team-member

Demetra Pontisakos

Topsfield, MA

Licensed for 36 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Child custody

Language

English

About

I PROVIDE FAMILY LAW SOLUTIONS TAILORED TO YOUR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS.  MY OFFICE ON ROUTE ONE IN TOPSFIELD PROVIDES A COMFORTABLE MEETING PLACE WITH AMPLE FREE PARKING.      I have practiced in the Massachusetts courts since 1986 and in the New Hampshire courts since 2004. My practice areas include divorce, division of assets, alimony, child support, child custody matters, guardianship matters, grandparent visitation, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and interstate jurisdictional conflicts. I am trained and experienced in using a variety of techniques toward the resolution of family law conflicts, including traditional client representation, negotiation, litigation, collaborative law practice and mediation. I also provide services as a Parenting Coordinator to assist parents with the resolution of custodial and co-parenting conflicts outside of the court process. I am certified by the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court as a Category V Parenting Coordinator. I am trained and certified as a family law arbitrator by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.I am licensed to practice in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New York. I am a fellow of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. I am a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Essex County Bar Association, the New Hampshire Bar Association, the Salem Bar Association, the Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council and the Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation. I serve as a volunteer conciliator for the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court through the Essex County Bar Association.  I have served as a lecturer and a speaker on family law topics, including the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education programs, Cutting Edge Issues in Northern Massachusetts Family Law (2015), Practicing Family Law on the Border of Massachusetts and New Hampshire (2017-program chair), and The Family Lawyer's Discovery Toolkit (2018).

Practices Areas

Child custody

Divorce and separation

Family

Language

English

Contact

458 Boston StreetSecond Floor, Suite 6Topsfield, MA, 01983

Office: (978) 222-7443

Website: N/A

Reviews

Michelle
September 5, 2019

Demetra recently represented me for a child support and custody case. I was actually referred to her by her opponent, who said her attorney completely caved during litigation and negotiations with Demetra. I bear witness to the same! Demetra negotiated on my behalf and was tough when needed. Leading up to court, Demetra spent ample time with me to walk me through the court process, and ensure that I understood probable outcomes. She was always responsive when I had a question, and made me feel that my case was her top priority. One thing I was nervous about was that she’d be manipulated by my ex and his attorney. Not a chance. Demetra gives zero attention to drama, and has a way about her that even the most difficult people respect her. I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome of my case, and I give all credit to Demetra. She advocated for me 100%.

KathyM
July 12, 2018

In my experience, Demetra serves her clients extremely well. She truly knows family law and the contracts/agreements that come with it. She gave me all of the advice I needed to make the best decision for me and my children (adopted). Throughout the time I worked with her, I always felt that Demetra presented all options to me honestly and objectively. When I decided to go with the long shot, Demetra was very frank with me that the likelihood of the outcome I wanted was slim. But Demetra gave it her all, even when opposing counsel submitted her response at the last possible minute. Thanks to Demetra's work ethic and commitment to her clients (me in this case), we prevailed. Demetra, I can't thank you enough and will always be ready to share my experience with you with other potential clients.

Pilar
September 12, 2016

Demetra Pontisakos is an outstanding family attorney. I had been in a litigation battle with my daughter´s father since 2010 but after hiring Demetra obtained all the rights and benefits of sole legal custody as well as more time with my daughter. I had gone through 3 previous attorneys and have some hard earned knowledge on what makes an effective family attorney. Demetra’ s communication is superb, she will NEVER leave you guessing what the status your case is. She sends you copies of all documentation and lets you know immediately of any updates. She is honest and will never misguide you or make false promises. Demetra will be the strongest possible advocate for your case and will give it her complete focus during trial. Her paperwork is clean, professional and well prepared. She pays attention to each detail when drafting agreements always keeping in mind your interests and needs. Additionally, Donna Allen, her paralegal, is fantastic. Polite and professional, Donna follows up quickly, is easy to work with and as efficient as Demetra. I would hire Demetra without hesitation in the future if I need a family attorney again.

Anthony
September 30, 2015

I have consulted many times with Demetra for her counsel and experience. Demetra has that rare ability to be really good as a negotiator/peace maker and as a trial attorney. She is not one to “throw gasoline on the embers”. She feels no compulsion to play “mind games” while always being fully aware of all the “mind games” that exist. In court, she is direct and to the point. I have noticed the subtle, but present, attention (and respect) judges show her when she speaks.

Michael
August 16, 2015

I hired Demetra several years ago to help gain custody of my son who was 8 years old at the time. She did not judge me. She is professional and does not make promises. She is a extraordinary Attorney!

