Trained Mediators and Attorney Mediators are particularly useful as facilitators for individuals engaged in divorce as they thoroughly understand the process, laws, and rules for divorce in the Massachusetts Probate & Family Courts.
Your mediator will guide you through the divorce mediation process. As you reach new understandings it is possible to make agreements that will prevent future disputes. Parker Mediation will teach you how to manage conflict effectively, without resorting to court litigation. The conflict resolution skills you learn will serve you in the future, particularly if you continue to parent children together.
There are several topics that must be covered in each divorce. At Parker Mediation, each subject is discussed with the parties in the order most important to them. Typical mediations begin with discussion about the children’s schedule, starting with what’s working for them now and what changes will occur as parents separate. Together we develop a temporary parenting plan that maximizes the strengths of the family, so that both parents can participate as much as possible. Once the parenting plan is fully developed the parties work out a plan for the financial support of the children. Massachusetts child support guidelines are calculated to offer the parties assistance in making financial arrangements for the children.
The mediator helps the parties talk about the allocation of assets and debts over the course of one or two sessions. Each spouse provides full financial disclosure backed up by proper documentation. This information is detailed on financial statements that are signed by the parties under the pains and penalties of perjury and filed with the court. Parker Mediation helps couples analyze the financial data and create budgets, to not only address the short-term financial situation, but to plan for the long-term financial picture as well. Sometimes the mediator will recommend using an accountant or other financial advisor.
It is common for folks to believe that listening is the hardest part of mediation, but sometimes the hardest things for clients can be figuring out what they want post divorce and then to share it with the other person. Parker Mediation gives people homework (which is optional) to help them figure out what they want. Once the parties explore their options, strategies are developed to assist the parties in achieving the vision. Larri Tonelli Parker often says, “Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed. It’s like putting pieces of a puzzle together”. People that are flexible with each other often create divorce plans allowing both parties to get what they want.
Parker Mediation prepares all the documents that you will need to file your divorce with the Massachusetts court, including the Joint Petition for Divorce, Affidavit of Irretrievable Breakdown, Affidavit Disclosing Care and Custody of Children, Request for Pre-trial Conference, Financial Statements, Child Support Guidelines, Certificate of Absolute Divorce, and Request for Uncontested Assignment. The final mediation session is dedicated to signing the separation agreement, other required documents, and preparing the parties for the court appearance.
Contact Parker Mediation if you have questions about mediation or to schedule your confidential consultation with one of our professional family law & divorce mediators. Call 508 795 0200.
We also provide coaching, which can be used throughout the mediation process. Lawyers provide valuable insight, legal representation and support for parties engaged in divorce mediation. Attorney Mediators are particularly useful as advocates for individuals engaged in divorce mediation as they thoroughly understand the mediation process as well as the laws for divorce in the Massachusetts courts. Careful conflict coaching can assist parties to avoid the unnecessary escalation of conflict.
The family law and divorce lawyers at Parker Mediation provide professional mediation and mediation coaching services to individuals and families throughout Massachusetts with offices serving Worcester County and Central Massachusetts.
Our Worcester, MA office serves the Central Massachusetts and Boston metro-west communities including, Auburn, Boylston, Clinton, Framingham, Fitchburg, Holden, Leominster, Marlborough, Millbury, Northborough, Shrewsbury, Sutton, Southborough, Westborough and Worcester, Massachusetts.
