Family law has been a significant part of the work we do at Robinson Donovan for more than 20 years. We focus our practice on the four western Massachusetts counties including Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties. Our Family Law Group is actively involved in continuing education programs and community activities. We have a robust practice that continues to grow.
Child Support
Massachusetts requires that parents financially support their children. The Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines establish the presumptive amount of child support to be paid by a parent. We represent parents both seeking support and those from whom support is sought.
Child Custody and Visitation
In Massachusetts, under very limited circumstances, a grandparent may seek the assistance of the court when a parent or guardian denies them access to their grandchildren. Certain criteria must be met before a court will make such an order. We can assist clients who have questions about whether the facts and circumstances of their case might allow them to seek grandparent visitation, helping them understand the laws and advising them in pursing legal action.
Adoption
Paternity
Premarital Agreement
Premarital agreements, also known as prenuptial agreements or antenuptial agreements, must meet certain guidelines so that they will be upheld if challenged including...
Guardianship
When a child’s parents are unavailable or unable to care for them, a family member or friend can petition the court to be appointed the child’s guardian. A guardian has rights similar to that of the child’s parents. The guardian can make legal, medical and educational decisions for the child. Guardianship petitions can be granted in situations where the parents agree to the appointment of a guardian, or in a contested case where the parties ask the judge to decide whether a guardian should be appointed and if so, to designate the individual who should have that role in the child’s life.
Spousal Support
Massachusetts has a statute that provides definitions of the various types of alimony and length of payment that may be available when parties divorce. There are many factors that determine whether and when alimony may be awarded, making this area of family law complex.
The Employment Law Group is supported by the attorneys in the firm’s other departments, including its litigation department and business department. Because of the broad practice of the firm, our attorneys are able to call upon the firm’s expertise in business law, tax law as well as other areas of law important to the interests of business owners, officers and investors.
Our primary goal is to help employers avoid litigation by creating workplaces with satisfied, productive employees. However, in the event of a claim, our attorneys are skilled litigators with a depth of experience and knowledge in defending employment-related claims. This includes claims of employment discrimination, wage and hour violations, violations of the FMLA and other leave laws, retaliation complaints, and whistleblower claims, breach of contract claims and other workplace torts. Our attorneys have excellent track records successfully defending claims in state and federal court, as well as before administrative agencies such as the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Employment Litigation
David’s practice focuses on civil litigation in federal and state courts. He represents municipalities, businesses and individuals throughout Massachusetts in a wide range of matters, including commercial disputes, business litigation, construction disputes, employment litigation and municipal defense litigation.
Severance Agreement
Our attorneys represent employees in a variety of matters, including reviewing and advising on employment, non-compete and severance agreements, educating employees about their rights and obligations, and representing employees who believe that their rights have been violated. We handle all types of employment claims, including discrimination, sexual harassment, breach of contract, wage and hour violations and other workplace torts.
Sexual Harassment
Pat has a very successful track record as a trial lawyer, though she believes that she serves clients best by keeping them out of the courtroom. Pat has a practical and experienced outlook on workplace issues, ranging from personnel policies to discrimination and sexual harassment.
Robinson Donovan, P.C. is a Springfield, Massachusetts law firm whose lawyers specialize in divorce and family law, litigation, employment law, insurance defense and personal injury.
Proper Tax & Estate Planning administration goes a long way toward protecting future assets. Our expert team works with businesses, foundations, and families, offering a range of services, including the following...