Worcester Divorce Lawyers & Family Law Attorneys
Consulting with a Worcester Divorce Lawyer or Family Law Attorney
The best way to understand your rights under Massachusetts divorce and family law is through a confidential case assessment with an experienced attorney. While our website offers helpful general information, nothing beats a personalized evaluation. During your consultation, we’ll review your situation and provide expert insights on potential outcomes and the process ahead. Initial consultations are held via phone or Zoom with our managing partner, Damian Turco, or senior attorney, Erin Nielson—both seasoned professionals with over 15 years of experience. If you’re ready to hire a Worcester divorce lawyer, start with a complimentary consultation. Schedule yours today by calling (866) 631-1706 or booking online.
Family Law and Divorce Lawyer Testimonials
We truly value clients in Worcester County, particularly those who come prepared and informed before reaching out to us. Divorce and family law matters can be complex and emotionally challenging, but our role is to educate, advocate, and guide your case toward a fair and reasonable resolution. Achieving great results is just the starting point—our goal is to exceed expectations and deliver such exceptional outcomes that our clients can’t help but share their positive experiences. Here’s what some of our clients have said about working with us:
“Legal expertise, professionalism, and excellent advocacy…”
I am very grateful to have received the expertise, support, and patience that Attorney Agyepong delivered to me. She responded to all my communications promptly, shared her expertise and insight with me transparently, and regularly sought my feedback on how I wanted to handle matters and what next step I felt most comfortable with taking. In the court room she was always prepared and up to date on my case even if our last consultation was a couple days before or a couple of weeks (due to my sporadic work schedule) before. As someone who works in a hospital I was very grateful that she had a flexible schedule and often worked on my case after hours. I could tell that attorney, and the entire legal team, did their work with a standard/ expectation of excellence. In a time when I was going through such an emotional and uneasy process of a divorce, which involved custody of a child, I was most appreciative to have crossed paths with Attorney Agyepong and her associates. Everything in the divorce finalization resolved to an amicable and acceptable outcome which was only obtained and resolved because of the legal expertise, professionalism, and excellent advocacy skills of Attorney Agyepong. If circumstances ever require me to file for a modification, or for other legal services, I will definitely seek out Attorney Agyepong once more.
Akosua Agyepong
Senior Attorney II
“Very, very happy…”
Brian Waller
Senior Attorney II
I had the pleasure to have Brian Waller as my attorney in my recent divorce. He worked very diligently on my case and was always there when I needed him via telephone and or email. I have recommended him to numerous people who found themselves going through a divorce as I was very, very happy with him and the result he provided. Thank you again, Brian
I had the pleasure to have Brian Waller as my attorney in my recent divorce. He worked very diligently on my case and was always there when I needed him via telephone and or email. I have recommended him to numerous people who found themselves going through a divorce as I was very, very happy with him and the result he provided. Thank you again, Brian
Brian Waller
Senior Attorney II
“An amazing team of attorneys and staff…”
“Turco Legal has an amazing teams of attorneys and staff, Nicoletta was amazing and I could not have survived this process without her and she was always available for my questions and never made me feel like any one question was too big or too small. A weight has been lifted from my shoulders, and I couldn’t recommend a better attorneys office!”
Erin Nielson
Senior Attorney II
“Looking back on my divorce, it was the best decision I made…”
Erin Nielson
Senior Attorney II
My experience with Turco legal has been nothing but AMAZING! My divorce was a long exhausting process. From the time I had my consultation with attorney Damian, I knew it would be best to change attorneys and work with them. Attorney Damian is highly knowledgeable, professional, and courteous and he explained everything to me in a way that made so much sense! Then my case got assigned to attorney Erin Neilson. It’s hard for me to find the words to fully express how WONDERFUL she really is! When attorney Neilson started working on my case, it was August; while my divorce trial was scheduled for October 2022. In no time, she studied the case that has been in litigation since 2020. Her attention to the details is UNMATCHED!! The first thing she did was to contact the court and change the trial order to make it broader, which was really impressive. The legal support I got ( actually still getting) from attorney Neilson was the perfect amount. She was an incredible resource for me during the hardest times! She dealt with my very difficult ex husband in a manner no other attorney could! … She made sure she uncovered all the lies and showed the judge the truth in a very special way! She is extremely prompt, intelligent, and polite to say the least!! I am so happy with the results I received , and they even exceeded my expectations!! I could tell how much Attorney Erin actually loves her job!! Looking back, it was the best decision I made mid divorce! If you are in a tough situation, and you need justice, this is the kind of attorney you need by your side!
