Ponichtera & DeNardis P.C.

Ponichtera & DeNardis, P.C. represents one of southeastern Massachusetts' most established and trusted family law practices. Founded in 1987, the firm has provided over 35 years of compassionate yet skilled representation in emotionally charged family law matters. The firm has earned a reputation for professional, caring advocacy combined with sophisticated legal expertise in complex family law disputes.

At the heart of the firm is Ann M. Ponichtera DeNardis, who brings more than 30 years of direct experience handling divorce disputes and family law matters. Over this extensive career, DeNardis has developed sophisticated litigation strategies, deep knowledge of Massachusetts family law, and genuine understanding of the emotional dimensions of divorce and custody disputes. Her Pro Bono Publico Award reflects her commitment to serving families regardless of financial circumstances, demonstrating values that extend beyond billable hours to genuine service to the community.

Ponichtera & DeNardis's location at 10 Park Place in New Bedford serves as a hub for representation throughout southeastern Massachusetts. The firm's roots in the New Bedford community reflect genuine commitment to the families and individuals who comprise this region.

The firm's practice encompasses the full spectrum of family law matters. Divorce cases, from uncontested divorces where parties have reached agreement to highly contested divorces involving substantial disagreements about property division, custody, or support, are handled with both legal skill and emotional intelligence. The firm understands that divorce represents one of life's most challenging transitions and that effective legal representation requires understanding the emotional dimensions while maintaining aggressive advocacy.

Child custody disputes represent a significant portion of the firm's practice. The attorneys understand that custody determinations profoundly affect children's lives and family relationships. Rather than imposing standardized solutions, the firm works to develop custody arrangements that serve children's best interests while respecting both parents' important roles in their children's lives.

Child support and visitation matters are handled with careful attention to both legal requirements and practical considerations. The firm ensures that support obligations are fair and realistic, and that visitation schedules accommodate children's needs and both parents' desire to maintain meaningful relationships with their children.

Alimony and spousal support determinations are approached with sophisticated understanding of Massachusetts law and each party's economic circumstances. The firm works to achieve support arrangements that are fair, sustainable, and compliant with current law.

Restraining orders and protective orders represent another important area of the firm's practice. When families are experiencing abuse or threats, Ponichtera & DeNardis brings expertise in securing legal protections and ensuring client safety.

Modification and contempt actions are handled with extensive experience. The firm understands that post-divorce circumstances often change and court orders may need modification. Similarly, when former spouses violate court orders, the firm has the expertise to enforce compliance through contempt proceedings.

Guardianship and grandparent visitation issues represent specialized areas of the firm's practice. When children's parents are unable to care for them, guardianship becomes necessary. The firm has expertise in establishing guardianships and protecting children's interests. Grandparent visitation issues arise when grandparents seek to maintain relationships with grandchildren, particularly in situations where parents may be deceased or unable to care for children.

What particularly distinguishes Ponichtera & DeNardis is its expertise in complex divorces involving sophisticated assets, business interests, or complicated financial arrangements. These cases require not just family law knowledge but understanding of business valuation, real estate, tax implications, and other sophisticated financial matters. The firm has developed expertise in these complex cases, working with financial experts and business valuation specialists when necessary.

The firm also brings expertise in social security disability law, reflecting its comprehensive understanding of legal matters that intersect with family law. When family law clients have disability-related concerns, the firm can provide guidance on related legal issues.

Ponichtera & DeNardis's approach to family law reflects a deep commitment to providing professional, compassionate representation. The firm recognizes that behind every case are real families, real children, and futures that depend on getting these decisions right. This understanding informs every case the firm handles.

With over 35 years of practice history, more than 30 years of personal experience from lead attorney Ann Ponichtera DeNardis in handling divorce and family law matters, recognition for pro bono service, and expertise across the full spectrum of family law including complex divorces, guardianships, and related matters, Ponichtera & DeNardis represents experienced, compassionate, and skilled legal representation.

Whether you're facing a straightforward divorce, a complex custody battle, a difficult guardianship, or any other family law matter, Ponichtera & DeNardis brings proven expertise and genuine commitment to helping families move forward. Visit www.panddlaw.com or contact the firm to discuss your family law needs.