The Timing of Divorce Mediation

A divorcing couple can engage in Divorce Mediation in Massachusetts at any time during their divorce. The parties may agree to meet with a mediator prior to even consulting with an attorney. It may be helpful for a divorcing couple to sit down with a mediator and discuss the issues that may come up during the divorce process. If the parties agree to meet with a mediator before meeting with an attorney, they may be able to provide their attorney with important information that they learn during the mediation.

The parties may also agree to utilize Divorce Mediation after consulting with their attorneys. Some parties feel it is important to speak with an attorney so that they can learn about their rights before attending a mediation session.

The parties may also choose to participate in the mediation process after they have filed for divorce. Once a Complaint for Divorce is filed, and the parties make their first court appearance, they may realize that they would rather resolve their divorce together instead of having a judge make decisions for them.

Finally, the parties may choose to seek the services of a mediator after their divorce has been finalized in order to resolve post divorce issues. Many issues arise after a divorce has been filed, especially when young children are involved. Rather than returning to court and having a judge decide their case, the parties may agree to resolve their issues in mediation.

Feel free to contact Attorney Gomes if you have any questions about the timing of Divorce Mediation.

Divorce Mediation Myth #1

There are many myths associated with Divorce Mediation. The first myth is that divorcing couples shouldn't consider Divorce Mediation unless they are in agreement about most issues concerning their divorce. This is certainly not the case. A divorcing couple can use Divorce Mediation even if they have not been able to agree on any of the issues of their divorce.  The mediator will work with the parties to resolve any of the issues that the parties wish to discuss during mediation.

Even after mediation, the parties may not be able to resolve all of the issues concerning their divorce. The most important information that a divorcing couple should know about Divorce Mediation is that they may consider using Divorce Mediation at any stage during the divorce process.

Please contact Attorney Gomes at tgomeslaw@yahoo.com if you would like to learn more about Divorce Mediation.

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.

Law Office of Theresa L. Gomes has moved to a new location

The law office of Theresa L. Gomes has moved to a new location as of March 1, 2013. Attorney Gomes can now be reached at her new address: 891 Centre St. Suite 200, Boston, MA 02130. Her new telephone number is (617) 524-6600.