Divorce Mediation Lawyer Lowell MA
As a divorce mediation lawyer in Lowell MA, Attorney Todd D. Beauregard, P.C. can help you explore the many ways spouses may be able to work with one another to decide the issues in a divorce. It can be said the parties are in a better position than a judge to decide their future. Mediation requires trained neutral professionals who are skilled to work with both spouses, so that a final separation agreement is found fair and equitable by both spouses. The mediation attorneys at Todd D. Beauregard works in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts divorce courts.
Mediation FAQ’s
What is divorce mediation?
It is a form of alternative dispute resolution designed to empower the parties to work together in a good faith effort to resolve the issues between them. It is also an opportunity to have the parties craft their own idea as to what may be their idea of a fair and equitable division of marital assets, a parenting plan and other issues.
How does it work?
A skilled, trained divorce mediator acts as a neutral third party that facilitates a focused conversation between the parties to enable the type of communication that explores options for agreement on the issues requiring resolution in a divorce. The parties choose the topic for discussion; the parties choose how they may be able to come to an agreement. This is suitable for parties who wish to make the final decisions, rather than to have the courts decide.
What are the benefits?
It is strictly confidential. It is absolutely voluntary. Parties willing to work with one another generally find it takes far less time, and less money than litigation. Most mediated agreements endure, and are performed as agreed because it was the parties who developed the terms and conditions.
What are the costs?
The cost will depend on the parties’ needs and their ability to work with one another.
Is it useful, even if we do not settle every single issue?
It can be useful in the sense that parties may be able to agree on a majority of the issues, leaving only a few to be settled in other ways.
In Massachusetts, what is the age of emancipation?
It can be when the child attains the age of 18, or, under circumstances where the child remains financially dependent and also attends higher education, then their 23rd birthday. Child support remains in effect until the child is emancipated.
Who is DOR, and what role do they play in child support?
Department of Revenue can and does involve themselves, sometimes stepping in to represent the parent who is not receiving payment from the other parent.
What if it does not work for us?
This is a strictly voluntary, and strictly confidential process, either party may stop the mediation process at any time. Neither party is bound to any agreement made during mediation, nor can no part of the mediation discussions may be used against the other party should the need for litigation become necessary afterward. The mediator is not permitted to be called as a witness, and none of his or her knowledge of the discussions is disclosed.
Is it useful, even if we do not settle every single issue?
It can be useful in the sense that parties may be able to agree on a majority of the issues, leaving only a few to be settled in other ways.
We’d love to give your case the individualized attention it deserves.
For more on divorce mediation:
To speak with a divorce mediation lawyer, Contact or Call the Law Offices of Todd D. Beauregard, P.C. at (978) 275-1919 to Schedule a Free Consultation!
Reviewer: Katharine