RACHAEL M. SOUN, Partner

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RACHAEL M. SOUN  is a partner with Atwood & Cherny, P.C.  Rachael specializes in the representation of clients in all aspects of family law.  She has handled cases in probate and family courts across the Commonwealth.  Rachael represents individuals in varied complex divorce and family litigation law matters including issues pertaining to: child custody and parenting plans, alimony and child support, asset division, modification and contempt actions, antenuptial agreements, paternity actions, guardianship matters, international family disputes and Hague Convention matters, and domestic relations related appeals.  Rachael is an experienced trial attorney and litigator, having tried cases in courts across the Commonwealth as well as in private arbitration.  That said, Rachael prides herself in being resolution oriented, often representing clients who have chosen to mediate their divorce, or working with opposing counsel to reach agreements outside of court.  Rachael is a frequent lecturer and author on topics relating to family law.

BAR & COURT ADMISSIONS

• Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• Federal District Court for the District of Massachusetts
• First Circuit Court of Appeals
• State of Connecticut
• State of Rhode Island

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

• American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Fellow
• Greater Boston Family Law Inn of Court, Founding Member
• Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Faculty
• Boston Bar Association, Family Law Section Steering Committee Member
• First District Eastern Middlesex Bar Association, Officer/Director (2009-2011)
• Trained Conciliator, Essex Bar Association

PUBLICATIONS & COURSES
Author

• Openshaw v. Openshaw, Savings can be considered a part of a recipient spouse’s need for calculating alimony (published on the Boston Bar Journal, 2024)

Co-Author

• Massachusetts Divorce Law Practice Manual, Chapter 20, Modifications

Co-Author

• "Child Abduction, The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, A Guide for New Hampshire Attorneys"

Panelist on the Following Courses:

• Seminar on Accounting for Family Lawyers
• Seminar on Evidentiary Issues in Family Court Practice and Procedure
• Seminar on Temporary Orders and Discovery in Family Law Cases
• Seminar on Trial Preparation & Techniques in Divorce Cases
• Seminar on Leveraging Pretrial Preparation to Resolve Family Law Cases Short of Trial

Co-chair on the Following Courses:

• Seminar on Removal Cases
• Seminar on Drafting Separation Agreements for Mediators

HONORS & RECOGNITIONS

• The Best Lawyers in America© in Family Law 2020-2025
• Massachusetts Lawyer’s Weekly “Go To Family Law Attorney”
• Boston Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Family Law, 2022-2025
• Massachusetts Super Lawyer 2023-2025, recognized by Super Lawyers and Boston Magazine
• Massachusetts Super Lawyer “Rising Star” in 2016-2022, recognized by Super Lawyers and Boston Magazine
• Boston Magazine’s “Top Women Attorneys" - Massachusetts 2018
• Top Attorneys: New England's Outstanding Young Lawyers

EDUCATION

• Suffolk University Law School - J. D. 2008 (Suffolk Transnational,Law Review)
• University of Massachusetts (Amherst) - B.A. 2005

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AWARD WINNING DIVORCE ATTORNEYS PRACTICING IN MASSACHUSETTS & NEW HAMPSHIRE

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Divorce Litigation, Family Law Related Appeals, Paternity Matters, Mediation, Modification of Prior Judgments & Orders, Child Support, Enforcement (Contempt) of Prior Judgments & Orders, Alimony & Spousal Support, Custody & Parenting Disputes, Removal, Parental Kidnapping & Hague Convention Matters, Drafting, Negotiation & Enforcement of Premarital/Prenuptial Agreements, Marital/Postnuptial Agreements, Name Changes, Restraining Orders, Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse & Harassment Orders, Guardian Ad Litem Investigations, Court Appointed Masters, Alternative Dispute Resolution (Mediation, Conciliation, Collaborative Law, Arbitration.