Make it

Family Law

Our Commitment to Our Clients

Clarity at Every Step

We answer your questions before you need to ask. Our structured approach reduces stress and confusion by outlining what to expect, what’s needed from you, and how we’ll move forward—so you always feel informed and in control.

Thoughtfully Prepared, Deeply Experienced

Every case is unique, but some things are universal. That’s why we provide Client Guides and purposeful updates to simplify the process and prevent overwhelm. With experience in cases involving complex finances, mental health, education, and more, we’re ready for whatever your case brings.

Strong, Strategic Advocacy

We don’t waste time with drama—we stay calm, clear, and effective. Our reputation for reasoned, persuasive arguments earns respect in court and helps avoid unnecessary conflict. But if a fight is necessary, we’ll be ready—and we’ll fight smart.

Whether you're navigating divorce, child custody, or complex financial issues, we’re here to support you with clarity, compassion, and strategic legal guidance.

From your first contact with our office, we develop a clear plan aligned with your goals and priorities. We empower you to make informed decisions—protecting your time with your children, your financial interests, and your peace of mind. Whenever possible, we aim to preserve amicable relationships while still advocating fiercely for what’s fair.

Our approach centers on transparency, calm communication, and forward progress. We provide client guidebooks, clear steps, and ongoing support to reduce stress and uncertainty at every stage.

At Next Chapter, we understand that these decisions shape your family’s future. We're here to protect what matters most—so you can move forward with strength and confidence.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.

Estate Planning

Protect What Matters. Make Your Wishes Clear.

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone who wants to protect their assets, reduce taxes, and ensure their wishes are honored. Without a plan, the Commonwealth decides what happens to your estate. With one, you stay in control.

When you reach out, we’ll walk you through your options and help craft a plan that works for you and your family. You don’t need to have all the answers—we’ll help you think through what matters most and revisit your plan as life evolves.

We’re here to ensure your documents are strong, clear, and built to minimize future conflict—so your loved ones are supported when it matters most.

  • A Will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes after death—and allows you to name guardians for your minor children. Without one, the court decides both who receives your property and who cares for your children, which can lead to confusion or conflict.

  • A trust is a powerful estate planning tool that lets you manage your assets during your lifetime and control how they’re distributed after. Unlike a Will, a trust avoids probate, offering privacy, speed, and potentially significant cost savings for your beneficiaries.

    Trusts can help reduce taxes, protect assets from creditors, and maintain eligibility for government benefits. You can set specific terms for how and when assets are distributed—even beyond your lifetime.

    Revocable trusts let you retain full control and flexibility. Whether you're planning for the future or protecting your family's inheritance, a trust allows you to preserve your wishes with clarity and care.

  • This document allows someone you trust to manage your finances if you're unable to do so. It can cover paying bills, handling investments, managing property, and more. We draft it with clear, specific language so financial institutions can confidently follow your chosen representative’s instructions.

  • A Healthcare Proxy lets you name someone to make medical decisions if you’re unable to. It can also include a Living Will, which outlines your wishes for care, resuscitation, organ donation, and end-of-life arrangements—ensuring your voice is heard when it matters most.

  • A HIPAA Release authorizes your medical providers to share health information with the trusted individuals you choose—ensuring they can access the details needed to support your care.

Criminal Defense

Strategic, Assertive Criminal Defense from Day One

If you’re facing criminal charges, early, aggressive action is essential. At Next Chapter, we act quickly to preserve critical evidence and challenge the prosecution’s case. With deep experience as a former Miami-Dade felony prosecutor and a strong trial and appellate record, Andrea Lance brings skilled, strategic defense to every client—fighting for the best possible outcome at every stage.

  • Law enforcement often arrests without full evidence, sometimes targeting the wrong party. I’ve successfully persuaded prosecutors to drop felony charges against my clients and helped those falsely accused to take legal action against their accusers. My family law background ensures skilled, comprehensive representation across multiple courts.

  • These charges require proof that the defendant knowingly violated specific court orders. I have defended clients in appeals where the prosecution lacked evidence of these key elements, preventing unfair trials.

  • OUI cases often rely on subjective officer impressions rather than clear traffic violations. With extensive experience prosecuting and defending DUI, leaving the scene, and traffic homicide cases, I provide knowledgeable, aggressive defense in these matters.

Massachusetts’ 209A restraining orders protect individuals from abuse by family members or partners and can be issued by probate or district courts. Emergency “ex parte” orders may be granted without notice, followed by a full hearing where both sides present evidence.

When children are involved, probate courts can modify restraining orders related to custody and parenting time.

Attorney Lance represents clients in both courts, handling family law, restraining orders, and criminal defense. She has successfully won multiple appeals on 209A and harassment prevention orders, ensuring strong advocacy throughout the process.

Restraining Orders

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.