My experience with Turco legal has been nothing but AMAZING! My divorce was a long exhausting process. From the time I had my consultation with attorney Damian, I knew it would be best to change attorneys and work with them. Attorney Damian is highly knowledgeable, professional, and courteous and he explained everything to me in a way that made so much sense! Then my case got assigned to attorney Erin Neilson. It’s hard for me to find the words to fully express how WONDERFUL she really is! When attorney Neilson started working on my case, it was August; while my divorce trial was scheduled for October 2022. In no time, she studied the case that has been in litigation since 2020. Her attention to the details is UNMATCHED!! The first thing she did was to contact the court and change the trial order to make it broader, which was really impressive. The legal support I got ( actually still getting) from attorney Neilson was the perfect amount. She was an incredible resource for me during the hardest times! She dealt with my very difficult ex husband in a manner no other attorney could! … She made sure she uncovered all the lies and showed the judge the truth in a very special way! She is extremely prompt, intelligent, and polite to say the least!! I am so happy with the results I received , and they even exceeded my expectations!! I could tell how much Attorney Erin actually loves her job!! Looking back, it was the best decision I made mid divorce! If you are in a tough situation, and you need justice, this is the kind of attorney you need by your side!
Erin Nielson
Senior Attorney II
Recognized by Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Clients, and Colleagues
Year after year, Turco Legal and our staff are recognized for our work by clients, colleagues, the legal community, philanthropic partners, the broader community, and online rating sites like Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers.^
Our Areas of Expertise
Turco Legal’s Worcester divorce lawyers, as well as the rest of our family law family law attorney team across Massachusetts, are legal career-long divorce and family law practitioners. As a result, each has a unique depth of knowledge with more specialized issues. Whether we leverage our expertise in complex financial cases, high net worth cases, or challenging custody and parenting matters, we are well-positioned to perform.
Modification Representation
Complex Financial and High Net Worth Divorce
While financial matters are a part of every divorce, cases involving significant financial complexity demand a higher level of expertise and more strategic advocacy. These complexities can stem from various factors, such as unique assets or income structures.
For instance, some cases involve atypical assets—like intellectual property, business interests, or trust benefits—that require specialized valuation methods. Each type of asset has its own accepted valuation techniques, often leading to disputes over key variables. As the stakes increase, so does the risk of the court accepting an inaccurate valuation, making precise advocacy essential.
Similarly, income-related complexities can arise in different forms. Divorce cases involving executive compensation packages, entrepreneurial income, trust distributions, or professional practices require a nuanced understanding of financial structures. Attorneys unfamiliar with these areas may miss critical details or fail to identify pertinent issues. Another challenging scenario involves voluntary unemployment or underemployment, where one spouse may have left a job or accepted a lower-paying role. In such cases, it’s crucial to evaluate whether income should be attributed or imputed, especially when calculating child support or alimony.
Turco Legal regularly represents clients navigating these intricate financial and high-net-worth issues. We frequently collaborate with financial experts, including forensic accountants, vocational specialists, and business valuation professionals, to build strong cases and achieve equitable resolutions. With experience in these complex matters, a skilled divorce attorney can provide a distinct advantage, ensuring your interests are effectively represented.
