Grantham O'Brien Law

08/21/2026

I got divorced during my first year of law school. I was 27, had no kids, and I remember feeling completely, utterly alone.

I felt so old. Ending my marriage felt like a massive defeat—I had poured so much time, energy, and love into that relationship. Facing 30, a milestone where I thought I’d be settled and starting a family, I was suddenly back at ground zero. I had to navigate law school, figure out who I was, and learn to date again. I literally cried in my car after my first date with someone new. It was so much harder than I ever expected.

Standing on the beach attempting to surf reminded me so much of that season.

Surfing beat me up. I took heavy wipes, got smacked in the head by my board, and swallowed half the ocean. But starting over in life is just like paddling back out into the swell.

You get hit by waves you didn't see coming. You feel exhausted. But you keep paddling because staying wiped out in the foam isn't an option.

It took endless attempts, but I finally popped up and rode a wave all the way to shore. Surfing is not for me, but I didn’t give up. Neither should you.

If you’re facing a divorce right now and feeling like you’re starting from scratch, I see you. It hurts, it’s terrifying, and it feels unfair. But you are not defeated—you are just paddling through the white water.

You will find your balance, and you will ride again.

📍 Grantham O’Brien Law | Chelmsford, MA
📞 978-341-5033
🌐

https://linktr.ee/granthamobrienlaw

08/10/2026

Co-parenting after a separation isn't always easy, but it’s essential. 💡

Keeping things stable and consistent helps kids stay close to both parents, minimizes conflict, and supports their emotional well-being.

When parents put their children's needs first, everybody wins. What’s one strategy that helped your family navigate co-parenting? 👇

978-341-5044

08/06/2026

Stop using social media labels in court. 🚫

As a family law attorney in Massachusetts, one of the biggest mistakes I see parents make in Probate & Family Court is calling their ex a "narcissist" or "gaslighter."

Judges aren't psychiatrists—they don't want diagnoses, and they don't want to hear about personal relationship grievances. They care about documented behavior and the children's best interests.

Frame the issue around:
🔹 Inconsistency in scheduling

🔹 High-conflict communication over basic decisions

🔹 The impact on the children

Focus on the facts and the impact, and let the judge draw their own conclusions.

📌 Save this post for your legal preparation!

(Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.)

978-341-5044

08/04/2026

Cookout night at Daybreak Shelter in Lawrence! 🌭 Grateful for the chance to volunteer with my son last night alongside the Westford Rotary Club, , , and .

Good food, great company, and teaching the next generation the power of giving back. ❤️✨

08/03/2026

If you’ve talked to me for more than 5 minutes, you know that I LOVE Mel Robbins. 💛 I cannot tell you how many times I’ve forwarded one of her podcast episodes to a friend or client!

In the last few years, the term “Gaslighting” has been thrown around constantly—and honestly, sometimes used incorrectly.

That’s why this particular episode was such an important listen. Mel breaks down what gaslighting actually is (and isn't) with so much clarity. If you’ve ever felt confused, invalidated, or second-guessed yourself in a conversation, you’ll want to save this one.

Check out a short clip here:https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19GUrjCrhW/

07/27/2026

Trying to lower support payments by intentionally working less? In Massachusetts courts, judges can base child support or alimony on your potential earnings, not just what you bring home.

07/23/2026

It's never easy, so getting support and guidance is important as you go through a divorce.

07/23/2026

5 Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Divorce Case ⚖️👇

Before you make a sudden move with your money, you need to know about the automatic temporary restraints that protect marital property during a Massachusetts divorce.

What NOT to do:

Don't drain joint bank accounts.

Don't drop your spouse from your health insurance.

Don't sell off stocks, property, or vehicles without consent.

Don't lie on your financial statement (it's signed under penalty of perjury!).

Don't stop paying the family bills or mortgage.

Playing fair keeps you on the judge's good side and protects your final outcome.

Need experienced representation in your corner? Reach out today.
📞 978-341-5044
🌐 chelmsfordfamilylawyer.com
📍 Chelmsford, MA

07/22/2026

Who gets the fur babies when a marriage ends? 🐾🏖️

In Massachusetts, the law officially classifies pets as personal property—meaning in the eyes of the court, a beloved dog is legally treated much like a sofa or a car.

However, any pet parent knows their pet is family. Even if the law doesn't treat our pets like our children, we all know they are.

While a Probate & Family Court judge generally won't order "joint pet custody" on their own, you and your spouse CAN create your own pet custody schedule and expense-sharing arrangement in a negotiated Separation Agreement! (I only advise this if it's not a high-conflict divorce!)

3 things MA courts look at when pet ownership is disputed:

📋 Initial Acquisition: Was the pet adopted before or during the marriage?

🐕 Primary Caregiver: Who handles the vet appointments, feeding, grooming, and training?

🏡 Living Environment: Which home provides the safest, most stable setup?

Don't leave your pet's future to chance.

978-341-5044com

07/20/2026

Filing for shared physical custody in Massachusetts? Don't assume that means equal time.

"Shared" means the child splits time between both parents' homes. But Massachusetts judges don't automatically order 50/50. They decide the split based on what's in the child's best interest—school location, work schedules, parental involvement, stability, the child's own needs.

You might get 50/50. You might get 60/40. You might get 70/30. The judge decides based on the facts of your case.

This is why your filing needs to show the court why the specific schedule you're proposing works for your child—not just why it works for you.

Going in blind costs you. Bring an attorney who knows how Massachusetts courts actually calculate these schedules.

📞 978-341-5044
🌐 granthamobrienlaw.com