Stephen F. McDonough

Stephen F. McDonough is the founder of Next Phase Legal & Dispute Resolution in Norfolk, Massachusetts. He is a family law attorney, certified mediator, trained collaborative attorney, and parenting coordinator. His work focuses on divorce and other family conflicts, using mediation and negotiated processes where appropriate. He also represents clients in Massachusetts Probate and Family Courts. Stephen helps families explore ways to resolve disputes while considering the effects of continued conflict on parenting and future relationships.

Stephen earned his Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School in 2004. Before becoming a lawyer, he served as a police officer for 13 years and also served in the Massachusetts Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves. His legal education and earlier public service experience contribute to a career centered on conflict resolution and sensitive family disputes. He is admitted in Massachusetts and North Carolina, although his North Carolina license is inactive and his practice accepts Massachusetts matters.

Stephen provides divorce mediation, family mediation, collaborative divorce services, and parenting coordination. He also serves as a conciliator, helping people and their attorneys work toward agreements in disputes that might otherwise require trial. As a volunteer conciliator through the Norfolk County Probate and Family Court, he assists with the resolution of difficult cases. His court-based experience and mediation work allow him to discuss both cooperative and contested approaches when advising clients on family law matters.

Stephen F. McDonough is certified by the Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation and participates in professional groups focused on family law and dispute resolution. He has presented to bar associations and served in community leadership positions, including with the ALS Association of Massachusetts and the Town of Norfolk Advisory Committee. His practice emphasizes practical agreements and forward-looking decisions. He works to help clients limit unnecessary conflict while addressing the legal responsibilities that remain after separation or divorce.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Next Phase Legal & Dispute Resolution LLC
• Member, The North Carolina State Bar
• Member, Massachusetts Bar Association
• Member, Bar Association of Norfolk County
• Member, Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council
• Volunteer Conciliator, Norfolk County Probate and Family Court
• Board Member, ALS Association of Massachusetts
• Chair, Town of Norfolk Advisory Committee
• Past Chair, Norfolk, MA Lions Club
• Member, King Philip Music Association
• Member, Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation
• Member, Association For Conflict Resolution
• Member, International Association of Collaborative Professionals

Licensed State

• North Carolina
• Massachusetts

Education

• Suffolk University Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Westfield State College (Westfield)
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges