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David Ribak
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David Ribak
Ribak Law Offices
858 Washington St.
Suite 300
Dedham, MA 02026
Phone: (781) 329-2600 | Fax: (781) 329-0201
http://www.ribaklaw.com
A Family Oriented Law Firm Since 1977
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
Divorce (both contested and complex, and uncontested and simple); Modification, Contempt (enforcement), Paternity, Adoption, Custody Disputes, and Pre-nuptial Agreements.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Enforcement Actions
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Sexual Abuse
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Children's Rights
- Custody
- Foster Care
- Paternity
- Visitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Competency Hearings
- Guardianships & Conservatorships
- Long-Term Care
- Powers of Attorney
- Healthcare Power of Attorney
- Healthcare Proxy
- Termination of Parental Rights
Bar Admissions
MA, Jun 1976
Bar Number: 417980
Other Court Admissions
U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Court of Appeals, 1st Circuit, U.S. District Court Massachusetts, Supreme Judicial Court for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Supreme Court for the State of Florida.
Association Memberships
Member of the Massachusetts Bar and the Florida Bar and member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America.
Continuing Education
Being licensed to practice in both the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State of Florida, I participate in both live and taped seminars as well as studying various materials in order to fulfill and exceed the continuing legal education requirements.
Example Cases
In 2007, I represented a young father with a two-year-old daughter in the mother's sole physical and legal custody. After court hearing and examination of police officers to corroborate the mother's lack of supervision of the child and exposure to second hand smoke at her house parties, we obtained court ordered drug testing for the child which showed she had marijuana in her system, and obtained an immediate court order for a change of sole physical and legal custody to the father.
Education
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
School:
State University of New York at Brockport
City:
Brockport
State:
MA
Year:
1969
Focus and Accomplishments:
Union Board of Managers Director of Public Relations; member of Fantasy, a rock group. Played keyboards and tenor sax.
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
New England School of Law
City:
Boston
State:
MA
Year:
1974
Honors:
American Jurisprudence awards in Civil Procedure and Criminal Law.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Interest in Family Law.
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
Massachusetts and Florida.
Firm Focus and History
We help clients look at saving their marriage; meeting the needs of their children, including financial, custody, and visitation (parenting plans); dissolving the marriage, including support, real estate and personal property; understanding legal rights and obligations as well as procedures in the Probate and Family Court and in our office; and legal fees and expenses as contained in a written fee agreement.
In the summer of 1977, this firm was established in Quincy, MA as a legal clinic next door to the District Courthouse. Since then, our concentration has been in divorce law and in 1998 we relocated to Dedham, MA, the county seat of Norfolk County and the site of the Probate and Family Court. We still help each client through their matter with care, consideration, compassion, tactical planning, and responsiveness.
Previous Employment Summary
Prior to law school, in 1969, I student taught secondary social studies in western New York State. I then became a social caseworker in Rochester, NY in 1970, before entering law school in 1971. Beginning in 1974, I worked in general practice under a mentor's tutelage, opening my own firm in 1977 and continuing to the present.
Activities and Awards
1. Annually serve in the Lawyer for the Day program at the Probate and Family Court in Suffolk and Norfolk counties
2. 1986 Commencement Day speaker at New England School of Law
3. Former member of American Legal Clinic Association, based in Providence, RI
4. American Jurisprudence awards in Civil Procedure and Criminal Law
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Our self-help philosophy is, "Let each become all they are capable of becoming." To that end, we actually give out helpful books, brochures, and materials to various clients in order to assist them in particular areas of their case.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
We review documents prepared by clients, but typically end up with wholesale editing or complete re-writes in order to comply with the Court's requirements. Because we bill for chargeable time, this is not always cost effective.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
We do not advocate for clients who want to represent themselves except for in a few situations. More harm then good can befall a client due to their overall lack of knowledge of the applicable law and the court system.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I decided to become a lawyer in order to help people with their problems. My social caseworker background has made me a good listener and a compassionate and effective problem solver.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
All of my experience has made me a better lawyer because it has assisted me in becoming an effective problem solver.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I chose family law as my primary area of practice because while attending law school, I observed the marriages of many fellow friends, some good and some not so good. Being a social caseworker focused me on a caseload of persons with family law issues, mostly involving problems with children and money.
What do you like best about your career?
There are rewards and responsibilities that go hand in hand in servicing an active client caseload. The upshot is that all clients are perceived as good persons seeking honorable outcomes to their situations. Working for good causes is extremely gratifying.
Tell us about your law firm:
At this family oriented law firm, we are literally a family. The practice has thrived since 1977. In 1985, my younger brother, Jason, joined me as an associate attorney and we have been together ever since. In 2002 my wife, Marjorie, joined me as the office manager, servicing clients in a sensitive manner. Together we can and do give contiguous coverage to the practice.
What are your strengths and style?
My strengths and style are figuratively a steel hand inside a velvet glove, with a measure of humor along the way. Most cases do not resolve by themselves and need a firm push of advocacy in the right direction.
Personal Interests:
My personal interests are family, friends and golf.
Office Manager/Assistant
Marjorie Ribak.
Fax
(781) 329-0201
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Additional Offices
Canton, MA
547 Chapman Street
Canton, MA 02021
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
No.
Hourly Rates
$300 for me and $250 for my associate.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, a half-hour free consultation, with regular hourly rates to be charged at the conclusion.
Typical Retainer
No.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
