Divorce Mediation in Massachusetts

It’s not easy going through a divorce. Emotions run very high. There are a lot of hurt feelings on both sides. Sometimes it’s better to use divorce mediation rather than litigation. Mediation for divorce gives you more control over the outcome. A divorce mediator can help you craft a mediation agreement that is more acceptable to you. If you take your divorce case to trial, you’re letting a judge decide important issues. A good divorce mediator helps you and your ex work out those issues between yourselves.

What is divorce mediation in Massachusetts?

Mediation in divorce is an alternative to having your case litigated in court. It’s an informal process where the divorce mediator helps the parties work together to come to an agreement. The mediator for divorce doesn’t decide the issues like a judge does. Instead, divorce mediators help the parties work towards an agreement that is acceptable to both.

How does divorce mediation work in Massachussetts?

Mediators in divorce cases handle cases differently, but there are a few steps that happen in every divorce mediation process. Here’s what to expect in divorce mediation:

• The parties meet one-on-one with the mediator;
• The parties will meet together with the mediator to identify issues;
• The mediator will continue to meet with the parties separately and together to iron out those issues; and,
• A Mediation Agreement will be written and signed by the parties if they agree.

How long does divorce mediation take in Massachusetts?

The length of time for a divorce mediation differs from case to case. There are many variables including:

• How many assets and debts there are;
• If there are children involved;
• If there is a house; and
• How cooperative the parties are.

Many cases can produce an agreement after a handful of meetings over the span of a few weeks.