Resolving Medway Divorces And Other Family-Related Issues Through Mediation
Last updated on December 30, 2024
Divorce and family law mediation allows parties to reach their own private resolution without going to court. The process is guided by a neutral mediator who facilitates meetings with the parties to create an agreement for their particular circumstances. In divorce mediation, the goal is to reach an informed and lasting agreement that is then filed with the court. Divorce mediation in Massachusetts is voluntary and confidential. Mediation can help transform relationships, not devastate them.
Mediation is not just for divorce. The nonadversarial mediation process can be used for resolving post-divorce conflicts and modifications, as well as estate and other family matters. Cunnally Law Group, LLC, can help families throughout Medway and Norfolk County reach positive solutions through mediation.
Who Can Benefit From Divorce And Family Law Mediation?
Mediation is an attractive option for people who want to maintain control of their conflict and not turn the outcome over to someone else (like a judge or battling lawyers). It is a good choice for parents who realize that although their relationship is certainly changing, maintaining a respectful relationship post-divorce has many benefits when it comes to their children and their own inner peace (think “less stress”). Couples without children or with adult children also choose mediation as a more peaceful way to conclude their marriage and prepare for new beginnings.
By taking ownership of the conflict and looking to the future, the parties can develop solutions with the mediator that will actually work, since any conflict that is finalized by a court order that one or both parties do not want is likely to fail. In a litigated case, this problem can often translate into additional court appearances for contempt actions and modifications.
Benefits Of Mediation
There are many benefits of family law and divorce mediation, including the following:
Less Stress
Disputing parties who choose mediation are much less likely to entangle children in painful conflict and report less stress during divorce and in resolving post-divorce matters.
Client Value
Some people are initially attracted to mediation as a way to save money over a traditional court-based action. It is true that mediation is usually much less expensive than litigation. One of the most obvious reasons for this is that a single mediator is retained instead of individual attorneys. Even if one (or both) parties retain a lawyer to advise them during the mediation process or review the final negotiated agreement, there can still be substantial savings over a traditional divorce. Mediation is also very efficient. There are no fees billed to the clients for travel time or for waiting at court during numerous hearings.
Pace
A traditional court-based divorce can be very slow and may take years to resolve. As cases linger, people tend to get more frustrated and spend more money. Parties who select mediation are able to control the speed of the process and move at their own pace.
Confidential Process
Unlike discussing the personal details of your marriage and family in an open court, mediation is private.
Flexible For Families
We fully support a client’s desire to use an outside professional in conjunction with mediation. Allied professionals such as divorce coaches, parenting specialists, or financial experts can play an important, supportive role in mediation, especially when people are experiencing very strong emotions or otherwise feel they would benefit from the inclusion of other experts.
Respectful And Dignified
Mediation is respectful of the human emotions present in every case. Although mediation is not therapy, it does provide the parties a safe place to display feelings such as sadness, anger, understanding and empathy.
Empowered To Solve Your Own Conflict
Mediation recognizes that parties are often the best ones to decide how their assets are divided and what parenting plan will work for their children. The mediator assists in this process by helping the clients understand the laws applicable to divorce and family law in Massachusetts, which allows the parties to make their own informed decisions.
Consider New Options
A skilled mediator will help clients “expand the pie” or consider options not previously explored.
Scheduling
Court hearings, depositions, and other meetings are not scheduled around the clients, but around the schedule of the court and lawyers. In mediation, we offer flexible appointment scheduling options.
Comprehensive Process
As attorneys, our mediators are legally able to draft your agreement and court pleadings for submission to the Probate and Family Court.
Let Us Help You Resolve Your Divorce Peacefully
If you think divorce or family law mediation is right for you, contact our firm today to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your case. Call 508-475-9684 or email us online. We represent clients throughout Medway and Norfolk County.