Stephanie Addeo
Stephanie brings empathy, clarity, and steady guidance to individuals and families facing some of the most emotionally charged legal disputes—often when loved ones are in crisis, family dynamics are unraveling, or questions of trust and capacity are disputed.
Her practice centers on probate litigation, including contested guardianships and conservatorships, will and trust challenges, fiduciary disputes, and complex estate matters. She has developed a particular niche in matters involving diminished capacity, financial exploitation, undue influence, and guiding families through urgent, high-stakes situations.
What drives her work is a deep commitment to helping people feel seen, heard, and supported during moments that are anything but routine. Stephanie understands that for her clients, these cases are not merely legal problems—they are personal turning points. She takes the time to listen, strategize thoughtfully, and build trust, balancing strong advocacy with compassion and pragmatism.
She is known for producing high-quality written and oral advocacy, understanding when to take a firm stance and when to work toward a resolution that protects long-term relationships and preserves dignity for everyone involved. Clients and colleagues describe her as someone who arrives with focus, integrity, and a clear sense of purpose—someone you would want in your corner when the stakes are high. She’s known for her organization, attention to detail, and ability to balance being both a collaborative team player and a confident leader when the moment calls for it.
Secured Guardianship Resolution in Tragic Family Circumstance
Represented and counseled a client in a highly sensitive and emotionally complex guardianship and conservatorship dispute involving a young child after the tragic death of the child’s mother in a murder-suicide. The team energetically prepared for a trial but successfully resolved competing guardianship petitions on the eve of trial, achieving a global resolution that served the child’s best interests and spared the family the hardship of protracted litigation.
Resolved Complex Equity Action Alleging Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Defended a client against a multi-count equity complaint brought by the children of her late second husband, which included claims of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, misappropriation of funds, conversion, and unjust enrichment. Through strategic discovery and a strong defense posture, the team was able to cast doubt on the plaintiffs’ claims and achieve a favorable settlement through mediation—ultimately saving the client substantial legal costs and avoiding the risks of trial.
Litigated Complex Trial Involving Guardianship of an Elder with Advanced Alzheimer’s Disease
Served as second chair in a two-day trial concerning the guardianship of an elderly individual at the center of a high-conflict family dispute. The case involved allegations of elder kidnapping, relocation across state lines, and deep-seated family tensions. The litigation required navigating a factually intensive and emotionally sensitive record, with significant implications for the elder’s care and long-term residence.
Education
- JD, Suffolk University Law School, 2018
- BA, Montclair State University, Psychology, 2013
Bar Admissions
- Massachusetts
- US District Court for the District of Massachusetts
Experience recognized
- Boston Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Trusts & Estates, 2024-2025
- Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, 2023-2025
Experience in practice
Understanding Hornibrook v. Richard and Conservator Immunity
- Duties & Checklist for Conservatorship of Minors, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (March 2025, Presenter)
- Navigating Changes to the Powers of a Guardian or Conservator and Alternatives to Guardianship, Massachusetts Guardianship Association Annual Conference, Social Law Library (October 2024, Moderator)
- Fiduciary Litigation in the Probate Court, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, 6th Edition (2024, Co-Author)
- Hornibrook v. Richard: Conservator As A Quasi-Judicial Officer Explained (Or Not!), Massachusetts Bar Association (February 2022, Co-Author)
- Massachusetts Guardianship Association (MGA), President, Former Clerk Board of Directors
- American College of Trust and Estates Counsel (ACTEC), New England Fellows Institute, Class Member
- Rubin Rudman’s Women Working Group, Co-Chair
- Massachusetts Bar Association
- Boston Bar Association
- Brookline Community Foundation, Professional Advisors Committee (PAC), Member
Drawn to the World, One Journey at a Time
- Stephanie is an avid traveler who seeks out new cultures, people, and perspectives wherever she goes. Her solo trips—especially to Vietnam and Morocco—have been among the most rewarding, offering personal growth and unforgettable stories and experiences.
Honoring Family Traditions Through Food and Celebration
Each year, Stephanie looks forward to her family’s Christmas Eve celebration featuring the traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes. This long-standing tradition is filled with food, laughter, and meaningful time together—something she treasures deeply.
Maintaining Strong Family Roots Across State Lines
Though she moved from New Jersey to Boston in 2015, Stephanie remains closely connected to her large, tight-knit family. She makes frequent visits home to stay close with her parents, siblings, and her five nieces and nephews, who are a constant source of smiles, joy, and inspiration.