Martina
December 11, 2014

Divorce is emotionally and financially trying time. Selecting the best attorney is a challenging first step in the long legal process. A friend told me that Ms Pontisakos not only won her divorce case but also became her dear friend. My experience was similar. Demetra researched my case thoroughly. Her recommendations were solid and realistic. She was thorough and paid attention to every detail. She was also compassionate and understanding. She made me feel that she cared for my well being and took personal interest in my case. I am eternally grateful to her for guiding me through this ordeal. I was totally satisfied with the resolution and the settlement. If you choose Ms Pontisakos to represent you in a divorce case, you will be in the best possible hands.

Deborah
December 4, 2014

I was referred to Attorney Pontisakos at the time of my divorce and am thankful for it. Demetra was extremely knowledgeable of not only newly revised divorce law, but also provided guidance on dealing with the division of finances. I was confident with my representation throughout the process. I highly recommend her.

Chris
February 5, 2014

Demetra is very experienced in dealing with difficult ex's and in dealing with difficult custody battles. She worked with me to ensure that I would receive top notch legal assistance even when my budget ran low. She has continued to fight for me and my children.

Michelle
September 5, 2019

Demetra recently represented me for a child support and custody case. I was actually referred to her by her opponent, who said her attorney completely caved during litigation and negotiations with Demetra. I bear witness to the same! Demetra negotiated on my behalf and was tough when needed. Leading up to court, Demetra spent ample time with me to walk me through the court process, and ensure that I understood probable outcomes. She was always responsive when I had a question, and made me feel that my case was her top priority. One thing I was nervous about was that she’d be manipulated by my ex and his attorney. Not a chance. Demetra gives zero attention to drama, and has a way about her that even the most difficult people respect her. I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome of my case, and I give all credit to Demetra. She advocated for me 100%.

KathyM
July 12, 2018

In my experience, Demetra serves her clients extremely well. She truly knows family law and the contracts/agreements that come with it. She gave me all of the advice I needed to make the best decision for me and my children (adopted). Throughout the time I worked with her, I always felt that Demetra presented all options to me honestly and objectively. When I decided to go with the long shot, Demetra was very frank with me that the likelihood of the outcome I wanted was slim. But Demetra gave it her all, even when opposing counsel submitted her response at the last possible minute. Thanks to Demetra's work ethic and commitment to her clients (me in this case), we prevailed. Demetra, I can't thank you enough and will always be ready to share my experience with you with other potential clients.

Pilar
September 12, 2016

Demetra Pontisakos is an outstanding family attorney. I had been in a litigation battle with my daughter´s father since 2010 but after hiring Demetra obtained all the rights and benefits of sole legal custody as well as more time with my daughter. I had gone through 3 previous attorneys and have some hard earned knowledge on what makes an effective family attorney. Demetra’ s communication is superb, she will NEVER leave you guessing what the status your case is. She sends you copies of all documentation and lets you know immediately of any updates. She is honest and will never misguide you or make false promises. Demetra will be the strongest possible advocate for your case and will give it her complete focus during trial. Her paperwork is clean, professional and well prepared. She pays attention to each detail when drafting agreements always keeping in mind your interests and needs. Additionally, Donna Allen, her paralegal, is fantastic. Polite and professional, Donna follows up quickly, is easy to work with and as efficient as Demetra. I would hire Demetra without hesitation in the future if I need a family attorney again.

Anthony
September 30, 2015

I have consulted many times with Demetra for her counsel and experience. Demetra has that rare ability to be really good as a negotiator/peace maker and as a trial attorney. She is not one to “throw gasoline on the embers”. She feels no compulsion to play “mind games” while always being fully aware of all the “mind games” that exist. In court, she is direct and to the point. I have noticed the subtle, but present, attention (and respect) judges show her when she speaks.

Michael
August 16, 2015

I hired Demetra several years ago to help gain custody of my son who was 8 years old at the time. She did not judge me. She is professional and does not make promises. She is a extraordinary Attorney!

Martina
December 11, 2014

Divorce is emotionally and financially trying time. Selecting the best attorney is a challenging first step in the long legal process. A friend told me that Ms Pontisakos not only won her divorce case but also became her dear friend. My experience was similar. Demetra researched my case thoroughly. Her recommendations were solid and realistic. She was thorough and paid attention to every detail. She was also compassionate and understanding. She made me feel that she cared for my well being and took personal interest in my case. I am eternally grateful to her for guiding me through this ordeal. I was totally satisfied with the resolution and the settlement. If you choose Ms Pontisakos to represent you in a divorce case, you will be in the best possible hands.

