Mediation is a relative newcomer to family law. Traditionally, most divorces and other family law issues were hashed out between two attorneys in court. Mediation bridges the gap between do-it-yourself divorces and divorces with attorney representation. As an alternative to taking your divorce to court, mediation can provide you and your spouse the structure and guidance needed to divorce on your own without court intervention. If you’ve been reading up on mediation, you’ve probably come across the terms divorce mediation and family mediation. If so, you may be wondering what the difference is between divorce and family mediation. This is a good question because it is very important to find a mediator with the experience needed to address your specific issues. Family mediation deals exclusively with issues within the family. These can include child custody for unmarried parents, cohabitation agreements for unmarried couples, marital mediation for struggling marriages, and divorce mediation. Family mediation even covers probate issues and issues regarding family businesses. Someone who practices family mediation more broadly may have experience handling all these different issues.

Divorce mediation is more specific. It deals with issues common in divorces, such as child support and child custody, alimony, and the division of property. The intent of divorce mediation is to guide two spouses to a resolution by helping them negotiate an agreement on their own terms. It focuses on helping couples stay in control of their divorce, thus allowing them to save money and time, and preserve their peace of mind. Someone who practices divorce mediation will be highly experienced in addressing divorce-related issues.

When looking for a mediator, make sure you ask them about their experience and what kind of mediation they specialize in. If you are contemplating divorce, you should consult with a few mediators who practice mainly divorce mediation. Family mediation is comprised of many different types of mediation with different goals. Divorce mediation is a little more specific and suited for couples wishing to divorce amicably. You and your spouse will have the best chance of success with the guidance of a mediator who specializes in the specific issue or issues you need to work through.

If you have questions about family and divorce mediation, contact Mediation Advantage Services for expert help. Experienced in divorce mediation, Law Office of Polly Tatum can help you amicably mediate your divorce, helping ensure success and accelerating your peace of mind. Based in historic Worcester with a satellite office in Northboro, MA, our firm serves all cities and towns throughout Massachusetts and Worcester County including, Auburn, Paxton, Leicester, Sutton, Grafton, Shrewsbury, Westboro, Northboro, Southboro, Holden, Sterling, Princeton, Worcester, Charlton, Millbury, Dudley, Spencer, Brookfield, Sudbury, Natick, Framingham, Hopkinton, Milford, Blackstone, Leominster, Fitchburg, Acton, Jefferson, Barre, Oakham, Cambridge, Newton, Marlboro, Lancaster, Bolton, and Hudson. Call our office at (508) 466-4734, fill out our online form, today to schedule your Complimentary Mediation Success Planning Session. You can also sign up for our eNewsletter or download our free e-book for more information regarding divorce in Massachusetts.