
Cheryl Tracy, experienced  attorney in Norfolk, MA with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
See more
Frank Gaynor III, experienced  attorney in Norfolk, MA with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
See more
Robert Michael Griffin, experienced Civil Rights, Criminal Defense attorney in Norfolk, MA with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
See more
Frank A. Gaynor III, experienced Family Law attorney in Norfolk, MA with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
See more
Andrea J. Wagner, experienced Criminal Defense, Family Law attorney in Norfolk, MA with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
See more
Ralph P. Costanza Jr, experienced Civil Rights, Probate attorney in Norfolk, MA with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
See more
Lisa Cantoreggi Newell, experienced  attorney in Norfolk, MA with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
See more
Stephen F McDonough, experienced  attorney in Norfolk, MA with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
See more
Matthew Harper-Nixon, experienced  attorney in Norfolk, MA with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
See more
Lisa Cantoreggi Newell, experienced  attorney in Norfolk, MA with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
See more
Robert L. Murray Jr., experienced Bankruptcy, Business attorney in Norfolk, MA with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
See more
Paul Francis Denver, experienced Civil Rights, Insurance attorney in Norfolk, MA with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
See more
Timothy R. Martin, experienced  attorney in Norfolk, MA with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
See more
Kevin Anthony Anahory, experienced Government attorney in Norfolk, MA with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
See more
Emanuel D. Torti, experienced Business, Intellectual Property attorney in Norfolk, MA with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
See more
James E. Boudreau, experienced Business attorney in Norfolk, MA with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
See more
Victoria Brophey George, experienced  attorney in Norfolk, MA with  reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0/5
See more
Franca Dana Maiorano, experienced  attorney in Norfolk, MA with  reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0/5
See more
Kerry L. McKinney, experienced  attorney in Norfolk, MA with  reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0/5
See more
Lori Ann DeCola-Flint, experienced  attorney in Norfolk, MA with  reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0/5
See more
Marc O. Stahl, experienced  attorney in Norfolk, MA with  reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0/5
See more
Cara Ann Weddleton, experienced  attorney in Norfolk, MA with  reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0/5
See more
Dennis C. Hart, experienced  attorney in Norfolk, MA with  reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0/5
See more
Peter D. MacIntyre III, experienced  attorney in Norfolk, MA with  reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0/5
See more
Elizabeth J. Maitland, experienced  attorney in Norfolk, MA with  reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0/5
See more
Howard Rand, experienced  attorney in Norfolk, MA with  reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0/5
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers

Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer

When meeting with a lawyer for the first time, it's important to ask the right questions to understand their expertise and determine if they're the right fit for your legal needs. Here are some top questions to consider:

  1. What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in the specific area of law pertaining to your case.
  2. How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated costs?
    Understand the fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, retainer fees, and any additional expenses.
  3. What potential outcomes can I expect from my case?
    While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience.
  4. What is your approach to handling cases like mine?
    Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
  5. Who will be working on my case?
    Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals.
  6. How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
    Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times.
  7. What is the likely timeline for resolving my case?
    Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish.
  8. Do you have references from past clients?
    Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness.
  9. What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
    Understanding potential challenges helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations.
  10. Are there alternative ways to solve my legal problem?
    Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.

How to Check the Credibility of a Lawyer

Before hiring a lawyer, it's crucial to verify their credibility and ensure they're qualified to handle your case:

  1. Verify Their License:
    Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing.
  2. Experience and Specialization:
    Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case.
  3. Disciplinary Record:
    Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association.
  4. Client Reviews and Testimonials:
    Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to gauge client satisfaction.
  5. Professional Memberships:
    Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field.
  6. Awards and Recognitions:
    Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation.
  7. Consultation Assessment:
    Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns.
  8. Ask for References:
    A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your initial meeting with a lawyer, come prepared with:

  1. Relevant Documents:
    Bring all documents related to your case, such as contracts, correspondence, legal notices, court papers, or evidence.
  2. Written Summary:
    Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and involved parties.
  3. List of Questions:
    Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, or the lawyer's experience.
  4. Financial Information:
    If applicable, bring financial documents like pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements.
  5. Contact Information:
    Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case.
  6. Personal Identification:
    Bring a valid ID for verification purposes.
  7. Pen and Notebook:
    Take notes during the consultation to remember important points.
  8. Budget Constraints:
    Be ready to discuss your budget and any financial limitations.

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a lawyer varies widely based on several factors:

  • Fee Structures:
    • Hourly Rate:
      Lawyers may charge anywhere from $150 to $500 or more per hour, depending on experience and location.
    • Flat Fee:
      For routine legal services like drafting a will or handling an uncontested divorce, lawyers might offer a flat fee.
    • Retainer Fee:
      An upfront payment against which the lawyer bills hourly fees.
    • Contingency Fee:
      Common in personal injury cases; the lawyer receives a percentage (typically 25% to 40%) of any settlement or award.
    • Monthly Retainer:
      For ongoing services, businesses might pay a monthly fee for a set number of hours or services.
  • Factors Affecting Cost:
    • Complexity of the Case:
      More complex cases require more time and resources, increasing costs.
    • Lawyer's Experience:
      Highly experienced lawyers may charge higher fees.
    • Geographic Location:
      Legal fees can vary significantly by region or city.
    • Additional Expenses:
      Court filing fees, expert witness fees, travel expenses, and administrative costs may be extra.
  • Estimating Total Costs:
    Request a detailed fee agreement outlining all potential costs.
    Discuss any additional expenses that may arise during the case.
  • Negotiating Fees:
    Some lawyers may be willing to negotiate fees or offer payment plans, especially for clients with financial constraints.
  • Pro Bono Services:
    For those who cannot afford legal services, some lawyers or legal aid organizations offer services at reduced rates or for free.
Scroll to top