resolution. finally

Keeping focus on what you value most... always.

Personalized, insightful and caring. These are some of the pillars of Marlene’s approach to working with clients. She balances this approach with a commitment to no-nonsense litigation and mediation that always begins with the end in mind.

Marlene is a zealous advocate in litigation and an objective third-party neutral in mediation. In either case, she provides a confidential, safe, and structured space to resolve her clients’ family law issues. In litigation she navigates the court system and in mediation she facilitates communication between both parents and helps them to work together to make decisions for themselves and their children. Those who choose mediation often feel that the power to make the best decisions for a family is best when it remains with the family. Those who choose litigation often prefer knowing that there is an attorney who is well equipped to zealously advocate for their clients’ singular positions and interests.

Marlene has shown that parents can put their faith in her as a third party neutral and take them on the journey from anger and anxiety to cooperation and calm. She is expertly able to create a safe space for parents to work together to meet their own needs and the needs of their children and achieve the resolution that is truly right for their family, finally.


About Marlene

Thoughtful and thorough, Marlene has honed her professional acumen and her client-centric style by succeeding in some of the most impressive educational and professional environments. Marlene is a licensed attorney in the United States and Canada and, in addition to her J.D., earned her J.S.D. (equivalent to a PhD in Law) from Cornell Law School. Her doctoral dissertation focused on the impact of divorce on parents and their children and on what to do with the family home upon divorce.

Marlene is uniquely qualified to deal with any type of divorce or family law scenario. She is credentialed in mediation by the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education Mediation Program, by the Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation for Lawyers, (the leading negotiation/mediation program in the world), and by the Institute of Divorce Mediation. She is a member of the Ontario and Massachusetts chapters of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts and serves on the Family Law Council of the Massachusetts Bar Association​.


Gina Gualtiere
Gina Gualtiere
2021-11-19
Marlene was a valuable asset to my wife and I during the process of second parent adoption. Even through the pandemic Marlene remained available and knowledgeable to us and the process could not have been smoother. We will absolutely retain her for family counsel moving forward.
OSCAR FLOREZ
OSCAR FLOREZ
2021-11-06
My attorney Marlene Shiner was great! She is one of the best attorneys in family court matters. In this difficult time I had, she was calm and professional. She was always responsive and available to answer questions throughout the entire process. She explained everything and helped me to get the result I was hoping for. I would highly recommend her.
Wendy Kincaid
Wendy Kincaid
2021-10-09
Marlene is a compassionate, knowledgeable attorney who has been instrumental in helping me achieve my goals during a tough situation.
Tashia Anderson
Tashia Anderson
2021-10-07
Marlene goes above and beyond for me. She value’s all of my cases as like if their her only ones. She’s very professional and honest and cares about every one of my cases. I appreciate all that she’s doing for me. ~ TLG ~
mike carey
mike carey
2021-10-07
Marlene always makes time to get back to me. Going through this process can be very worrying but Marlene takes her time to answer all my questions and put those worries to rest.
Brenna Ivey
Brenna Ivey
2021-10-07
Marlene is everything you would want in a lawyer or really any professional: empathetic, committed, and capable. Working with her makes a very difficult time much easier. She approaches problems thoughtfully and compassionately.
Nate Abzug
Nate Abzug
2021-10-07
Ms. Shiner helped make a very turbulent time in my life a lot easier. Ms. Shiner is logical, compassionate and very dedicated to her clients. She was a real calming and reassuring presence during the divorce process. I would highly recommend Ms. Shiner to anyone who finds themselves in need of her services.
Elizabeth Pasquariello
Elizabeth Pasquariello
2021-10-07
I reached out to Ms Shiner during the beginning of covid 2020 for advice on the next steps for myself and my children. She was the 1st and only lawyer I spoke with that took the time to listen and actually hear me. The other 3 lawyers I had spoken with immediately talked #'s, $$.. Didn't want to know anything about my situation. Marlene made me feel like the decision I was making was exactly what I was supposed to be doing. Unfortunately Covid has had other plans for us and the process has taken longer than anyone had expected but Marlene and her team have been nothing but professional and helpful this entire time.
Brenden Rheaume
Brenden Rheaume
2021-10-07
Marlene has been a fantastic mediator. She is knowledgeable, kind, patient, and affordable. She has helped a tremendous amount with making a difficult process so much smoother.
George George
George George
2021-10-07
I was fortunate to have Marlene do some legal work for me as she was so considerate, personable and very efficient the work was done in a timely manner. I would highly recommend her,she is one of the best legal counselors I have ever worked with.

93 Union Street, Suite 406, Newton, MA 02459