About David K. Wilkinson

David K. Wilkinson, CFLS, AAML is a nationally recognized Certified Family Law Specialist and Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Massachusetts Chapter, President-Elect). As Co-Founder of Wilkinson & Finkbeiner, LLP, David leads one of New England’s most respected family law practices, representing clients across Massachusetts and California in divorce, custody, support, and complex financial cases involving multimillion-dollar assets.

With nearly two decades of exclusive family law experience, David is known for his strategic negotiation, courtroom mastery, and meticulous preparation. His approach balances tenacious advocacy with practical resolution — pursuing settlement first whenever possible, and litigating decisively when necessary. He is also Board Certified in Family Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, an honor awarded to attorneys with exceptional trial experience and skill.

Expertise & Recognition

• Certified Family Law Specialist – State Bar of California
• Board Certified in Family Trial Law – National Board of Trial Advocacy
• Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) – Massachusetts Chapter President-Elect
• Certified Mediator – Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation
• Super Lawyers – Rising Star
• Member – Massachusetts Family and Probate American Inn of Court

Practice Areas

• Divorce & Legal Separation
• Child Custody & Parenting Time
• Spousal Support & Alimony
• Property Division (High-Value & Complex Assets)
• Domestic Violence & Protective Orders
• Post-Judgment Modifications
• Mediation & Collaborative Family Law

Professional Leadership & Community Involvement

David’s leadership in family law extends well beyond his clients. He serves as a mediator and settlement coordinator for divorce and custody cases, and is on the official Attorney Representing Children (ARC) panel in Massachusetts. He is a member of the Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation, the Association of Family & Conciliation Courts (AFCC), and both the Boston and Bristol County Bar Associations.

David also dedicates time to mentoring and public service, frequently acting as Lawyer of the Day and training new attorneys in practical family law. His commitment to improving access to justice led him to draft Massachusetts House Bill H.3390, “An Act to Expedite Care and Custody of Minor Children Modification Proceedings,” filed by Representative Christopher Markey to improve efficiency in child custody modification cases.

Educator, Author & National Lecturer

David is a frequent national lecturer and CLE instructor. He has presented for organizations including:

• Boston Bar Association – “Technology & Divorce: Helpful Tips for Family Law Practitioners” (2016)
• Strafford & MyLawCLE – “Electronic Spying: What’s Legal in the Digital Age in Divorce” (2018, 2020)
• U.S. Navy Fleet and Family Support Center – Guest Speaker on family law matters

His insights on technology, privacy, and modern divorce law have made him a respected voice among both attorneys and family court professionals nationwide.

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) – California Western School of Law, San Diego, CA (2003)

  Honors: Highest Grade in Contracts II and Arbitration Law, Top One-Third of Class

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) – Business Administration, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (2000)

  National Dean’s List Honoree

Bar Admissions

• California (2003)
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of California (2003)
• Massachusetts (2013)

Philosophy & Approach

David’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: settlement as the first option, litigation as the last resort. His clients benefit from his dual strength as a skilled negotiator and seasoned trial lawyer. From high-net-worth divorce cases to child custody and mediation, David tailors his strategy to achieve each client’s personal, financial, and emotional goals while maintaining professionalism and discretion.

Known for his precision, ethics, and results-driven advocacy, David combines deep legal knowledge with human understanding — a hallmark of Wilkinson & Finkbeiner’s success in both Massachusetts and California.

Community & Personal Life

Outside the courtroom, David is deeply involved in his community and dedicated to his family. He spends his free time with his wife and two children and enjoys expanding his firm’s presence throughout Massachusetts with offices in Needham, New Bedford, Hingham, and Boston.

Contact

Email: david@wf-lawyers.com
Phone: (617) 250-8394
Address (Mailing): 412 County Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
Other Offices: Needham | Boston | Hingham

Fantastic Lawyers Editorial

“David K. Wilkinson is a leading voice in modern family law — a Certified Family Law Specialist, AAML Fellow, and nationally recognized trial attorney who blends strategy, intellect, and compassion in every case. From high-stakes litigation to complex mediation, his leadership continues to set the standard for excellence in Massachusetts and beyond.”