When it comes to matters of custody, in most states and possibly more so in MA, fathers find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Such is my case and so the journey began with a simple request I made of my ex-wife for more time with my children. What ensued, what transpired, no one could imagine, predict or even survive without expert legal advice, strategic planning, and character. But where do you start? How does a father or anyone for that matter find an attorney? Opening the yellow pages, searching on-line or listening to word of mouth are good places to start. I chose a path less traveled while at the court house and simply asked employees which attorney had integrity, which attorney was respected by judges, which attorney had morals and ethics and would not lower themselves to underhanded tactics? In this sea of choices, who consistently demonstrated character? I received one and only one response. The name was Attorney David Gabriel. But, please continue to read. You are here, evaluating, searching, for specific reason. I cannot stress enough the diligence you must place into this decision, this selection, and this moment. Your outcome, your verdict, your life and the lives of your children and all that love you will be affected. Choose ever so wisely. Attorney David Gabriel won a reversal of custody including full physical and legal custody of my two children; this after seven years of the reverse. The process was long, demanding, mentally, morally and ethically challenging as well as fraught with uncertainty and anxious moments which at times seemed to be endless. Without Attorney David Gabriel and his dedicated staff, including Attorney Dave Broderick, I do not believe I would have prevailed. That one moment of fate, that one moment of searching has led us in to one of the most trusting, professional and caring relationships anyone could hope for, not to mention I am talking about a client attorney relationship. Surprising isn’t it? I do not know of any one that uses those exemplars when discussing attorneys. The waters of family court can be treacherous, unpredictable, unrelenting, and you will need a guide, a mentor and a friend to survive with your sanity, your dignity and your family intact after running the gauntlet of, what was for me, a highly contentious custody case with twist and turns so sharp it was difficult to say the course. You will need the loving support of your family and especially that of your current wife and your children’s stepmother should there be one as is my case. Without her, without Attorney Gabriel’s willingness to involve, include and embrace and dialogue with my children’s stepmother, my wife, I may not have endured. David Gabriel spent many hours talking with us, at times even what seemed to be talking us "off the bridge." Taking the high road will often create these frustrations. Stay the course, stay on the high road. Attorney Gabriel supported my many years of the traveling the high road, he understood the challenges of dealing with unfounded accusations, libel, slander, devious strategies deployed by others and above all David Gabriel understands the humanity, emotions and frustrations of the process. He was compassionate when need and firm when warranted. David Gabriel dedicated himself and his staff to our case while deftly balancing, with precision, his other case loads. I do not doubt, not even for a moment, that he affords all his clients his best efforts. I very well understand the temptations to partake in activities that are unscrupulous, underhanded, and downright mean, hurtful and certainly not in the best interest of children. And I do not speak only of litigants but also of attorneys. I can say with conviction and two years of trial preparation and experience that Attorney David Gabriel does not and will not lower himself to these actions and his sage counsel is the same for his clients. Chose wisely. I recommend without hesitation, and with experience, Attorney David Gabriel.