Ronald P. Barriere

Overview

Ron Barriere represents clients in all aspects of divorce and family law. A zealous advocate and litigator, Ron is skilled in negotiation and is a trained family mediator and conciliator.

A trial attorney in the areas of divorce, abuse prevention orders, custody disputes, actions involving the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, paternity actions, post-divorce modification and enforcement of alimony, child support and other judgments, Ron has extensive litigation experience.

As a neutral mediator, Ron helps couples amicably resolve family law issues, such as divorces, custody and support disputes, and paternity matters, through informed negotiation. He also routinely negotiates and drafts prenuptial, cohabitation and divorce agreements.

Ron’s clients are often in a difficult chapter of their life, and he prides himself in removing some of their stress by guiding them through the complexities of the law and the intricate nature of the court system. Early in the process, Ron has candid discussions with his clients to help them define a realistic, favorable end-result. “That goal becomes our ‘North Star,’” he says. “I say ‘our’ intentionally; my goal is the client’s goal. I collaborate with each client throughout the process to be sure we remain on course for that end-result, adjusting as necessary.”

At its core, the law is about solving problems. Common sense, confidence, and experience are just as important to solving client problems as knowing case and statutory law. Ron’s career has been defined as much by being able to give sound, practical advice to clients as it has been by his knowledge of the law. In addition, he is known for his approachability and lasting relationships with clients – he’s a trusted advisor and is often retained by former clients for subsequent matters related to family law and otherwise.

Ron also works with athletes, screenwriters, actors, songwriters and musicians in both litigation and non-litigation contexts.

Besides work

When Ron is not in court, you can often find him on a field; Ron has coached lacrosse for kids ranging from the ages of 5 to 18 for a decade. He currently coaches at Archbishop Williams High School in Braintree.

Affiliations

Member, Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation
Attorneys Representing Children – Barnstable, Bristol, and Plymouth Probate and Family Courts
Founding Member and Certified Financial Litigator, American Academy for Certified Financial Litigators
Member, Barnstable County Bar Association
Member, Boston Bar Association
Member, Plymouth District Bar Association
Lacrosse Coach, Archbishop Williams High School

Coach, Statewide High School Mock Trial Program, Massachusetts Bar Association
Plymouth Rock Youth Lacrosse
- Board Member
- Vice President
- Coach

Honors

Lawdragon 500: Leading Family Lawyer (2024 and 2025)
Best Lawyers in America, Family Law (2018-2025)
First Justices’ Award for Pro Bono Publico Excellence from the First Justices of the Barnstable, Bristol, and Plymouth Probate and Family Courts

Articles + Talks

ARTICLES

“Child Support,” MCLE Massachusetts Divorce Law Practice Manual, 2016
“Military Pensions Could See Significant Changes,” Massachusetts Divorce Law Monitor, 2016
“New Changes to the Parent Education Program in Massachusetts,” Massachusetts Divorce Law Monitor, 2016
“Military Divorce and the ‘20/20/20 Rule,’” Massachusetts Divorce Law Monitor, 2015
“Top 4 Questions About Divorce and Special Education,” Massachusetts Divorce Law Monitor, 2015
“Top 9 Tips to Make Your Deposition Less Stressful,” Massachusetts Divorce Law Monitor, 2015
“How Real is Your Love? Divorce, Annulment, and Reality TV,” Massachusetts Divorce Law Monitor, 2013
“Considering Military Pensions in Divorce Cases,” Massachusetts Divorce Law Monitor, 2012
“Fighting at Home and Abroad: Child Custody and Visitation of Deployed Service Members,” Massachusetts Divorce Law Monitor, 2011

TALKS

Drafting & Negotiating Separation Agreements, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, 2024
Family Violence: A Primer for Practitioners and Guardians Ad Litem, Lorman Webinar, 2020
Probate & Family Law Discussions, Featured Guest, Radio Entrepreneurs, 2020
Financial Aspects of Divorce in Massachusetts, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, 2018
What Happens to the Home?” ReDefining Divorce Seminar, 2017

Bar Admissions

Massachusetts
U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Education

J.D., cum laude, Suffolk University Law School,
B.A., summa cum laude, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Experience

Secured ongoing alimony for an economically-dependent, disabled wife beyond statutory durational limits after a multi-day trial
Successfully changed legal custody from mother to father due to parental alienation after a multi-day trial
Succeeded in securing 50/50 parenting agreements for multiple fathers in divorce and post-divorce matters
Successfully negotiated protections for the intellectual property of inventors, writers, and musicians in family law matters
Represented numerous high-net worth clients in divorce and post-divorce contexts
Drafted and negotiated comprehensive prenuptial agreements to safeguard assets, income, and business interests in the event of a divorce or death during the marriage. This includes protection for both premarital assets and inherited assets, as well as alimony waivers and protections for business owners.
Drafted and negotiated multiple post-nuptial and parenting agreements
Successfully represented multiple clients in seeking or opposing abuse orders under Chapter 209A and Chapter 208, sec. 18, as well as harassment prevention orders under Chapter 258E
Acted as a mediator or conciliator in dozens of high-net-worth divorce and post-divorce matters
Acted as a neutral mediator or conciliator in custody disputes

Insights + News

Events + Recordings

December 11, 2024

Ron Barriere Presented “Drafting & Negotiating Separation Agreements”

News

Blogs

All in the Family

October 15, 2024
Five Bowditch Attorneys Named to 2025 Lawdragon 500 Leading Family Lawyers

Partner