High-Net-Worth Divorce & Family Litigation

Serving Massachusetts including Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester County

 
Attorney Jennifer Salerno is the Founding Partner of Salerno Firm in Boston, MA. Attorney Salerno focuses her practice on all areas of family law, including high-conflict divorce and highly contentious child custody matters, domestic and international child removal cases, trust litigation, and family-owned business disputes. Attorney Salerno has successfully litigated child removal requests and international child abduction cases in the Massachusetts Probate and Family Courts and U.S. District Court in Boston.

Attorney Salerno regularly works with financial and custody-related Experts in family law matters, including Investigators and Social Workers for the Department of Children and Families, Category E and F Guardian Ad Litems, and mental health and substance abuse counselors. Attorney Salerno's array of clientele range from professional athletes/coaches and business executives to single parents and petitioners for Guardianship matters.

Attorney Salerno leverages her trial experience to safeguard her clients' interests while navigating complex legal issues—no matter how challenging the case. She is a seasoned prenuptial and postnuptial agreement advocate and draws upon her appellate background and litigation acumen to craft optimal outcomes. From intricate asset division to multi-jurisdictional custody battles, Attorney Salerno is well-prepared to handle every aspect of a family law case.

Prior to founding Salerno Firm, Jennifer was a partner at two Boston based firms. She was also previously associated with a prominent Metrowest firm specializing in family law appeals.

Practice Focus

• High-Conflict Divorce
• Child Custody & Removal (Domestic & International)
• Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
• Trust and Probate Litigation
• Family Business & Asset Division
• Representation of Professional Athletes
• Alimony & Support Modifications

Representative Results

Landmark Removal Case

Involved in a precedent-setting case clarifying the legal standard for removing children of divorced parents from the Commonwealth absent a custody order. This ruling established how Massachusetts courts determine whether a parent may relocate without the other's consent.

Alimony Reform Act Clarification

Litigated a matter addressing durational limits for general term alimony and the application of these limits to awards predating the Alimony Reform Act. This case further defined how phase-in periods impact modifications of older alimony orders.

International Child Abduction Victory

Represented a father in a Massachusetts Probate and Family Court matter which required further filing in Italy pursuant to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, successfully securing the child's return to Massachusetts after two years of intensive litigation in both Italy and Suffolk County Probate and Family Court.

Canadian Custody Enforcement

Advocated for a father in a custody dispute under the Hague Convention in the U.S. District Court in Boston, resulting in the child's return to Canada in accordance with the Canadian court order after a multi-day trial with expert witnesses.

Trial Experience & Approach

Attorney Salerno's reputation as a strong family law litigator stems from her extensive trial work in the Massachusetts Probate and Family Courts and the U.S. District Court in Boston. She regularly collaborates with investigators, mental health professionals, and Guardian Ad Litem appointees (Category E and F) to develop comprehensive legal strategies. Her commitment to aggressive advocacy, balanced by empathetic client care, ensures each client's voice is heard and interests are protected—no matter how complex or contentious the dispute.

Publications, Recognition & Speaking Engagements

Guest Speaker: Divorce Basics Training: Child Custody, May 2024

Guest Speaker: Ask the Expert, Jane Does Well Podcast, March 2024

Mock Trial Judge: Massachusetts Bar Association Competition, January 2024

Panelist: Separation Agreements, Settlements, and Pathways to Resolution, Social Law Library Webinar

Guest Speaker: Divorce Basics, Norfolk County Probate and Family Court, June 2019

Podcast Guest: "It's a Mistake" Divorce Podcast/Radio Show, 2019

Associate Assistant (2019) in drafting and editing The Family Law Guide to Appellate Practice

Nationally Ranked Top 10 Under 40 (2021)

Super Lawyers: Rising Star (2018–2025)

Top Women Attorneys in Massachusetts (2019)

Guest Faculty Speaker: Cordell College, discussing custody, support, parental alienation, and alimony (2016)

Massachusetts Bar Association Leadership Academy Fellow (2019–2020)

Education & Bar Admission

Massachusetts School of Law, J.D., 2012

Arizona State University, B.S. in Justice Studies, 2009

Licensed in Massachusetts

Professional Memberships & Community Involvement

American Bar Association

Boston Bar Association

Women's Bar Association

International Lawyers Network

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Association

Massachusetts Bar Association Leadership Academy Fellow (2019–2020)

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer for abused and neglected children (2010–2014)

Lawyer for the Day Program, Essex County and Norfolk County Probate and Family Courts