We’ve all heard the horror stories of courtroom divorces where people lose their dignity, confidence, respect they had for their spouse, their assets, or worse, custody of their child. While the judge will heavily consider your child’s best interests if you litigate, he or she does not know your child or your family intimately. Every child has special needs and unique considerations. Taking your divorce to court leaves the outcome largely in the hands of a Massachusetts Probate and Family court judge.

The Massachusetts Probate and Family Court tries to ensure children are protected when their parents divorce or separate. In many cases, a judge will be making the actual decisions. He or she will be reviewing your divorce papers with your child’s best interests in mind, making sure your agreements on alimony, child support, parenting time, and the division of your assets and debts do not in any way harm your child. Although the judge will be making the decisions, he or she will be doing so under the guidance of Massachusetts law.

Child support is a right, not a privilege in Massachusetts. Child support is ordered in divorce cases to provide the child with financial stability and to help ensure their standard of living does not greatly change when they spend time with the other parent. A parenting plan including a custody arrangement and a parenting time-sharing schedule must be submitted in every divorce involving children as well. Even in considering asset divisions and alimony requests, a judge will keep your child’s well-being in mind. But, if you are concerned about your child’s security and well-being in the divorce, litigation may not be your best option. Consider divorce mediation if you and your spouse want to prioritize your child’s best interests during the divorce. An involved parent may find that divorce mediation is better suited to making sure their child’s unique needs are met.

Mediation can also ensure his or her interests are protected. A skilled mediator can assist you and your spouse with creating a parenting plan that looks out for their best interests now and in the future. Do you have questions about how to protect your child’s interests in the divorce? If so, Mediation Advantage Services can help you. Experienced in divorce mediation Law Office of Polly Tatum can help you and your spouse make decisions that will protect your child’s happiness and well-being. 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, or email us at info@mediationadvantage.com today to schedule your Complimentar 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.