10 Reasons More Clients Are Choosing Divorce Mediation

by Stephen F. McDonough on August 14, 2010

An experienced mediator can help couples bridge the gap and reach a resolution that both sides can live with.

If you are facing a Massachusetts divorce, then you should certainly consider mediation as an alternative  to expensive litigation.

A mediator is a neutral third party that helps a couple resolve the issues related to their divorce.  Mediation can also be used to assist with post-divorce issues, such as child support or alimony modifications.

Additionally, Mediation to Stay Married is a newer application of the mediation process for couples wishing to improve their relationships and stay together.

Most couples can efficiently use a mediator for their divorce. Mediation is not only for simple divorces or where there is very little conflict.   Couples with complex financial issues and significant conflict can mediate, but make sure your divorce mediator is experienced with such issues.

10 reasons couples select a mediated instead of court-based divorce:

1)    Saves time – couples can have a lot of input regarding the pace of mediation.

2)   Saves money – mediation is almost always less expensive than a traditional court-based  divorce.   At The Divorce Collaborative LLC in Franklin, MA, we even have a number of  fee options available, including fixed fee options, hourly billing, and programs that do not require an advance retainer.

3)   Mediation is less stressful than the adversarial litigation process where the divorce  lawyers are driving the process –  and the costs!

4)    Mediation protects your privacy.

5)    The clients decide what’s fair and best for their family – not the courts or lawyers.

6)    A good mediator will look out for the interests of both parties.

7)    Your mediator should educate you about the financial and legal issues, so you can make good decisions.

8)    Mediation provides a supportive, cooperative framework for resolving your conflict.

9)    The experience of mediation can improve communication skills between parents, having  a positive effect on post-divorce parenting and child custody issues.

10)  If your mediator is also a lawyer, all of your court forms and the full separation (divorce) agreement are completed as part of the process.

Need more information about divorce mediation in Massachusetts, or other divorce and family law information?

Please call The Divorce Collaborative LLC at (508) 346-3805.

We are happy to answer a few questions or to schedule a meeting in our convenient Franklin, MA office.

{ 0 comments }

Massachusetts Divorce Timelines…Now In 3D!

August 8, 2010

Almost everyone I meet seeking a Massachusetts divorce asks this question during their first meeting:  ”How long will my divorce take?” Unfortunately, the real answer is one that lawyers love and clients don’t appreciate – “It depends….” All lawyers learn this response during law school in the first year class “How to Answer Questions Without [...]

Read the full article →

Divorce and Parenting – 10 Steps to Make it Successful From Your Child’s Point of View

August 1, 2010

For children – no matter what age –  divorce can be a major source of distress.  The article below was written by Betsy Ross, an experienced therapist and divorce coach from Sharon, Massachusetts.   At The Divorce Collaborative LLC in Franklin, MA, Betsy  is frequently part of the mediation process for couples that select the [...]

Read the full article →

Massachusetts Marital Agreement Case Decided

July 18, 2010

Most of you have heard of a prenuptial agreement since they are frequently discussed in the media, especially during reports about divorces of the rich and famous.  Although not as well-known, postnuptial (also known as marital or post-marital) agreements also exist.  A postnuptial agreement is entered into by a married couple to set forth the [...]

Read the full article →

Divorce in Long-Term Marriages, Boston.com story

June 6, 2010

A recent article on Boston.com by Bella English discussed the increasing number of divorces in long-term marriages, using Al and Tipper Gore’s pending divorce as the background for the story.   Here is a link to the article. One of the issues discussed in the story is that as we live longer, older couples in [...]

Read the full article →

The Divorce Collaborative LLC Announces Move to Franklin, MA

May 12, 2010

I am pleased to announce that The Divorce Collaborative LLC will be relocating from our current location in Medway, MA, to 9 Summer Street, Suite 301, Franklin Center Commons, Franklin, MA, effective June 1, 2010. Franklin Center Commons sits just off Rt. 140 in downtown Franklin and is close to the MBTA commuter rail station, [...]

Read the full article →

Divorce and Health Insurance – Don’t Be Left Out With a Cold!

April 8, 2010

Health insurance options during

Read the full article →