SJ

Steven J. Ryan, Family Law Attorney in Boston, Massachusetts

Over 41 years of legal practice

Practicing family law in Boston since 1985.

41+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

Practices in

Are you Steven J. Ryan?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Steven J. Ryan is an attorney based in Boston, MASSACHUSETTS. The practice focuses on Family Law. Steven has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Warner Federico & Ryan LLP.

Based in
Boston, MASSACHUSETTS
Experience
over 41 years
Known for
Family Law
  • Handles Family Law matters from Boston, MASSACHUSETTS.
  • Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026).

About Steven J. Ryan: Steven J. Ryan is an attorney based in Boston, MASSACHUSETTS. The practice focuses on Family Law. Steven has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Warner Federico & Ryan LLP.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Steven takes on

Steven concentrates on family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Steven handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Family Law cases in Boston, Massachusetts

Steven takes family law matters in Boston, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Steven agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Steven J. Ryan — family law lawyer in Boston

Steven J. Ryan is an attorney based in Boston, MASSACHUSETTS. The practice focuses on Family Law. Steven has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Warner Federico & Ryan LLP.

For over 25 years, Steven Ryan has practiced in the area of family law litigation, representing hundreds of clients involved in complex divorce matters. Mr. Ryan’s practice addresses all of the myriad issues that arise in the divorce setting: marital property division, inherited and gifted property, non-traditional compensation issues, business valuation, child support, child custody, alimony and the modification of previous awards of support. Complementing his experience as a trial advocate, Mr. Ryan is a certified divorce mediator. Mr. Ryan also assists clients in the negotiation and drafting of prenuptial and postnuptial marital property and support agreements. A graduate of Syracuse University College of Law, Mr. Ryan is admitted to the Massachusetts Bar, the Bar of the United States Supreme Court and the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. A member of the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys and the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Mr. Ryan has been included each year since 2007 in Naifeh & Smith’s The Best Lawyers in America in the area of family law. He has received recognition as one of the top lawyers in Massachusetts in Boston Magazine’s Law & Politics, Massachusetts Super Lawyers Edition every year since the inception of the award in 2002, and he has been recognized as one of the best lawyers in New England in The New England Super Lawyers Edition. For over 20 years, Mr. Ryan has received an “AV” rating by the Martindale and Hubble Law Directory in the area of family law, the highest rating achievable. Mr. Ryan is the author of numerous articles in the area of family law, covering a variety of topics, including: business valuation, the treatment of stock options in divorce, the treatment of qualified and non-qualified deferred compensation in divorce, the treatment of gifted and inherited property in divorce, determining income for purposes of securing alimony and child support, the negotiation and drafting of prenuptial agreements and trial practice. Mr. Ryan is a frequent lecturer for the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Boston Bar Association and Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education.

How Steven handles family law matters

For over 25 years, Steven Ryan has practiced in the area of family law litigation, representing hundreds of clients involved in complex divorce matters. Mr. Ryan’s practice addresses all of the myriad issues that arise in the divorce setting: marital property division, inherited and gifted property, non-traditional compensation issues, business valuation, child support, child custody, alimony and…

The kind of cases Steven takes

Steven reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law matters in Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Syracuse University

    J.D. · 1985

Jurisdictions

Steven's state bar admissions

  • Massachusetts

    1985 · ACTIVE

Steven studied at J.D. in Syracuse University.

Law school and academic background

Steven completed J.D. in Syracuse University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Steven runs in Massachusetts is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Steven has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Family Law

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026).

Locations

Steven J. Ryan's office in Boston

Steven's primary office is at 30 Federal Street, Sixth Floor, Boston, Massachusetts, 02119. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Warner Federico & Ryan LLP

30 Federal Street, Sixth Floor

Boston, Massachusetts 02119

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Steven J. Ryan

Steven has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with Steven J. Ryan can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire Steven J. Ryan — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new family law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Steven usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Steven charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steven's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Steven will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a family law attorney in Boston, Massachusetts

A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Steven

Steven discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in family law practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every family law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Steven confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Steven's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many family law practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Steven J. Ryan

  • How much does it cost to hire Steven for a family law case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Steven walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Steven offer a free consultation?

    Steven charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steven's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Steven's current terms during booking.

  • How long do family law cases in Massachusetts typically take?

    Simple family law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Steven gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Steven take my case if I'm outside Boston?

    Steven is licensed in Massachusetts. Matters governed by Massachusetts law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Steven will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Steven?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Steven will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Steven accepting new family law clients right now?

    Steven's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Family Law attorneys serving Boston, Cambridge and Worcester in Massachusetts

Steven handles family law matters throughout Massachusetts. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified family law attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Steven's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these family law attorneys in Boston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.