mediation

When mediation may be your best option in divorce

Divorce, while never easy, does not have to be an ordeal. For couples who wish to amicably end their marriages, there are a number of processes available that do not involve a combative mindset and are designed to minimize conflict in favor of compromise. One of the most common processes that aim for a more cooperative dissolution of a marriage is mediation. Mediation is the non-adversarial divorce process most familiar to the general public. In mediation, a couple meets with a third party to discuss the division of assets, custody issues, alimony, and any and all other issues that need to be settled in the course of a divorce. With an agreement in place, the couple files for divorce in the courts. How, then, does a couple choose the best course when seeking to end their marriage without going through a lengthy and costly bout of litigation? While every couple and family’s situation is unique, if your working relationship with your spouse is professional and your separation truly is amicable, mediation may be the best option for you. Mediation has many factors in its favor. With the couple using one mediator, together, it is possible for them to split the costs. Along with a generally lower hourly rate, mediation offers couples more control over the scheduling of sessions and the total time frame of the process than litigation in the courts. Mediation is intended to reduce conflict by encouraging the calm and constructive expression of needs and wants. It is

Read More »

What are the benefits of choosing mediation over litigation in a divorce?

When most of us think of divorce, we think of custody battles, endless legal filings, and costly court proceedings. The whole process of divorce can seem more daunting, and perhaps even more painful, than the emotional aspects of a marriage’s dissolution. But what if there was another way? Another, more humane, more gentle, less expensive way? There is: mediation. Not every divorce is contested. If both parties agree that the marriage should end, it is a much simpler process than when one seeks to prevent the divorce, or when it is necessary to assign fault to one partner or another. What remains for the spouses is to agree on the division of property, alimony allocation, and child custody arrangements. By meeting with a divorce mediator, such as one of our experienced family law attorneys, couples can work out the terms of their divorce face-to-face. The mediation process can save divorcing couples time, money, and heartache. Once an agreement is reached by both parties, an attorney can help with filing a petition for divorce with the courts. The court will then review the property distribution agreement signed by the divorcing parties. Once approved by the court, the divorce will be final. The whole process from petition to grant of divorce could be only a month, as opposed to a months-long legal battle. If you believe that divorce mediation is right for you, call our office today to arrange a consultation.

Read More »

Real estate central issue in many property division negotiations

In many Massachusetts divorces, issues involving child custody and child support take center stage. Another issue that sits at the top of most couples’ divorce proceedings involves property division. Massachusetts spouses should be aware that the time to handle all concerns that pertain to the division of property is before the divorce is final. Once the papers are signed, a spouse who is unhappy with one or more of the provisions within the agreement will have little recourse to make changes. Among the challenges of property division, issues over real estate generally top the list. Once a decision has been made concerning which party will retain the home, the next step should be providing a clean break for the other party in regard to liability for that property. Although one spouse will end up on the title to the home, both may be listed on the mortgage. This scenario leaves one person with full ownership rights to the home, and the other still on the hook for partial responsibility for paying the mortgage. In some cases, the spouse who keeps the house will stop making payments on the home for a variety of reasons, leaving the other party with badly damaged credit and no way to solve the issue other than covering the payment. The ex-spouse who signed off on the property would still not have any form of ownership in the property. The best way to avoid this problem is to clearly outline within the divorce agreement that the

Read More »
Ask a question…
close slider

Life Complicated?
We Can Help

Fill out the form below and tell us your story.

Call Now Button