Is Mediation Right for You?

Mediation might be a good fit if:

• You and your spouse are both willing to come to the table and communicate, even if you disagree on a lot

• You want to keep things out of court and avoid the cost, stress, and timeline of litigation

• You have children and want to protect the co-parenting relationship as much as possible

• You want more control over the outcome instead of leaving decisions to a judge

• You're looking for a faster, less adversarial path to resolution

Mediation may not be the right fit if there is ongoing abuse, significant power imbalances, or one party is unwilling to participate in good faith. If you're unsure, reach out — we can talk through whether mediation makes sense for your situation.

What We'll Work Through Together

Mediation covers all aspects of your divorce, including:

Division of assets and debts — Who gets what, and how to divide shared property, savings, retirement accounts, and debts fairly.

Spousal support and alimony — Whether support is appropriate, how much, and for how long.

Parental rights and responsibilities — Decision-making authority around education, healthcare, religion, and other major parenting decisions.

Parenting time — Creating a schedule that works for your family, including holidays, vacations, and transitions.

Child support — Determining financial support based on both parties' circumstances.

Anything else that matters to you — Every family is different. If there's something unique to your situation, we'll address it.

How the Process Works

Step 1: Initial consultation We'll meet to discuss your situation, answer your questions, and determine if mediation is the right fit. This is a chance for you to get comfortable with the process — and with me — before committing.

Step 2: Mediation sessions We'll meet regularly (typically every one to two weeks) to work through each issue. I'll facilitate the conversation, help you stay productive when things get tense, and make sure both parties are heard. The number of sessions depends on your situation — some couples resolve everything in a few meetings, others need more time.

Step 3: Memorandum of Understanding Once you've reached agreement on all issues, I'll put everything in writing in a document called a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Both parties review it to make sure it reflects what you agreed to.

Step 4: Attorney review and filing The MOU gets forwarded to your attorney, who will draft a formal Settlement Agreement and submit it to the court for approval. Once the court approves, it becomes a legally binding divorce decree.

Why Mediation Over Litigation?

Less adversarial. You're working together to find solutions — not fighting through attorneys.

Faster. Mediation typically moves much quicker than court proceedings, which can drag on for months or years.

Less expensive. Without the overhead of two attorneys battling it out, mediation costs are significantly lower.

More control. You and your spouse make the decisions — not a judge who's met you for fifteen minutes.

Better for kids. A less hostile process means a healthier foundation for co-parenting after the divorce is finalized.

Frequently Asked Questions

What role does the mediator play? The mediator is neutral. I don't take sides, make decisions, or give legal advice. My role is to facilitate productive conversation, help you work through impasses, and guide you toward solutions that work for both parties.

Do I still need an attorney? Mediation itself doesn't require attorneys, but most people find it helpful to consult one for legal questions and to review the final agreement. An attorney will also draft the Settlement Agreement for court submission. You're welcome to bring your attorney to sessions if both parties agree, though most people choose not to.

How long does mediation take? It varies based on the complexity of your situation and how much you and your spouse agree on going in. Some couples wrap up in a few sessions; others take longer. Either way, it's typically much faster than litigation.

What if we have significant disagreements? That's normal — and it's exactly what mediation is designed for. I'll help you work through those disagreements productively. The only requirement is that both parties are willing to show up and communicate in good faith.

Can we mediate if we already have a case in court? Yes. Massachusetts courts often encourage mediation as a way to resolve issues before trial. If you reach a full agreement through mediation, you can withdraw from litigation.

Is the agreement legally binding? