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Category Archives: Divorce
Talking With Your Kids About Your Divorce – Podcast
As if getting a Massachusetts divorce wasn’t already stressful, once you and your spouse decide that is where you are heading you need to talk to the children about the transitions ahead. Talking with your kids about your divorce can be a sad and stressful conversation. Many of our clients are anxious about this, yet with some planning it can go smoothly and you will be better prepared. Previously, I wrote a blogpost on Telling Your Kids About Your Divorce. I had a lot of good feedback on this post from parents. Because this topic so frequently comes up [...]
Selecting your Massachusetts Divorce Mediator
When selecting a Massachusetts divorce mediator, you should know the mediation process can vary quite a bit depending on the firm or mediator you select. Here are some things to consider: It surprises people to learn that Massachusetts mediators do not have to be attorneys. A non-lawyer divorce mediator is not allowed to draft your final divorce agreement. Are there some good non-attorney mediators? Sure. Do we think that is your best choice for a divorce? Nope. Some Mediation firms don’t help clients with their court financial statements, and may not collect any back-up financial documentation. We think financial [...]
Massachusetts Divorce Mediation – Podcast from The Divorce Collaborative LLC
More and more couples turn to divorce mediation in Massachusetts as a less adversarial alternative to a litigated divorce. In mediation, the couple works with a neutral mediator who helps them reach an agreement on all of the issues that is workable for both sides. The mediator does not impose a settlement upon the parties in mediation. There are a number of other blog posts and info about divorce mediation on this website, so I won’t rehash them here. Mediators Steve McDonough, Esq. and Betsy Ross, LICSW from The Divorce Collaborative LLC of Bedford and Franklin, MA recently recorded a [...]
Massachusetts Divorce – Does Infidelity Really Matter?
The realization that your spouse was unfaithful during your marriage is upsetting, even life-altering to some. Reactions upon learning of a spouse’s affair vary, but include feelings of sadness, betrayal, shock, anger and an intense desire to listen to country music. Some couples are unable to overcome the damage caused by an affair, with divorce oftentimes the unfortunate result. Although infidelity is certainly problematic, it is usually a sign of other troubles in a relationship. If you are facing a Massachusetts divorce and marital infidelity is an issue, you are likely wondering… What effect does an affair have on my [...]
Wondering What a Massachusetts Collaborative Divorce is Really LIke?
More couples are learning that avoiding a nasty, litigated divorce just makes sense. Besides divorce mediation, the collaborative process is another worthwhile option you should consider. Collaborative divorce is known as the “no court” divorce because the couple and their collaboratively trained lawyers pledge not to go to court until all details of the divorce are worked out. Then the parties attend a simple uncontested divorce hearing. The collaborative process is a respectful way to get divorced, where the priorities of both sides and any children can be supported in a way to reconstitute a family, not destroy it. Collaborative [...]
The Divorce Collaborative Welcomes Attorney Colleen Cunnally
The Divorce Collaborative LLC is pleased to announce Attorney Colleen Cunnally has joined the firm. Colleen has over ten years of experience in divorce and family law, and is a graduate of Suffolk University Law School in Boston, MA. Colleen has much courtroom experience and in addition to private practice, worked at the MA Department of Revenue as a supervisor in their Child Support Litigation Unit. Needless to say, she is well-versed in child support, interstate child support, and issues related to Massachusetts divorce in general. Colleen recently completed a week of mediation training and is also available to serve [...]
Posted in Child Support, Divorce, News & Updates
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Long Distance Parenting After Divorce
By Stephen McDonough – A Massachusetts divorce and family lawyer and mediator at The Divorce Collaborative LLC We know that divorce is stressful on children as well as parents. Parenting can be a challenge even under the best of circumstances. When a long-distance relocation of a parent is added into the child custody equation, even more effort is required from everyone. Such issues are not insurmountable, but planning, flexibility, good communications and a focus on what is best for the children will go far to promote happier kids and parents. It is a good idea to work with [...]
Divorce Co-Mediation: Two Heads Really Are Better Than One!
By Massachusetts Divorce Attorney and Mediator Stephen McDonough and Betsy Ross, LICSW, CGP Everyone knows that two heads are better than one. All mediators have a head. Thus, co-mediation must be better! Really, who can argue with that logic? Actually, there is more to it than that, or this would be a really short post. For one thing, an extra chair is required; but even beyond the furniture requirements, co-mediation is another tool in the divorce tool-box worthy of your consideration. Here are some things to know about co-mediation in the context of divorce or other family conflict. What [...]
Posted in Divorce, Divorce and Kids, Divorce Legal Information, Divorce Mediation
Tagged Co-Mediation
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Massachusetts Alimony Reform Around the Corner?
By Attorney & Mediator Stephen McDonough of The Divorce Collaborative LLC Click here to watch Fox News spot on MA Alimony reform Whether you call it alimony or spousal support, some people love it, some people hate it. In Massachusetts, many people inside and outside the legal community have been anticipating changes to our much-maligned alimony statute and system, which is definitely unlike other states. For more info on MA alimony reform please read my earlier posts on the subject, including this post from October, 2010. As a reminder, you can always use the search function on the site to find [...]
Six Stages of Divorce Mediation…and an Optional Van Ride
By Attorney & Mediator Stephen McDonough So, you have been doing some research about the benefits of divorce mediation, but what are the stages of a typical divorce mediation? Once you and your spouse select a divorce mediator, he or she should provide a framework and structure to the process. In my view, there are six main stages of a typical divorce mediation: 1. Introductory – Stage 1 lays the groundwork for the rest of your divorce mediation. Information regarding the mediation process and your client agreement will be explained. Actually this stage starts during your initial contact with the [...]
