Sonja Starins - Haverhill, MA

Sonja has been practicing law for 17 years. She is currently licensed in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Sonja graduated magna cum laude from Boston University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. She subsequently earned her Law Degree from the University of Maine School of Law in 1999.

Since joining the SSJM Team in 2013, Sonja has been assisting clients whose families are experiencing transitions as a result of divorce or other changes in their lives. As a trained Mediator and Collaborative Attorney, Sonja understands the value of reaching creative, peaceful resolutions outside of Court. Sonja works with clients to identify their goals and interests which are then incorporated into resolutions that fit the unique circumstances and specific needs of each family. As no two families are alike, Sonja frequently helps her clients come up with their own ideas and solutions that are designed for their particular family dynamics. While conflict can be inevitable in a divorce, Sonja encourages her clients to be forward-thinking and maintain transparency and dignity throughout the transitioning periods and beyond. Sonja also assists clients with Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements. By having honest conversations regarding inheritances and family wealth prior to or during a marriage, Sonja helps clients remove the unknown and provides families with much needed certainty for their future.

In her Estate Planning practice, Sonja uses a Team Approach to work together with clients and their wealth managers to prepare a comprehensive Estate and Trust Plan that addresses the clients’ current and future needs and goals. Sonja understands that having a clear understanding of family dynamics plays a critical role in deriving a plan that puts her clients’ minds at ease.

As a Board Member of the Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council, Sonja serves as Co-Chair of the Professional Education Committee and is active on the Membership Committee leading the Tri-River Practice Group and the MCLC Book Club. In addition, Sonja serves on the Board of the Massachusetts Council for Family Mediation and its Membership Committee.