Complex Child Custody and Parenting Issues
Child custody cases vary widely, often presenting a range of challenging issues. Parents may disagree on whether custody should be shared or if the child should primarily live with one parent. One parent might seek to relocate with the child, either out of state or to another part of the Commonwealth. In some instances, a parent may struggle with substance abuse, mental health challenges, or a personality disorder. Other cases may involve allegations of parental alienation, neglect, or abuse. These complex issues frequently arise in our practice, requiring a high level of expertise and careful handling.
When a case involves a child, the stakes are inherently higher, especially when parents cannot agree on crucial matters or when the case involves intricate parenting challenges like those mentioned above. A skilled and experienced advocate can make a profound difference for both the parent and the child. An accomplished attorney can help craft a thoughtful, well-structured custody plan that aligns with the parent-client’s goals while addressing specific concerns. Additionally, they can effectively present the case to a judge, demonstrating why the proposed plan serves the child’s best interests.
In complex custody cases, we work closely with our clients to develop a strategic approach aimed at creating a safe, stable, and well-considered parenting plan centered on the child’s needs. For high-conflict cases, we often collaborate with parenting and mental health experts. We may also petition the court for psychological evaluations, drug or alcohol testing, or the appointment of Guardians Ad Litem or parenting coordinators to ensure the child’s welfare is prioritized.
Achieving the Best Outcome in Your Family Law Case
When facing family law and divorce matters, having a trusted lawyer by your side is essential. We understand that the subject matter and legal process can be overwhelming, but the goal is to provide the guidance and advocacy you need to achieve the best possible outcome.
At Turco Legal, we’ve successfully managed over a thousand divorce and family law cases, ranging from drafting uncontested separation agreements to litigating complex cases through trial. Our team has the training and experience to handle even the most challenging situations. While we approach every case with a spirit of collaboration, we are always prepared to advocate aggressively when necessary. We believe that thorough preparation is key to delivering exceptional results.
Our relationships with clients are built on clear communication and transparency. We are committed to providing precise, informed legal counsel and take the time to understand each client’s unique concerns and goals. By focusing on outcomes, we strive to achieve the best possible resolution in every case. At Turco Legal, results-oriented advocacy isn’t just a goal—it’s our standard.
Why Choose Turco LegalThe attorneys at Turco Legal bring over 200 years of combined experience, having successfully handled more than a thousand divorce and family law cases. We are highly skilled in every stage of litigation and adept at employing a variety of resolution strategies. Whether through out-of-court mediation, a thoughtful and fair settlement, or assertive representation at trial, we are committed to resolving your case effectively and securing the best possible legal outcome. Our team of seasoned divorce and family law attorneys specializes in a wide range of matters, including child support, alimony, custody and parenting time, complex financial issues, modifications, contempt actions, and appeals. With a client-focused approach, we provide personalized, thorough guidance tailored to your unique needs. We prioritize your goals and concerns while ensuring that legal costs are managed responsibly, delivering both quality representation and value.
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Complex Financial and High Net Worth Divorce
While financial matters are a part of every divorce, cases involving significant financial complexity demand a higher level of expertise and more strategic advocacy. These complexities can stem from various factors, such as unique assets or income structures.
For instance, some cases involve atypical assets—like intellectual property, business interests, or trust benefits—that require specialized valuation methods. Each type of asset has its own accepted valuation techniques, often leading to disputes over key variables. As the stakes increase, so does the risk of the court accepting an inaccurate valuation, making precise advocacy essential.
Similarly, income-related complexities can arise in different forms. Divorce cases involving executive compensation packages, entrepreneurial income, trust distributions, or professional practices require a nuanced understanding of financial structures. Attorneys unfamiliar with these areas may miss critical details or fail to identify pertinent issues. Another challenging scenario involves voluntary unemployment or underemployment, where one spouse may have left a job or accepted a lower-paying role. In such cases, it’s crucial to evaluate whether income should be attributed or imputed, especially when calculating child support or alimony.
