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Divorce Mediation Lawyer In Worcester Helping You Resolve Complex Issues
Many people are under the misconception that when seeking a divorce or dealing with another family-related matter, litigation is the only answer. Fortunately, this is not the case. Mediation is a common form of ADR (alternative dispute resolution) which is recognized for its ability to guide two disputing parties towards reaching a mutually agreeable decision.
Mediation allows two disputing parties to meet with a third-party mediator who is neutral and unbiased. The two parties can then discuss the terms of their divorce, such as which party will keep the house or a proposed custody schedule. After the entire divorce agreement (or separation agreement) has been negotiated and agreed upon, a proposal is drawn up and submitted to the judge.
Mediation is much less contentious than litigation, which is an excellent benefit if you and your spouse wish to remain amicable or if you share children. At the Law Office of Polly Tatum, our Worcester family law mediation attorneys can help you deal with your complicated family law issue without going to court. Call us at (508) 795-1557(508) 795-1557 to speak with our divorce mediator today.
How Can Divorce Mediation Help?
When two people decide to end their marriage, they face several difficult decisions. One of the most important decisions is how to divide their property and assets. Another is how to care for any children they have together.
Divorce mediation is a process in which a neutral third party (the mediator) helps couples communicate and reach agreements on the terms of their divorce. The mediator does not make decisions for the couple but rather helps them reach their own decisions through open communication and discussion.
Divorce mediation can help couples reach agreements on a wide variety of issues, including property division, child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, and more. Mediation can also help couples who have already been through the divorce process but are having difficulty reaching an agreement on certain issues.
There are many benefits to using mediation to sort out family law issues, such as:
- It is less expensive than litigation
- It allows you to maintain your working relationship
- It is easier for your children
Perhaps most importantly, mediation does not involve a judge; instead, you and your spouse or ex-spouse will be able to make decisions about the future of your family that is best suited to your unique situation and family dynamic without a legally binding authority present.
While the length of mediation can depend solely on how quickly the couples come to a common ground, each session generally lasts between two to three hours. While some cases resolve in as little as one session, you may need additional sessions to cover every aspect of the divorce.
What Can I Expect At A Mediation Hearing?
If you are scheduled for a mediation session, here are some things that you can do to prepare:
- Be on time- this sets the tone for the entire mediation and shows that you are taking the process seriously.
- Dress appropriately- you want to show respect for the process, so avoid clothing that is too casual.
- Be prepared to listen- one of the most important aspects of mediation is being able to hear the other person out without interruption.
- Think about what you want to achieve- what are your goals for the mediation? Are you hoping to come to a resolution on all issues or just certain ones? Having a clear idea of what you want to achieve can help you during the mediation.
If you are scheduled for a mediation session, here are some things that you can do to prepare:
- Be on time: This sets the tone for the entire mediation and shows that you are taking the process seriously.
- Dress appropriately: You want to show respect for the process, so avoid clothing that is too casual.
- Be prepared to listen: One of the most important aspects of mediation is being able to hear the other person out without interruption.
- Think about what you want to achieve: What are your goals for the mediation? Are you hoping to come to a resolution on all issues or just certain ones? Having a clear idea of what you want to achieve can help you during the mediation.
What Are The Stages Of Mediation?
In general, there are five critical steps to a mediation session:
- Convening The Mediation: This is where each side comes to the conclusion that mediation is necessary to come to a common ground in their divorce.
- Opening Session: This is where both sides give their opening statements, as well as the mediator explains what he or she will serve.
- Communication: A significant reason why couples end up in mediation is that they haven’t communicated with each other properly. When sensitive issues of divorce are brought up, there are a lot of one-sided arguments with rarely a conclusion unless a mediator steps in.
- Negotiation: This stage tries to find common ground between the terms of the divorce and can help expedite certain issues each of them is facing.
- Closure: This involves closing statements, with each party coming to a resolution or setting up another session to continue to try and resolve things.
How Can A Divorce Lawyer Help Me?
If you are going through a divorce or are considering one, you may be wondering how a divorce lawyer can help you. A divorce lawyer can help you if you are facing divorce litigation and running into issues such as child custody, visitation, or support. No matter what your situation is, a divorce attorney can provide guidance and support so that you can make the best decisions for yourself and your family.
Trust our experienced family law attorneys. At the Law Office Of Polly Tatum, we seek to provide couples seeking a divorce or going through other family issues with a process that gives them the opportunity to work together. During mediation, our Worcester family law mediation attorney can help you work together to reach an agreeable resolution. Regardless of your circumstances or the issue at hand, you can rely on us to guide you and help you consider both parties’ perspectives. Give us a call at (508) 795-1557(508) 795-1557 and find out just how much we can help.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Can An Estate Planning Lawyer Do For Me?
Estate planning lawyers can help you with a wide variety of legal matters, including wills, trusts, probate, and estate administration.
What Does An Elder Law Attorney Do?
An elder law attorney can help with any legal issues that come up with regard to yourself as you age or an older loved one. These issues can include things like planning how to pay for long-term care, making sure that long-term care is appropriate and that no abuse or neglect is occurring, and helping with things like trusts that can ensure our elderly loved ones are provided for.
Do I Need More Than Just A Will?
While a will can take care of some very basic aspects of your estate, like distribution of some assets and guardianship of minor children, it cannot do things like designate a trusted person to make medical or financial decisions for you if you are unable, make your wishes known as to your medical care at the end of life, or provide managed financial benefits for special needs family members, for example. A will is essential, but it is rarely enough to take care of things should you become incapacitated or die.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire An Attorney?
The cost of hiring an attorney depends on the type of case you have and the amount of work that is required. In most cases, we offer a consultation so that you can get an estimate of the cost of our services. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
How Is Medicaid Different From Medicare?
Medicare is a government-funded insurance program that covers some or all of the costs of certain medical procedures for qualified participants (generally, the elderly or disabled). Medicare does not cover the costs of long-term care. Medicaid, on the other hand, is a government entitlement program that can cover the costs of long-term care for those who meet certain income and asset qualifications.
What If We Don’t Qualify For Medicaid?
Medicaid eligibility planning is best started long before anyone in your family needs long-term care, but even if that planning has not been done in advance, there are some ways to make eligibility more likely while still protecting the assets of a spouse who does not need long-term care, for example. Contact our office, even if you think you won’t qualify for Medicaid. We may have options to suggest.
Why Is An Estate Plan Important?
An estate plan is important because it allows you to control what happens to your property and assets after your death. Without an estate plan, the court will decide how your property is distributed, which may not be in accordance with your wishes. An estate plan can also help you avoid probate, which is a costly and time-consuming process.
Why Should I Hire The Law Office Of Polly Tatum?
The Law Office of Polly Tatum is an experienced team who is ready to help you. Our firm has a wide range of experience in estate planning, probate and trust administration, elder law, and divorce and elder mediation. An experienced law firm with a good track record can help you get the legal help you deserve.
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