Mediation Lawyers in Worcester County
Helping Middlesex & Hampden County Clients Come to an Agreement
Dealing with the stress and complications of custody or divorce can be overwhelming. For some, the thought of handling these incredibly personal concerns in a courtroom can be too much for them to bear. Mediation exists for that reason and for many other appealing reasons. The process is set up in a way that allows for both parties to create better communication through the guidance of a trained and neutral third party. Private conversations are also a part of the mediation process, which can allow for sensitive matters to remain confidential between one of the parties and the mediator.
In many situations, mediation can substitute for getting courts involved and help parties to come to a conclusion that ensures all involved have had their needs met and respected without being in a courtroom. Handling some issues in a positive way through mediation can save you time and money moving forward through the divorce process. Any of the agreements made are documented, and paperwork is signed, acknowledging that both parties are in agreement on that topic. This leaves one less item that needs to be checked off their list while going through a divorce.
O’Connor Family Law offers mediation services in Worcester County for both custody and divorce cases, and through many years of experience, we are confident that we can assist you.
Contact us at (774) 315-4220 to find out more regarding your specific questions.
What Does Mediation Look Like?
Mediation is a negotiation process between you and the other party, with the assistance of a neutral professional trained in facilitating these situations. It can be less formal than court proceedings and offers flexibility. Mediation can be less contentious than court proceedings, as both parties are volunteering to be there to try to reach an agreement.
There are five stages of mediation; read below to learn more about each of them.
Introductions are the first step in mediation and are useful to the mediator in terms of learning more about both of the parties involved. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or other documents that help further explain what you are working out and why you seem to be at an impasse on this matter. The mediator will introduce themselves and their role in this process, discuss the goals and/or rules involved, and will have each party sign a mediation contract and a confidentiality agreement at this time. They are there to facilitate good communication between the parties and are highly trained to do so. This is incredibly helpful for couples who can’t seem to discuss matters, let alone agree on important items such as custody or relocation, for example.
-
"Great work, I highly recommend this family law firm and wouldn’t want anyone else representing me in this tough time in my life!"
- Deborah H. -
"I am forever grateful for the team's incredible efforts to make my stepdaughter's dream of having "a normal life" with her dad come true."
- Lauren C. -
"They were always quick to respond... I felt they were very helpful in what I was seeking at that time."
- Melanie A. -
"With her desire to gain a deep understanding of my situation and level of expertise, we successfully obtained the outcome I needed to move on with my life."
- Tanya M.
No Big Egos Here.
We're the Real Help You're Looking For.
Hands in, team: we're on a mission.
We're a team of real people who have been through what you're facing now. Because we've been there, we know the way out. Call us today.
Reach Out To Get Started
We Can Help You Move Forward
Joint discussions are then held while the mediator facilitates, giving each party ample time to discuss their concerns, what they believe is the best solution, and why. The mediator is trained in helping to see and encourage creative solutions the parties may not have yet thought of, as well as to foster communication skills between the parties, so both sides’ concerns are explained and heard.
Private discussions can be requested at any time during the mediation by either party or by the mediator themselves. This allows for things of a highly personal nature to be discussed privately without the other party listening. The mediator may take this opportunity to make suggestions as to how to proceed or create a strategy using other options that the party hasn’t thought about. Anything said during these private sessions remains confidential, as discussed upon signing the confidentiality agreement during the introductions.
A Memorandum of Understanding is drafted when both parties agree to an outcome, and this document is then given to both parties to allow them to seek legal counsel regarding the agreement before moving on to the next step of closure.
Closure is the final step, and at this stage, a Separation Agreement or a Stipulation for Judgement can be drafted, whichever pertains to the proceedings. If an agreement is not made between the parties, they can go back and try continued mediation, or they may at this time decide that involving the courts is best for them.
Get Real Help From Real People
Dedicated Attorneys With Lived Experience-
Education
Our goal is to educate and provide you with favorable options so that you feel empowered to choose the best outcome.
-
Compassion
When it comes to divorce, amicability is our first step – when that doesn’t work, we are not afraid to throw on the gloves and fight for you.
-
Team-Focused
When you work with our firm you become a part of our family. You can rest assured that you have a fierce team of advocates backing you up.
-
Honesty
We don’t sugar-coat here. We say it to you straight so that you always know where your case stands