Turco Legal firm regularly represents clients navigating these intricate financial and high-net-worth issues. We frequently collaborate with financial experts, including forensic accountants, vocational specialists, and business valuation professionals, to build strong cases and achieve equitable resolutions. With experience in these complex matters, a skilled divorce attorney can provide a distinct advantage, ensuring your interests are effectively represented.
Complex Child Custody and Parenting Issues
Child custody cases vary widely, often presenting a range of challenging issues. Parents may disagree on whether custody should be shared or if the child should primarily live with one parent. One parent might seek to relocate with the child, either out of state or to another part of the Commonwealth. In some instances, a parent may struggle with substance abuse, mental health challenges, or a personality disorder. Other cases may involve allegations of parental alienation, neglect, or abuse. These complex issues frequently arise in our practice, requiring a high level of expertise and careful handling.
When a case involves a child, the stakes are inherently higher, especially when parents cannot agree on crucial matters or when the case involves intricate parenting challenges like those mentioned above. A skilled and experienced advocate can make a profound difference for both the parent and the child. An accomplished attorney can help craft a thoughtful, well-structured custody plan that aligns with the parent-client’s goals while addressing specific concerns. Additionally, they can effectively present the case to a judge, demonstrating why the proposed plan serves the child’s best interests.
In complex custody cases, we work closely with our clients to develop a strategic approach aimed at creating a safe, stable, and well-considered parenting plan centered on the child’s needs. For high-conflict cases, we often collaborate with parenting and mental health experts. We may also petition the court for psychological evaluations, drug or alcohol testing, or the appointment of Guardians Ad Litem or parenting coordinators to ensure the child’s welfare is prioritized.
Achieving the Best Outcome in Your Family Law Case
When facing family law and divorce matters, having a trusted lawyer by your side is essential. We understand that the subject matter and legal process can be overwhelming, but the goal is to provide the guidance and advocacy you need to achieve the best possible outcome.
At Turco Legal, we’ve successfully managed over a thousand divorce and family law cases, ranging from drafting uncontested separation agreements to litigating complex cases through trial. Our team has the training and experience to handle even the most challenging situations. While we approach every case with a spirit of collaboration, we are always prepared to advocate aggressively when necessary. We believe that thorough preparation is key to delivering exceptional results.
Our relationships with clients are built on clear communication and transparency. We are committed to providing precise, informed legal counsel and take the time to understand each client’s unique concerns and goals. By focusing on outcomes, we strive to achieve the best possible resolution in every case. At Turco Legal, results-oriented advocacy isn’t just a goal—it’s our standard.
Why Choose Turco LegalThe attorneys at Turco Legal bring over 200 years of combined experience, having successfully handled more than a thousand divorce and family law cases. We are highly skilled in every stage of litigation and adept at employing a variety of resolution strategies. Whether through out-of-court mediation, a thoughtful and fair settlement, or assertive representation at trial, we are committed to resolving your case effectively and securing the best possible legal outcome. Our team of seasoned divorce and family law attorneys specializes in a wide range of matters, including child support, alimony, custody and parenting time, complex financial issues, modifications, contempt actions, and appeals. With a client-focused approach, we provide personalized, thorough guidance tailored to your unique needs. We prioritize your goals and concerns while ensuring that legal costs are managed responsibly, delivering both quality representation and value.
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Our Worcester Office, Steps from the Worcester Probate and Family Court
Getting Divorced in Worcester, Massachusetts
Divorce law is state law, set forth in statutes, case law, administrative orders, court rules, rules of procedure, rules of evidence, and more. There are rules to follow when in the courtroom, including how and when to sit, stand, and speak. It can be overwhelming if you’re not familiar with the court system and process. Fortunately, there are many Worcester divorce lawyers, community programs, and free and reduced-fee resources, including our Justice for All program. Our website and family law blog are great resources to learn the basics. Our blog generally covers relevant case law as it comes out, so sometimes even novel issues are explained in detail. Our objective is to educate generally on how the law works so you can think through how it might apply to the facts of your case.
