Scituate, Massachusetts — South Shore & Surrounding Areas

Trusted Legal
Advocacy for Families

Family law, divorce, child protection, juvenile matters, and estate planning — with 30+ years of experience serving Plymouth County.

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30+ Years of Practice
1985 MA Bar Admitted
5 Practice Areas

What We Handle

Practice Areas

We guide clients through complex legal challenges with experience, empathy, and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome.

Divorce

Attorney Sullivan has represented many clients throughout Probate and Family Courts from Middlesex to Barnstable County. He guides you through every step — from initial contact through the resolution of your proceedings, with sensitivity and accessibility throughout.

Family Law

Experienced in paternity matters and parental rights, Attorney Sullivan also advocates for grandparents seeking visitation rights under Massachusetts law — protecting the unique bond between grandparents and grandchildren.

Child Protection

Representing children, parents, grandparents, and foster parents for over 25 years throughout Juvenile and District Courts. Experienced with DCF and care and protection cases, giving families a voice in the protection of their rights.

Juvenile Court

Since Massachusetts established Juvenile Courts in 1978, Attorney Sullivan has handled court-appointed and privately retained matters — assisting juveniles in criminal matters, CHINS cases, and care and protection proceedings.

Wills & Estate Documents

Preparation of wills, durable power of attorney, healthcare proxies, and living wills. Each document is an integral component of protecting you and your family against life's uncertainties.

“We are your advocate and legal resource.”

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Attorney John L. Sullivan
Admitted to the MA Bar Since 1985

About the Firm

John L. Sullivan, ESQ

With a track record of thirty years of practice, Attorney Sullivan has experience in the Probate and Family Courts throughout Eastern Massachusetts as well as the District Courts and Juvenile Courts. He has a great deal of trial experience and is well respected by fellow members of the Plymouth County Bar Association, with strong rapport with judges and colleagues.

John received his undergraduate degree from Stonehill College and his Juris Doctorate from the New England School of Law. He was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 1985 and has always been a member in good standing.

Joan MacLennan, Paralegal

Joan MacLennan brings thirty years of legal experience to the firm. Well-versed in court proceedings, client communication, and facilitation, Joan previously served as legal assistant to lead counsel and managing partner at a successful firm for over 22 years. She brings both a warm personality and a sharp intellect to every interaction.

Located at Seven MacDonald Terrace in Scituate, MA — less than a minute from the Route 3A/123 rotary, near the Greenbush post office. Convenient to all Plymouth County Courts and accessible via Route 3 for Bristol, Norfolk, and Barnstable County appearances.

Client Voices

What Clients Say

“

We appreciate all your hard work.

— K.
“

You are a wonderful attorney and I am glad I had you in my corner.

— J.
“

You are a lifesaver.

— J.
“

Thank you for all your help and good advice.

— R.
“

I am grateful God made people like you to help people like me.

— C.
30+

Years advocating for South Shore families

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Attorney Sullivan answers the questions he hears most often about divorce proceedings, child support, and custody in Massachusetts.

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Generally, a Complaint for Divorce is filed when one spouse alleges that there has been a breakdown of the marriage. Once the Complaint has been received by the Court, it will be assigned a number and a copy mailed back to the attorney along with a Summons. The Summons will be served by a Sheriff or Constable to the other party.

Frequently, after the other party receives the Summons, a Motion for Temporary Orders is heard. Once the orders are in place, a Pre-Trial Conference is next. The final hearing is often the trial, if the parties are unable to resolve their differences.

It is an opportunity for each party to present their side of the case to the Judge. Prior to that conference, parents — if there are minor children involved — are required to complete a certified parenting class. Parents and counsel must also meet for a four-way meeting to discuss the case.

The Plaintiff, or person who initiates the divorce, bears the burden of proving the case. The Plaintiff presents witnesses and documents, and the Defendant presents their own. The Judge will often request Proposed Findings of Fact. The matter is then taken under advisement and decided weeks or months later.

This depends first and foremost upon the calendar of the individual Judge — some have a greater backlog than others. Nevertheless, should parties be able to work out their differences, the divorce could be finalized within the year.

Conciliation is a program implemented by the Massachusetts Probate and Family Courts. It enables the parties and counsel to attempt a resolution with the assistance of an attorney in an expeditious and economic manner.

The Child Support Guidelines are a straightforward mathematical formula that takes income, health and dental insurance payments, child care costs, and pre-existing child support obligations into account to arrive at a specific payment amount.

Any time one party violates a Court Order, the other can initiate a Complaint for Contempt. In cases where a parent refuses to pay child support and the complaint is successful, the Judge has the discretion to award attorney's fees and costs.

"He who serves as his own attorney has a fool for a client." While it is possible to represent yourself (pro se), it is far wiser to seek the assistance of someone who regularly deals with the Courts. The legal system is complex — experienced representation makes a real difference.

Yes. The Massachusetts Courts have been known, under certain circumstances, to award over fifteen years of retroactive child support where the father knew he had a child but did little or nothing to provide support.

Legal custody gives the parent the right to make important and essential decisions affecting the future of a child — including medical care, religious and educational decisions, counseling, and selection of college. Physical custody refers to where the child primarily resides.

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Contact & Location

We welcome the opportunity to work with you to resolve your legal challenges. Call, email, or visit us in Scituate.

Phone

781.545.1144

Fax

781.545.3244

Email — Attorney Sullivan

[email protected]

Email — Joan MacLennan

[email protected]

Address

7 MacDonald Terrace
Scituate, MA 02066-3769

Office Hours

Monday9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Wednesday9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday9:00 am – 5:00 pm
SaturdayBy Appointment