Our Services

Family Law

Worcester Family Lawyers
Serving Worcester, Middlesex and Hampden Counties

Family matters are among the most personal and consequential legal issues you will ever face. Whether you are going through a divorce, fighting for custody of your children or seeking to establish a fair support arrangement, the decisions made during this process will shape your life and your family’s future for years to come.

At Rudolf, Griffis, Ruggieri & Murray, LLP, our Worcester family law attorneys bring over 70 years of combined legal experience to every case we handle. We understand that family law is not just about legal strategy. It is about protecting what matters most to you. Our team takes the time to understand your situation, explain your options clearly, and fight for outcomes that serve your best interests and the best interests of your children.

We represent clients throughout Worcester, Middlesex, and Hampden Counties in all areas of family law, including divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, property division, and guardianship. Our attorneys practice regularly in Worcester Probate and Family Court and bring deep knowledge of Massachusetts family law to every case.


Why Choose Rudolf, Griffis, Ruggieri & Murray For Family Law?

Worcester County families trust our firm because we combine legal experience with genuine compassion. Family law cases are rarely simple. They involve high emotions, complex financial issues, and real consequences for the people you love most. Here is what sets our team apart.

  • 70+ Years Combined Experience: Our attorneys have handled thousands of family law cases in Worcester County. You benefit from that depth of knowledge on day one.
  • Worcester Probate and Family Court: We practice regularly at the courthouse that will decide your case. We know the judges, the procedures, and the local legal landscape.
  • Full Service Family Law: From simple uncontested divorces to complex high asset cases, we handle every area of family law under one roof. No referrals needed.
  • Personalized Attention: Your case is not a number here. You work directly with experienced attorneys who know your situation and return your calls.
  • Consultations: We offer low cost flat fee initial consultations so you can understand your options before making any commitment.
  • Serving All of Worcester County: We represent clients in Worcester, Shrewsbury, Millbury, Auburn, Grafton, Northborough, and throughout Central Massachusetts.

Our Worcester Family Law Services

Our family law practice covers every area of Massachusetts family law. Select any service below to learn more about how our Worcester attorneys can help you.

Divorce

Whether your case is contested or uncontested, our Worcester divorce attorneys guide you through every step, from filing to final judgment, while protecting what matters most to you and your family.

Child Custody Lawyer in Worcester, MA

When parents separate or divorce, child custody decisions are often the most emotionally charged part of the entire process. Our Worcester child custody attorneys work to protect your parental rights and your relationship with your children, whether you are seeking primary physical custody, joint custody, or defending against a custody modification.

Visitation Lawyer in Worcester, MA

Visitation rights, also called parenting time, determine how much access a non custodial parent has with their child. Whether you are trying to establish a fair visitation schedule, enforce an existing order, or modify terms that no longer work for your family, our Worcester visitation lawyers are here to help.

Child Support and Alimony Attorney in Worcester, MA

Child support and alimony disputes can have significant long term financial consequences for both parties. Our Worcester family law attorneys help clients calculate fair support amounts under Massachusetts guidelines, negotiate favorable terms, litigate disputes, and enforce or modify existing orders when circumstances change.

Contempt of Court Order Attorney in Worcester, MA

When a former spouse or co parent violates a court order, failing to pay support, denying visitation, or disregarding a divorce decree, you have legal recourse. Our Worcester attorneys file contempt actions in Worcester Probate and Family Court to hold the non compliant party accountable. We also vigorously defend clients against contempt actions which at times can result in harsh penalties and even jail time.

Modification Lawyer in Worcester, MA

Life changes, and sometimes the terms of a divorce decree or custody agreement need to change with it. Our Worcester modification attorneys help clients petition for changes to custody, visitation, child support, and alimony when there has been a material change in circumstances.

Uncontested Divorce Attorney in Worcester, MA

If you and your spouse agree on the major terms of your divorce, an uncontested divorce can be a faster, less expensive path to resolution. Our Worcester uncontested divorce attorneys help couples draft and file a Joint Petition for Divorce, making sure all legal requirements are met.

Division of Property Lawyer in Worcester, MA

Massachusetts follows an equitable distribution model for dividing marital assets, meaning the court divides property fairly, though not necessarily equally. Our Worcester division of property attorneys help clients identify and value all marital assets and negotiate favorable settlements.

High Asset Divorce Attorney in Worcester, MA

High asset divorces involve complex financial considerations: investment portfolios, real estate, business interests, retirement accounts, and more. Our Worcester high asset divorce attorneys work with financial experts to identify assets and negotiate or litigate the division of significant wealth.

Paternity Lawyer in Worcester, MA

Establishing legal paternity in Massachusetts is the foundation for child custody rights, child support obligations, and a child’s access to benefits. Our Worcester paternity attorneys represent both mothers seeking to establish paternity and fathers seeking to assert or challenge parental rights.

Parenting Plan Lawyer in Worcester, MA

A comprehensive parenting plan outlines custody arrangements, visitation schedules, holiday sharing, and decision making authority. Our Worcester parenting plan attorneys help parents negotiate detailed agreements that minimize future conflict and prioritize their children’s stability.


Understanding Family Law In Massachusetts

Massachusetts family law is governed by the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 208 (Divorce), Chapter 209 (Husband and Wife), Chapter 209C (Children Born Out of Wedlock), and related statutes. Cases involving divorce, custody and support are heard in the Worcester Probate and Family Court, located at 225 Main Street in Worcester.

Massachusetts is an equitable division state, meaning marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally, based on factors including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning potential, contributions to the marriage, and the needs of any children. When it comes to child custody, Massachusetts courts apply a best interest of the child standard that considers the child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs.

Family law matters in Worcester County move through the Worcester Probate and Family Court, and having attorneys who regularly practice in that courthouse is a real advantage. Our team knows the local procedures, filing requirements, and expectations, and we use that knowledge to move your case forward efficiently.


Serving Worcester County And Central Massachusetts

Our family law attorneys represent clients throughout Worcester County and the surrounding region, including:

Worcester County Central Massachusetts Metro West Corridor
Worcester Fitchburg Framingham
Shrewsbury Leominster Northborough
Millbury Gardner Southborough
Auburn Clinton Westborough
Grafton Sturbridge Marlborough
Holden Spencer Hudson

Frequently Asked Questions

Cost depends heavily on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, and how much the two sides disagree on. An uncontested divorce with a signed separation agreement is far less expensive than a contested case that goes to trial. We offer a low cost flat fee consultation to walk through your specific situation and likely costs.

An uncontested divorce can be finalized in a few months once the paperwork and mandatory waiting period are complete. Contested divorces take considerably longer, sometimes a year or more, depending on the complexity of the issues and the court’s schedule.

You are not legally required to have one, but a lawyer helps make sure your separation agreement is fair, complete, and enforceable. Mistakes in an uncontested agreement can be costly to fix later, especially around property division and support.

Massachusetts courts decide custody based on the best interest of the child, considering factors like each parent’s relationship with the child, stability, and any history of abuse or neglect. Custody can be legal, physical, or both, and can be sole or shared between parents.

Yes. If circumstances change significantly, such as a job loss, relocation, or a change in the child’s needs, either parent can request a modification. The court will only approve a change if it is in the child’s best interest or reflects a genuine change in circumstances.