-
Recent Posts
-
Subscribe
-
Categories
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Collaborative Divorce
- Divorce
- Divorce and Kids
- Divorce Health & Wellness
- Divorce Legal Information
- Divorce Mediation
- Events
- Family and Divorce Financials
- Massachusetts Alimony
- Mediation to Stay Married
- News & Updates
- Parenting
- Post-divorce Issues
- Property Division
- Spousal Support
- The Business of Law
- Uncategorized
-
Blogroll
Category Archives: Divorce Mediation
Your Massachusetts Divorce Support Team – Tips to Find the Right Therapist
While the thought of trying to choose a psychotherapist might seem intimidating or even overwhelming, it is not as difficult as you think. If you have ever picked a date for the prom, a baby sitter for your children, or a car to purchase, then you already know you are able to make choices. That’s good news at least. If you are considering a Massachusetts divorce or are in the middle of one, then you may want to consider adding a mental health professional to your support team. If you do not think you would benefit from therapy, well according [...]
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 [...]
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
Leave a comment
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 [...]
Telling Your Kids About Your Divorce
By Stephen F. McDonough, Massachusetts Divorce Attorney & Mediator at The Divorce Collaborative LLC. I would also like to acknowledge two experienced and caring mental health practitioners that I frequently work with, Dr. Sandy Portnoy and Betsy Ross, LICSW, CGP. They provided insights about this topic during many divorce mediation and collaborative divorce sessions. And you thought the birds and bees talk was going to be stressful. Telling your children about your divorce is a difficult conversation that parents dread. Basically, the key to speaking to your children about your divorce is the same as if you were painting a room [...]
Ready, Set, Divorce! – 4 Steps to a Better Massachusetts Divorce
By guest-blogger Betsy Ross, MSW, Divorce Coach You probably wouldn’t go on vacation without first figuring out where you want to go, what you’ll need to pack, how long to be away, and how to get there. Likewise, you wouldn’t buy a house without first considering the size of the house you’ll need, which neighborhoods would be suitable, what your budget is, etc. Just like preparing for a vacation or house hunting, it can be helpful to do some planning to better prepare for your Massachusetts divorce. So, before heading into the office of a skillful mediator, collaborative attorney or [...]
The Divorce Collaborative LLC Announces Opening of Second Law Office in Bedford, MA
The Divorce Collaborative LLC, a Massachusetts divorce and family law firm based in Franklin, MA, is pleased to announce the opening of their second location in Bedford, MA at 41 North Road, Suite 205. The Divorce Collaborative LLC provides litigation, mediation, and collaborative divorce services exclusively in the area of Massachusetts divorce and family law. Some folks have asked me “Hey Steve McDonough, why Bedford?” Bedford is a convenient location along Rt. 128 in Middlesex County, north-west of Boston. As a Bedford native with many ties to the community, I am looking forward to seeing old friends around town and also [...]
Divorcing in a Down Economy-Don’t Tase Me, Bro!
Breaking up is hard to do, but it can be even worse during a down economy. An August 28, 2010 article on the Wall Street Journal Personal Finance page Breaking Up Without Breaking the Bank discussed some of the challenges couples face when divorcing, and how those issues are amplified when assets have diminished in value or when one spouse is unemployed. There is also a comment from a St. Louis divorce lawyer who notes that hostility between couples is also up – so much so that she even keeps a taser within reach at her office! Although I [...]