While there is really no substitute for an attorney consultation, it will be helpful if you can learn the basics. Here is a higher-level education with links to more information on our website, but we encourage you to schedule a free attorney consultation with the office using the link below or by calling us at (508) 986-9966.
Physical Custody and Visitation: In Massachusetts, “physical custody” is the term we use to determines where and with whom the child will primarily reside. A related concept, “visitation” refers to when the parent with the lesser amount of parenting time, sometimes referred to as the noncustodial parent, is with the child. In some cases, physical custody may be an uncontested issue, with the parents agreeing to a schedule without conflict. In other cases, physical custody is hotly contested, with a parent alleging that the other presents a safety issue to the child due to substance abuse, mental health, or violent behavior. If your case is or will be filed in Worcester, we recommend consulting with a Worcester divorce lawyer who has the knowledge and experience to be an effective advocate in raising or defending against these serious allegations.
Legal Custody: In Massachusetts, legal custody is the right to make major decisions about the child’s life, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Parents can have joint legal custody—meaning they share these decision-making rights—or, alternatively, one parent may be granted sole legal custody. With that being said, the Commonwealth generally favors joint legal custody, promoting both parents’ active involvement in their child’s life. If you have any questions about child custody and divorce, please do not hesitate to contact our Worcester divorce lawyer for help.
Child Support: Parents in Massachusetts have a general responsibility to provide for their kids, including after a divorce. Child support in Massachusetts is a financial payment one parent provides to the other to assist with expenses related to raising a child. The amount is typically calculated using the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines, which consider income, childcare costs, healthcare, and other relevant factors. Child support obligations usually continue until the child is 18. However, in some limited cases, child support can extend until 21 if the child is still dependent and resides with a parent. Our Worcester divorce attorneys handle all types of child support cases.
Alimony: Following a divorce in Worcester, one spouse may be required to make certain payments to the other. These payments are called alimony (or spousal support/spousal maintenance). The purpose is to help the receiving spouse maintain a lifestyle reasonably comparable to that enjoyed during the marriage. Massachusetts law considers factors like the length of the marriage, the age and health of the parties, economic and non-economic contributions to the marriage, and earning capacities when determining if alimony is warranted and how much should be paid.
Property Division: Property division is one of the most important—and often most sharply contested—aspects of a divorce. Massachusetts is an equitable distribution state. marital property is not necessarily divided equally but rather in a manner that is fair and reasonable under the circumstances. On the other hand, each spouse’s “separate property” will not be divided. If you have any questions or concerns about property division, our Worcester, MA divorce lawyers are more than ready to help.
Military Divorce: A military divorce in Massachusetts can be especially complicated. There may be issues related to residency requirements, division of military pensions, and division of other military benefits. For example, a federal law called the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) may influence how military pensions are divided. Another federal law known as the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) could affect the timeline of the divorce proceedings. Our Worcester, MA divorce have the skills and experience needed to represent military members and military spouses.
Same-Sex Divorce: Same-sex divorce in Massachusetts is legally treated the same as any other divorce, following the same laws and processes regarding alimony, child support, custody, and property division. Nonetheless, LGBTQ+ couples can sometimes face some unique challenges in the divorce process. Our Worcester same sex divorce attorneys have the knowledge and family law experience that you can trust.
Turco Legal is a boutique law firm committed to providing clients with top-tier individualized guidance and advocacy in the full range of divorce cases. We are proud to represent people in Massachusetts, including right here in Worcester. With the experience handling high-conflict contested divorce cases and amicable uncontested divorce cases, our team has the professional skills and proven legal expertise you can rely on—no matter where you find yourself in the family law process.
^ Turco Legal has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America with National Recognition as its tier III rank in family law for 2025.