Team TDC

Stephen F. McDonough, Esq.

J.D., Suffolk University Law School, Boston. Admitted in Massachusetts and North Carolina (inactive status in NC).

After earning his law degree, Stephen focused on divorce and domestic relations from day one.  His  sense of humor and ability to connect with people put clients at ease; well as much as anyone can be at ease during a divorce anyway.

Before forming The Divorce Collaborative LLC, Stephen exclusively practiced divorce and family law in Charlotte, North Carolina with the Rosen Law Firm. During this time, he was a sought-after speaker, lecturing frequently about divorce throughout the Charlotte area and appearing on the local Fox News station in a feature about domestic violence. Recently, he was featured in a story about the new Massachusetts Alimony Reform law in the Boston Herald.  He has also been quoted in the Lawyers Weekly USA newspaper and several online articles.

Stephen is active in many different organizations, both legal and civic. He served on the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council, and is a member of the Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation, the International Association of Collaborative Professionals, the Massachusetts Bar Association, Western Norfolk County Bar Association, the American Bar Association and the Bedford Chamber of Commerce.  Steve was also a mener of the Norfolk Lions Club.

He also assists other attorneys with law office management, technology, and business development.  His interest in these areas also benefits clients, as the firm has invested in technology to improve efficiency and provides fee options not available at most law firms. Stephen has presented a number of times about his firm’s use of fixed fees as an option to other bar groups.

Prior to law school, Stephen had a 13 year career in municipal law enforcement.  He served in the MA Air National Guard and the US Air Force Reserves as a Security Specialist, receiving an honorable discharge.  Stephen is an experienced percussionist and has performed in numerous musical groups since fifth grade. Originally from Bedford, MA, Stephen currently resides in Norfolk, MA with his family.

To contact Stephen by phone, please call (877) 842-1199; or, email him at steve@divorcecollaborative.com.

 

Katherine Thomas, Esq.

J.D., University of Connecticut School of Law. Admitted in MA and NH (inactive in NH).

Katherine hails from Bedford, MA and earned her bachelor’s degree (cum laude) in Economics at The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. During law school at UConn, she was a member of the Connecticut Public Interest Law Journal and also served as the production editor.

Never one to sit still, during law school Katherine completed several internships to gain valuable, hands-on experience in law firms and the courts. She even spent two summers working at the Concord, MA District Court in the civil department.

Katherine is a member of a number of professional organizations, including the American Bar Association, Massachusetts Bar Association, and the New Hampshire Bar Association. She is also involved in the Bedford, MA Chamber of Commerce and the Bedford Education Foundation.  Katherine volunteers her time with the Domestic Violence Services Network, based in Concord, MA.

Outside of the office, Katherine is an avid runner and currently training for a half-marathon. In June, she completed the challenging Warrior Dash extreme obstacle course, which involved fun things like running through fire and crawling through mud for 3.2 miles.   She brings the same perseverance to her work at the firm, although we have asked her not to set fires in the office anymore.

 

Colleen Cunnally, Esq.

J.D., Suffolk University Law School, Boston

Colleen’s interest in divorce and family law started in law school, where she participated in the Family Law Clinical Program and worked as a legal intern at Metrowest Legal Services in Framingham, MA. After graduation, Colleen was hired as a staff attorney with the Family Law and Domestic Violence Unit, representing clients in domestic violence, divorce and custody cases.

She later transitioned to private practice, continuing to work with divorcing clients in Norfolk and surrounding counties. In 2006, Colleen joined the litigation unit of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, Child Support Enforcement Division. Within a short time, she was promoted to a supervisory position. Colleen represented the DOR in actions to establish, modify, and enforce child support orders, tracked down and tried cases against delinquent payors, and supervised other attorneys and DOR staff. In this role, Colleen appeared in court several times a week, honing her skills in the courtroom. Colleen was even picked to work with the District Attorney as a Special Assistant District Attorney in Worcester County to prosecute criminal non-support actions and select who would be placed upon the state’s “Deadbeat” child support list.

Needless to say, if you didn’t pay your child support you did not want to see Colleen in court!

In early 2011, Colleen returned to private practice and joined The Divorce Collaborative LLC. She represents clients in divorce and domestic relations issues, including complicated child support matters, interstate child support cases, paternity, modifications, and contempt actions, not to mention Massachusetts divorce cases of course. She also received her certification to serve as a Guardian Ad Litem, and is a trained divorce mediator.

Colleen continues to volunteer her time at the Norfolk and Worcester Probate and Family Courts as a volunteer attorney for the day, and conducts trainings for other lawyers.

Outside of work, Colleen helps organize Connors Fun Run, a 5k in Norfolk, MA that benefits Spinal Muscular Atrophy. She lives in Medway with her husband and four-legged “daughter” Clover, the world’s most-spoiled canine companion.

Melanie Berge, Client Support Specialist

Melanie has over fifteen years of experience in client-focused positions.  She started her career at a local media agency in human resources, later transitioning to the marketing/sales area serving as an account executive.   Her approachable demeanor and sincere desire to assist people translate well to her role as a Client Support Specialist at The Divorce Collaborative LLC.

Melanie holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Worcester State College, and has lots of cool shoes.

Melanie’s passion for fashion helps brighten things up around the office.  When not working or shopping or shopping some more, she spends time creating memories with her extended family, all of whom live within a few miles of her home.

Originally from Holden, Melanie lives in Shrewsbury with her husband, two children, and Lu, the 10-year-old pug.

When asked about other interests or hobbies for her bio, Melanie reported that she was far more exciting when she was younger.  This has yet to be officially confirmed.