FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY IN
SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS

Do you need a family law attorney in Salem, Massachusetts?

Family law is among the most sensitive practice areas. Marital breakdowns, disputes over child custody, the division of assets between separating spouses — these are highly complex, emotionally charged matters that require a delicate and personable approach as well as specific legal expertise.

If you’re looking for this type of representation, the lawyers at Lamb & Lamb are ready to provide it.

Who We Are

Monique Boucher Lamb founded our firm in 1999. As a Salem family lawyer, she has been laser-focused on helping clients rebuild their lives with skilled, compassionate representation. Monique also gives back to the community as much as she can, doing pro bono work and serving as a family law conciliator for the Essex County Bar Association.

Joseph F. Lamb has a background in law enforcement, as well as investigation and security. This experience has left him with a range of useful skills when it comes to building cases and considering all relevant information as a family law attorney.

Our firm focuses on family law, divorce, bankruptcy, and estate planning, delivering practical solutions to complex issues. We’re not here to tell you what you want to hear—we give you the truth, even when it’s hard to hear, because that’s what gets real results.

How a Family Law Attorney in Salem, Massachusetts, Can Help You

We provide a full suite of family law services. No matter how big, small, straightforward, or complex your problem may be, a family law attorney can help you solve it.

Divorce

Ending a marriage involves critical decisions that impact your future. If you and your former partner are arguing about a fair division of assets, it’s important to involve an experienced legal representative in the process as early as you can. Rebuilding your life after divorce is difficult enough; you shouldn’t need to do so without your fair share of marital assets.

However, contentious divorces aren’t the only ones that require legal counsel. Even if you and your ex are getting along, you’ll still need an attorney to ensure your arrangements are fair and legally sound and to help you make your divorce official with the courts.

To this end, we also assist with:

• Collaborative divorce: This is a cooperative approach where both parties work together to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.​
• Uncontested divorce: When both spouses agree on all terms, we facilitate the process to ensure a swift and smooth legal dissolution.​

Depending on your circumstances, we may recommend that you try to reach an agreement through mediation. Mediation is not mandatory in Massachusetts (as it is in some other states), but it is a useful tool in many cases.

Child Custody

Determining custody arrangements is one of the most difficult aspects of ending a relationship. You must protect the best interests of your children at all costs, but this can be extremely tricky if you’re dealing with an uncooperative ex-partner whose perspective is very different from yours.

We advocate for solutions that prioritize children’s well-being, whether through joint custody, sole custody, or tailored parenting plans.​ We also offer bespoke strategies when it comes to both legal and physical custody. Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing, while physical custody pertains to where the child resides.​

We explore every option before going to court; this can be exhausting for parents and traumatic for children. It’s usually possible to work everything out behind closed doors. However, we won’t hesitate to go in front of a judge if that’s what it takes to uphold your rights and those of your children.

Courts prioritize the child’s best interests, considering factors such as the child’s relationship with each parent, each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment, and any history of abuse or neglect.​ Our job is to highlight all the evidence of your positive relationship with your children and paint a clear picture of your importance in their lives.

Modification of Existing Orders

Life changes may necessitate the modification of existing orders in relation to child support, alimony, or child custody. Such changes may be appropriate because of:

• Changes in income for one partner
• Remarriage
• Relocation
• Evolving schedules.

To succeed in the modification of an order, you must be able to demonstrate that there has been a substantial and material change in circumstances.

Alimony and Child Support

Financial support is a critical component of divorce proceedings. It takes two main forms: alimony (which is financial support for the lower-earning spouse, paid by the higher-earning spouse) and child support (which is granted to a parent with sole or primary custody to cover the costs of taking care of children).

In Massachusetts, the Alimony Reform Act outlines specific guidelines for alimony, including types and duration.

As noted above, both alimony and child support can be modified if there’s a significant change in circumstances, such as a substantial decrease in income or the recipient’s remarriage. If you think a change in your existing payment schedule is warranted, you should schedule a free initial consultation with us so that we can examine your situation in detail and recommend a sensible path forward.

Premarital Agreements

Also known as prenuptial agreements, these contracts outline the division of assets and financial responsibilities in the event of divorce. These agreements are particularly useful cases where:

• One or both parties own a business
• There’s a significant income, asset, or debt disparity between the two parties
• One or both parties have children from prior relationships
• One or both parties expect to receive an inheritance
• One or both parties have family heirlooms or sentimental assets.

These agreements are enforceable only if drafted correctly, entered into voluntarily by both parties, and deemed fair and reasonable at the time of enforcement.​ It’s important to work with a capable attorney if you’re considering going this route.

Estate Planning

Our estate planning services include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care proxies, and more. We take the time to understand your goals—whether it’s avoiding probate, reducing tax burdens, or making sure your children are taken care of—and then craft legal documents that reflect your wishes. We also offer support for families managing an estate after the loss of a loved one.

Protect Your Family’s Future with Our Experienced Family Law Attorneys

Our Salem-based attorneys are dedicated to providing personalized solutions tailored to your unique situation.

Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation about your case. You can reach us via our online contact form or by calling (978) 744-8818. We give the advice clients need to hear, not what they want to hear.

ATTORNEY MONIQUE B. LAMB

Since founding the practice on January 4, 1999, Monique has dedicated her career to family law, providing clients with compassionate yet practical guidance through some of life’s most challenging moments. With over two decades of experience, she understands the complexities and emotional toll of family law cases and focuses on achieving resolutions while minimizing unnecessary conflict. [ ATTORNEY BIO ]