Family Law and Criminal Defense Attorney Serving Lawrence, Massachusetts

So Injured Clients Can Focus on Their Recovery

Lawrence families and individuals facing legal crises don't need a firm that passes them off to a paralegal and sends updates once a month. They need attorneys who know Essex County Probate Court, understand what's at stake, and show up ready to fight for the right outcome. That's what we do.

Two offices — Lowell and Middlesex County, North Andover and Essex County. One firm with the courtroom presence to handle what you are facing.

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Summa Cum Laude, Suffolk University Law School

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Licensed in MA & NH State and Federal Courts

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Two Office Locations: Lowell & North Andover

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Active in Middlesex & Essex County Courts

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Family Law and Criminal Defense Under One Roof

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Weekly Legal Podcast — No Competitor Comes Close

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Essex County Probate Court — We Know the Courthouse and the Process

Essex County Probate and Family Court handles divorce, child custody, child support, and parental relocation cases for Lawrence residents. Navigating that system takes more than legal knowledge — it takes courtroom familiarity, procedural experience, and a clear strategy built around your specific circumstances. Our North Andover office puts us close to Lawrence and positions us to serve clients at Essex County court without delay or distance. Whether you're filing for divorce, responding to a custody modification, or facing a restraining order hearing, we come prepared.

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Family Law Services for Lawrence Residents

Family law cases in Lawrence often carry real financial and emotional weight. High-conflict divorces, contested custody disputes, and child support disagreements can drag on for months without the right representation — and the decisions made early in the process have lasting consequences. We handle the full range of family law matters for Lawrence clients, including:

 

 

If you're searching for a divorce lawyer near Lawrence, Massachusetts, or need guidance on a child custody matter in Essex County, we're ready to help you understand your options and move forward with a clear plan.

Criminal Defense in Lawrence and Essex County

An arrest in Lawrence — whether for OUI, a drug offense, a gun charge, or a domestic violence allegation — sets a legal process in motion that moves fast. The decisions made in the first hours and days after an arrest shape everything that follows. Our criminal defense attorneys represent Lawrence clients in Massachusetts District Court and Superior Court, bringing the same preparation and focus we apply to every case. We handle:

 

 

Attorney Gabrielle recently secured a dismissal on a serious gun charge — the kind of outcome that requires both legal skill and courtroom presence. That's the standard we hold ourselves to for every client.

Compassionate Counsel, Tough Advocacy

When Family Law and Criminal Defense Intersect

Some of the most difficult cases we handle involve both sides of our practice at once. A restraining order filed during a divorce proceeding affects custody rights, parenting access, and the outcome of the family law case — sometimes permanently. A domestic violence charge can alter property division and parenting arrangements in ways that last long after the criminal case is resolved. Because we practice both family law and criminal defense, we see the full picture when these matters overlap. Lawrence clients don't have to coordinate between two separate firms when the legal issues are connected — we handle both, together.

Why Lawrence Clients Choose Our Firm

We don't measure our value by how many cases we open — we measure it by how well we handle the ones we take. A few things that distinguish our approach:

 

  • Two physical office locations in Lowell and North Andover, providing direct access to both Middlesex and Essex County courts
  • Attorney Anthony Puopolo graduated summa cum laude from Suffolk University Law School and is licensed in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire state and federal courts
  • Active legal commentary through our weekly podcast — one of the only local practices in the area doing this publicly and consistently
  • Dual-pillar practice in family law and criminal defense, built to address cases where both areas of law are in play
  • A team that includes attorneys with their own active client bases and recent courtroom wins

Frequently Asked Questions About Legal Representation in Lawrence

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  • What court handles family law cases for Lawrence residents?

    Family law matters for Lawrence residents are handled at Essex County Probate and Family Court. This includes divorce, child custody, child support, and parental relocation cases. Our attorneys have direct experience in this courthouse and appear there regularly.
  • How quickly can I speak with an attorney after contacting your firm?

    We make it a priority to respond promptly. When you reach out by phone or through our contact form, our staff routes your inquiry to the appropriate attorney and works to get you scheduled for a consultation as quickly as possible.
  • Do you handle both the family law and criminal defense sides of a case involving a restraining order?

    Yes. When a 209A restraining order intersects with a pending divorce or custody case, we can represent you on both matters. This integrated approach prevents gaps in strategy that can occur when two separate firms are working independently on connected issues.
  • Can you represent me in criminal court in Lawrence even if my case goes to Superior Court?

    Yes. We represent clients in both District Court and Superior Court in Essex County. The level of court depends on the nature and severity of the charges, and we're prepared to handle your case at either level.
  • I live in Lawrence but my spouse has filed for divorce in a different county. What should I do?

    Jurisdiction and venue questions in divorce cases can be complex, and the county where a case is filed can affect convenience, procedure, and strategy. Contact us as soon as possible so we can review the filing and advise you on the appropriate next steps.
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Ready When You Are

Reach Our Office — Serving Lawrence and the Surrounding Area

Our North Andover office serves Lawrence clients directly, and our Lowell office extends our reach across Middlesex County. Whether your matter involves a divorce attorney in Lawrence, a criminal defense case in Essex County, or a family law dispute with ties to neighboring communities, we're positioned to represent you effectively. Call us at 978-403-0006 or send a message through our contact form to schedule your consultation.