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Tag 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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Divorce and Parenting – 10 Steps to Make it Successful From Your Child’s Point of View
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 firm’s comprehensive fixed-fee mediation program or a collaborative divorce. Betsy wrote the article below from the child’s point of view – a point of view that should be of paramount importance for divorcing or post-divorce couples. I hope you find the article helpful, and [...]
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 [...]
Plumber. Flowers. Candy-Gram.
I am a proponent of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), such as divorce mediation, the collaborative divorce process and a good old-fashioned duel with flintlock pistols. OK, I am just kidding on ADR method number three, flintlock pistols are unreliable and inaccurate. Some couples are more suited to mediation than others. When I first meet with a couple for a mediation consultation they are evaluating what I have to say and how I say it, my personality, if they like my tie, etc. Perhaps they also realize that I am evaluating them and listening for any “red flags” that signal possible [...]
Suggested Reads
There are two books that I frequently suggest to clients with school-age children, so I thought it might be helpful to reference them in a short post. An overwhelming amount of material exists on divorce, some of it good and some of it harmful. When you do find a helpful resource, don’t foget to share it with your spouse as early in the process as possible. The first is The Good Divorce by Constance Ahrons, Ph.D. This book provides valuable information for families making the transition from a nuclear family to a “binuclear” family that spans two households while [...]
