Divorce, family law and estate planning for North Shore families.
Most people who call us have been thinking about it for months. That's okay.
Whether you're facing a divorce or a custody question, planning ahead for your family, or caring for an aging parent, one call gives you a clear picture of where you stand. No pressure. No commitment.
No commitment. Confidential. We respond within one business day, urgent matters same day.
Where Should I Start?
You don't need to have it all figured out. Choose what is closest to your situation.
My marriage is ending
Understand your options, from mediation to court, and what the process involves.
A question about my children
Custody, parenting time and child support, explained for Massachusetts.
Planning ahead for my family
Wills, trusts and the documents that protect the people you love.
A parent needs care, or someone has died
Guardianship, MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid) and settling an estate, one step at a time.
How We Can Help You
Family law and estate planning in one firm, for families across the North Shore, Cape Ann and the Merrimack Valley.
Family Law
Divorce, custody and the changes that follow, resolved outside court where possible and argued in court when needed.
- Divorce Litigation Contested divorce, property, alimony and high-asset cases
- Divorce Mediation Reaching agreement with a neutral mediator
- Collaborative Divorce Settling every issue by structured negotiation
- Child Custody & Support Parenting plans, custody and support orders
Estate Planning & Elder Law
Plans that protect you and the people you love, and help when a family member needs care or an estate must be settled.
- Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning Wills, trusts, healthcare proxies and powers of attorney
- Planning for Aging Parents & MassHealth Long-term care and MassHealth eligibility
- Special Needs Planning Trusts that protect a loved one's benefits
- Probate & Trust Administration Settling an estate or trust after a death
Why North Shore Families Choose DaltonMurray
A law firm is only as good as the values it brings to every client, every day. Here is what we believe in.
One Firm for Every Chapter
Divorce, custody, wills, trusts, care for an aging parent and settling an estate, all in one firm. When your needs change, you stay with people who already know your family.
Plain Language, Not Legalese
Legal problems can feel abstract and stressful. We explain where you stand and what your options are in words that make sense.
Planning Before Crisis
The best time to plan is before you need to. We help families put the right documents and decisions in place while there is time to think.
Non-Adversarial Where Possible
Mediation and collaborative divorce keep many family matters out of court. When a case does need a judge, we are fully prepared to go there.
Deep Local Roots
Topsfield is our main office, and appointments can be made in Gloucester and North Andover. We know the Essex and Middlesex County courts. We're your neighbors.
Straightforward About Fees
Initial consultations are $250. After that we explain our fees at the outset, give honest estimates, and discuss flat-fee arrangements for estate planning work.
Meet Our Attorneys
Family law and estate planning attorneys who know the North Shore.
Clinton Dalton
With more than twenty years in practice, Attorney Dalton litigates, collaborates and mediates family law matters at trial and appellate levels. His prior work with the U.S. Department of Defense on anti-money laundering gives him a rare expertise in finding and tracking hidden assets in high-asset divorce.
Stanford University, BA · University of San Diego School of Law, JD, Jurisprudence Award
Read Attorney Dalton’s full profile →Bridget Murray
25 years in estate planning, with a focus on trusts, trust administration, special needs trusts and tax planning.
Licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Minnesota
Read Attorney Murray’s full profile →Heather Dennehy
Works with estate planning clients and leads our probate matters and plan reviews, bringing warmth and practical solutions to every family.
Read Attorney Dennehy’s full profile →What Our Clients Say
Families across the North Shore trust DaltonMurray with the decisions that matter most.
"Clint Dalton was amazing to work with. He took what is a very overwhelming and tense situation, and made it easy to understand and far less overwhelming."
"Attorney Clint Dalton provided first-class service, patience and counsel in family law, making a sometimes tense situation palatable while being a strong advocate on my behalf."
"Bridget Murray is a first-class estate-planning attorney: smart, professional, and pleasant. I have sent dozens of clients to her over the years and I have always been happy with her work. Her staff is also top notch."
Read all reviews on Google: family law · estate planning
Ready to Take the First Step?
Leave your name and number and we'll call you within one business day. Topsfield is our main office, and appointments can be made in Gloucester and North Andover, or virtually.
- Completely confidential
- Response within one business day
- Initial Consultation
- Topsfield, Massachusetts
Prefer to call? 978-561-3090