Family law and estate planning attorneys for the Merrimack Valley.
Divorce, custody, elder law, and estate planning for North Andover and Andover families.
Merrimack Valley families often manage complex finances while caring for more than one generation at once. DaltonMurray serves North Andover and Andover from our main office in Topsfield, and appointments can be made in North Andover.
We respond to all inquiries within one business day. Urgent matters same day.
How we help Merrimack Valley families:
Towns in the Merrimack Valley Region
Choose your town for local details: which court hears your matter, and the guides clients from your community use most.
North Andover
Family law, elder law, and MassHealth planning.
Andover
Executive divorce, business interests, complex estates, and estate tax.
One Firm for Merrimack Valley Families
Complex compensation, family businesses, and aging parents: we handle the family law and the planning together.
Many Andover and North Andover households have finances that go well beyond a salary: stock options, deferred bonuses, retirement plans, and ownership stakes in closely held companies. In a divorce, each needs to be identified, valued, and divided correctly, and retirement accounts often require a Qualified Domestic Relations Order, or QDRO.
Many families here are also raising children while caring for aging parents. We put wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, and health care proxies in place, and we plan for long-term care with MassHealth in mind, before a health crisis forces rushed decisions.
Because we practice both, the pieces connect: a divorce settlement and a new estate plan, a business interest and a succession plan, a parent's care and the family home.
Topsfield is our main office. Appointments can be made in North Andover, and we also meet by video and offer evening appointments.
Main office: 458 Boston Street (Route 1), 2nd Floor, Suite 6, Topsfield
Appointments also available in North Andover
We meet Merrimack Valley clients by appointment in North Andover, at our main office in Topsfield, or by video.
Essex Probate & Family Court
Lawrence session: Fenton Judicial Center, 2 Appleton Street · (978) 686-9692
Salem session: 36 Federal Street, Salem, MA 01970 · (978) 744-1020
Most Merrimack Valley matters are heard at the Lawrence session; filings can also go to Salem. We prepare and file everything on your behalf.
Helpful Legal Tools for Merrimack Valley Families
Start with answers, not appointments. These guides and tools cover the questions Merrimack Valley clients ask first.
Common Questions from Merrimack Valley Clients
Where are divorce, custody, and probate cases for Merrimack Valley residents heard?
North Andover and Andover are in Essex County, so divorce, custody, guardianship, and probate matters are heard by the Essex Probate and Family Court. Most Merrimack Valley cases are heard at the Lawrence session (Fenton Judicial Center, 2 Appleton Street), though filings can also go to Salem (36 Federal Street). We prepare and file everything on your behalf.
Where do you meet Merrimack Valley clients?
Topsfield is our main office, at 458 Boston Street (Route 1), 2nd Floor, Suite 6. Appointments at other offices can be made, and we also meet by video and offer evening appointments. Initial consultation: $250.
When should we start MassHealth planning for a parent?
Ideally before long-term care is needed. MassHealth reviews gifts and transfers made in the five years before an application, so planning done early leaves the most options. Even when care is already needed, some planning is often still possible.
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- Completely confidential
- Response within one business day
- Initial Consultation
- Serving North Andover & Andover