The phrase "your family matters are our business " is the guiding principle we have followed since 1995, when Don began praticing law. Over the last 20 years, Don has guided hundreds of husbands and wives, mothers and fathers and domestic partners in working through the issues in their divorces or family situations, with excellent success.
Named a "local star" by Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education for his contributions to instructing other lawyers and his achievement as "Rising Star" by Superlawyers, Attorney Pitman brings his dedication and experience to his client in both Essex and Middlesex County and assists many attorneys and litigants in their family law matters.
Named a "local star" by Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education for his contributions to instructing other lawyers and his achievement as "Rising Star" by Superlawyers, Attorney Pitman brings his dedication and experience to his client in both Essex and Middlesex County and assists many attorneys and litigants in their family law matters.
Services
Where is the Court? Where am I going? The Essex Probate and Family Court has two sessions. The main courthouse is in Salem and there is a satellite session in Lawrence. The Lawrence court covers the cities of Methuen, Lawrence, Andover, North Andover and Haverhill. Therefore, if either party lives in either one of those towns, the case will be heard in Lawrence.
Over the last 20 years, one of the most common - and understandable - questions we have from clients is Do we have to go to court? What's going to happen in court? As part of the Cutting Edge Issues seminar Attorney Pitman presented for Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education in February of 2016, we prepared this explanation of the role court plays in family law cases and what you can expect.
I know that these have been exceptionally difficult and uncertain times for all of you and the news coming from the television around the United States and our area has been confusing regarding when our courts will reopen and what will happen.
As you know, our courts are presently closed for all except for the most life-threatening of emergencies and while I continue to work with the other side on your case, the fact remains that we have little opportunity to get to court and do anything substantive or stop someone from doing what they have done.The Essex Probate & Family Court has finally issued some guidance as to how we will handle our cases at the present time and going forward.
As you know, our courts are presently closed for all except for the most life-threatening of emergencies and while I continue to work with the other side on your case, the fact remains that we have little opportunity to get to court and do anything substantive or stop someone from doing what they have done.The Essex Probate & Family Court has finally issued some guidance as to how we will handle our cases at the present time and going forward.
In every case, there are two sides and those two sides often have very different views on important issues. Whether it be the amount of time one party spends with a child or children, the amount of support to be paid, or who gets to stay in the home. Court is, for lack of a better expression, the place where the answers are obtained.
For many parents or spouses who are facing the demise of their family, the phrase "we're going to court" can be terrifying and certainly raises many questions. Every case is different and we work hard to protect your interests first by negotiation and working with the other party or their attorney to bring a matter to resolution as smoothly as possible.
Reviews (6)
Jason DeAmato
Sep 16, 2021
Report
Not many events leave me feeling compelled to write an online review. I think most people see lawyers as professionals who squeeze wallets dry. Don steps up and takes action on what is best for his clients. He assisted me in an extremely stressful situation and got the job done. I will also say it is nice to have someone with a blend of IQ and EQ. He knew what to say to alleviate some of my stress. That goes a long way in complex situation that have so many twists and turns. The blend of knowing the law and knowing people is rare. Thank you Don for your amazing services and kindness.
Karen Tucker
Dec 01, 2020
Report
Jillian Hoiseth
Jun 10, 2020
Report
Don Pitman doesn’t support veterans. I am a 100% disabled veteran (injured in Afghanistan) and here is what Don had to say about my VA disability rating which was provided to him.
“You have not provided any evidence of your inability to work nor have you shown that you have an actual need. Furthermore, my position is that you have an earning capacity to which you are not working. ”
Apparently Don knows more about my injuries than a panel of medical professionals.
“You have not provided any evidence of your inability to work nor have you shown that you have an actual need. Furthermore, my position is that you have an earning capacity to which you are not working. ”
Apparently Don knows more about my injuries than a panel of medical professionals.
Christine Lee
Aug 28, 2019
Report
Don Pitman has represented me in complex family legal matters not once, but twice in five years now. I was so very fortunate to have been referred to him by way of my longtime family attorney, in the setting of a leave of absence. Being so acclimated to the same attorney for years, I had some degree of trepidation as would anyone in a new legal environment. He immediately allayed any concerns I had, from day number one. Don seamlessly jumped into the aftermath of what was an extremely complex and highly contentious divorce case. His level of professionalism, expeditious communications, and fairness
Richard Comeau
Aug 22, 2018
Report
I highly recommend Attorney Don Pitman. I reached out to Attorney Pitman after being served with an unsettling motion. Attorney Pitman put my mind at ease by answering the 100 questions I had throughout this very stressful period.
He took the time to explain the process as this was unchartered waters for me. Knowledge is power as they say and I felt in very good hands during the entire process.
He is extremely knowledgeable about the process and laws governing Massachusetts family law. My end result was an absolute win for me and I cannot thank Don Pitman enough for his services.
Bottom Line
He took the time to explain the process as this was unchartered waters for me. Knowledge is power as they say and I felt in very good hands during the entire process.
He is extremely knowledgeable about the process and laws governing Massachusetts family law. My end result was an absolute win for me and I cannot thank Don Pitman enough for his services.
Bottom Line
Rachel Sargent
Dec 07, 2016
Report
I hired Pitman for a complicated case where the other party was trying to have a restraining order lifted. Not only was he entertaining enough to get through a day at court but he certainly knows his stuff and worked his magic to make sure my daughter and I are safe. Only thing is make sure you study up on Harry Potter since he makes some references. I highly recomend Pitman for anyone who needs a great family lawyer.
