Divorce mediation offers a vastly more affordable, practical, and saner approach than litigation for ending a marriage. Through interest-based negotiation, the divorce mediator, a neutral third party, facilitates discussions between you and your spouse to reach a settlement that meets your needs and goals. The mediator does not make substantive decisions...
Certified Divorce Financial Analysts (CDFAs) and Divorce: What You Should Know
Divorce can introduce not only emotional challenges but also financial complexity. Understanding the financial implications of divorce is crucial during the separation process. In many cases, it makes sense to hire a certified divorce financial analyst (CDFA) who can offer specialized expertise to guide you through these challenges, provide a clear...
Equitable Division of Property in Your Massachusetts Divorce with an Interest-Based Approach
Have you heard the old saw about a divorce settlement being a good one when “both parties walk away unhappy?” Likely that is a result of a sum zero settlement approach that focuses on positions, instead of one that focuses on interests, needs, goals, and the best interests of the parties and/or...
A Step-By-Step Guide to Divorce Mediation
When your divorce ends up in court, you face the prospect of a lengthy, financially, and emotionally draining process. Often, even years after judgment, you may have to continue fighting your former spouse over ongoing custody, child support, or alimony issues. There is a much better way.
Mediation...
Are There Special Considerations in a Massachusetts LGBTQ+ Divorce?
LGBTQ+ Divorce Attorney
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Since 2003, LGBTQ+ couples have been entitled to the same rights and protections as heterosexual couples under Massachusetts law. When it comes to divorce, LGBTQ+ couples have all of the same issues to contend with as heterosexual couples such as the division of assets,...
Mediation Myths and Facts
If you are getting divorced or have another family law issue such as contempt or modification of custody, parenting time, child support, or alimony, you may think mediation can’t work for you and that your only option is going to court, or your case is already in court. The following facts may...
Preparing for Divorce Mediation
Even when you and your spouse are amicable, the divorce process can be emotionally and financially challenging. Mediation can help you better navigate through this difficult time for many reasons. It is much faster than going to court in a contested divorce, which can take years, it is far less costly when...
On the Road Again- Post Divorce Parenting Time From the Children’s Perspective
Imagine the following scenario: every few days you have to pack up your clothes, effects, and important documents, put them in your car, and go sleep in a different house. Then after a few days, just when you are getting comfortable, you have to pack up your clothes, effects, and important documents...
I Miss My Baby- Joint Legal and Physical Custody of Children Born to Unmarried Parents
In Massachusetts, application of the “best interests” standard by the Probate and Family Courts has evolved towards the working presumption that most parents should have joint legal custody of their children and that in general, children are best served by having ample or equal amounts of parenting time with both parents—divorced parents,...
Divorce in the Time of the Coronavirus
Filing for a contested divorce in Probate and Family Court during the best of times is time consuming, expensive, and stressful. With the onset of COVID-19, AKA Coronavirus, we are suddenly living in a time of great fear and uncertainty. Ordinary life has come to a grinding halt. On March 18, 2020,...
