Tag Archives: divorce mediation massachusetts

Massachusetts Postnuptial Agreements Get a Power Boost

Postnuptial (or marital) agreements  - frequently referred to as a “post-nup” – are most often made by couples contemplating divorce, but still trying to work on their marriage. These couples are not yet ready to call it quits – and hopefully will not. Through a postnuptial agreement, a married couple is able to decide how assets will be divided, make a parenting plan for their children, and agree on support amounts in case of a divorce in the future. These agreements can also help couples work out issues they are struggling with, such as setting a budget for household expenses [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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Welcome to The Divorce Collaborative LLC Divorce & Family Law in Massachusetts

Thanks for visiting our new “Generation II” website and blog! I would like to thanks the folks at Smartmarketing Now in Naples, Florida for their help with this project, especially my friend and owner of Smartmarketing Now, Mark Merenda.  My thanks also go out to New Jersey Estate Planning Attorney Victor Medina for his support.  Victor has been a great help since he is not only a friend but an Apple computer guru and the organizer of the Macs In Law Offices Conference (MILOFEST).   Mark and Victor’s support and advice are priceless, which is good since I probably could [...]

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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 [...]

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Massachusetts Divorce Timelines…Now In 3D!

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 Really Saying Anything.” Seriously, though – there are so many variables that this is a difficult question to answer with great specificity.  Interestingly, the divorcing couple can have a major impact on the pace of a divorce, whether a Massachusetts contested divorce, collaborative divorce, or [...]

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Free Divorce Seminar on Wednesday, December 9 at TDC

Just a reminder that The Divorce Collaborative will be sponsoring a free seminar on Wednesday, December 9th at 7:00 pm, at our offices located at 77 Main Street, Medway, MA. For more information and to register, please visit the info box to the right. We are pleased to have Dr. Sandy Portnoy, noted divorce coach and therapist, joining us to discuss the effects of divorce on kids, among other things. The next monthly seminar date is January 6, 2010. Seminars are conducted on the 2nd wednesday each month at 7:00 pm. Please check the site for updates.

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Part 2 – How Much Will My Divorce Mediation Cost? by Steve McDonough

If you did not have a chance to read Part One about the range of fees for divorce mediation, please do so or be prepared to be confused. The answer is X-Rays.  Yes, that is right, X-Rays. My dentist can see what is going on underneath the surface of my tooth and has a clear picture of what is involved.  The roofing contractor can only see the outer layer of shingles, but cannot tell what lurks beneath the surface.  Perhaps there is rotten plywood that needs replacement, or perhaps not.  Either way, the roofing contractor needs to let his customers [...]

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How Much Will Divorce Mediation Cost? (Part One) by Steve McDonough, Esq.

I just flew back  from a conference at Walt Disney World and boy are my arms tired (please stop groaning, I know that is a very old joke)!  One of the sessions was about blogging topics, and writing about frequently asked questions was encouraged.  Thus, I am embarking on some blog posts that address questions that are asked, well, frequently. The answers to some FAQs  may not be as straightforward as one might think or as prospective clients might desire.  For example, people always ask where I get my good looks from and if I would be able to fix [...]

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