Deborah
December 4, 2014

I was referred to Attorney Pontisakos at the time of my divorce and am thankful for it. Demetra was extremely knowledgeable of not only newly revised divorce law, but also provided guidance on dealing with the division of finances. I was confident with my representation throughout the process. I highly recommend her.

Chris
February 5, 2014

Demetra is very experienced in dealing with difficult ex's and in dealing with difficult custody battles. She worked with me to ensure that I would receive top notch legal assistance even when my budget ran low. She has continued to fight for me and my children.

Michelle
September 5, 2019

Demetra recently represented me for a child support and custody case. I was actually referred to her by her opponent, who said her attorney completely caved during litigation and negotiations with Demetra. I bear witness to the same! Demetra negotiated on my behalf and was tough when needed. Leading up to court, Demetra spent ample time with me to walk me through the court process, and ensure that I understood probable outcomes. She was always responsive when I had a question, and made me feel that my case was her top priority. One thing I was nervous about was that she’d be manipulated by my ex and his attorney. Not a chance. Demetra gives zero attention to drama, and has a way about her that even the most difficult people respect her. I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome of my case, and I give all credit to Demetra. She advocated for me 100%.

KathyM
July 12, 2018

In my experience, Demetra serves her clients extremely well. She truly knows family law and the contracts/agreements that come with it. She gave me all of the advice I needed to make the best decision for me and my children (adopted). Throughout the time I worked with her, I always felt that Demetra presented all options to me honestly and objectively. When I decided to go with the long shot, Demetra was very frank with me that the likelihood of the outcome I wanted was slim. But Demetra gave it her all, even when opposing counsel submitted her response at the last possible minute. Thanks to Demetra's work ethic and commitment to her clients (me in this case), we prevailed. Demetra, I can't thank you enough and will always be ready to share my experience with you with other potential clients.

Pilar
September 12, 2016

Demetra Pontisakos is an outstanding family attorney. I had been in a litigation battle with my daughter´s father since 2010 but after hiring Demetra obtained all the rights and benefits of sole legal custody as well as more time with my daughter. I had gone through 3 previous attorneys and have some hard earned knowledge on what makes an effective family attorney. Demetra’ s communication is superb, she will NEVER leave you guessing what the status your case is. She sends you copies of all documentation and lets you know immediately of any updates. She is honest and will never misguide you or make false promises. Demetra will be the strongest possible advocate for your case and will give it her complete focus during trial. Her paperwork is clean, professional and well prepared. She pays attention to each detail when drafting agreements always keeping in mind your interests and needs. Additionally, Donna Allen, her paralegal, is fantastic. Polite and professional, Donna follows up quickly, is easy to work with and as efficient as Demetra. I would hire Demetra without hesitation in the future if I need a family attorney again.

Anthony
September 30, 2015

I have consulted many times with Demetra for her counsel and experience. Demetra has that rare ability to be really good as a negotiator/peace maker and as a trial attorney. She is not one to “throw gasoline on the embers”. She feels no compulsion to play “mind games” while always being fully aware of all the “mind games” that exist. In court, she is direct and to the point. I have noticed the subtle, but present, attention (and respect) judges show her when she speaks.

Michael
August 16, 2015

I hired Demetra several years ago to help gain custody of my son who was 8 years old at the time. She did not judge me. She is professional and does not make promises. She is a extraordinary Attorney!

Martina
December 11, 2014

Divorce is emotionally and financially trying time. Selecting the best attorney is a challenging first step in the long legal process. A friend told me that Ms Pontisakos not only won her divorce case but also became her dear friend. My experience was similar. Demetra researched my case thoroughly. Her recommendations were solid and realistic. She was thorough and paid attention to every detail. She was also compassionate and understanding. She made me feel that she cared for my well being and took personal interest in my case. I am eternally grateful to her for guiding me through this ordeal. I was totally satisfied with the resolution and the settlement. If you choose Ms Pontisakos to represent you in a divorce case, you will be in the best possible hands.

Deborah
December 4, 2014

I was referred to Attorney Pontisakos at the time of my divorce and am thankful for it. Demetra was extremely knowledgeable of not only newly revised divorce law, but also provided guidance on dealing with the division of finances. I was confident with my representation throughout the process. I highly recommend her.

Chris
February 5, 2014

Demetra is very experienced in dealing with difficult ex's and in dealing with difficult custody battles. She worked with me to ensure that I would receive top notch legal assistance even when my budget ran low. She has continued to fight for me and my children.