What is Divorce Mediation?

Divorce Mediation is a process by which married individuals can come together to resolve the issues regarding their divorce. The parties involved may choose to be represented by an attorney, however, during the mediation process itself, attorneys are generally not present.  The Mediator will meet with the parties together to discuss their issues, and may meet with each party individually depending on the circumstances of the case.

At a Divorce Mediation, the parties may choose to attempt to resolve individual issues or all of the issues surrounding their divorce. Some of the common areas that are addressed in Divorce Mediation are child support, child custody, parenting schedules, alimony, division of marital property, health insurance, and other issues involving the parties' children.

Divorce Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process. A dedicated Divorce Mediator will meet with the parties once, or several times, depending on the complexity of the case. The parties will be allowed to speak about their feelings and concerns regarding the divorce process and the issues that they are unable to resolve. The Mediator will act as a neutral person who will attempt to help the parties resolve their issues.

At the end of the Divorce Mediation, the parties may decide to sign a memorandum or a separation agreement outlining the issues that they have resolved.  A separation agreement is required by the court in order for the divorce to be finalized. The parties may take their signed memo or agreement to their respective attorneys for review.

Please contact Attorney Theresa Gomes if you are interested in learning more about Divorce Mediation in Massachusetts.

Why Divorce Mediation is a Good Alternative to a Contested Divorce in Massachusetts

The end of a marriage is certainly a stressful time for all parties involved. Some divorces can cost thousands upon thousands of dollars in legal fees. In a traditional divorce, both parties usually pay for their own attorneys. In Massachusetts, the cost for a good attorney can be somewhere in the area of $250.00-$400.00. per hour. Given those numbers, it is easy to see how a contested divorce could become very expensive.

Divorce Mediation in Massachusetts can provide individuals with a more cost effective, amicable way to end their marriage. Divorce Mediation is a process by which two individuals who wish to be divorced, discuss all of the issues involved and attempt to come to an agreement that is acceptable to both parties. The process is monitored by a neutral person, the Mediator, as the parties try to work out their issues and concerns. The Mediator does not represent either party, and does not act as an attorney. The Mediator will assist the parties in writing an agreement if they are able to come to one.

Divorce Mediation can be considerably less expensive than a contested divorce. Both parties share in the cost of the Mediator. In addition, Divorce Mediation can be less time consuming than a contested divorce in Massachusetts. If the parties are able to work out their problems in Mediation, an agreement may be written in a short amount of time.

Attorney Theresa Gomes is a Certified Mediator in Massachusetts and would be happy to assist you in mediating your divorce.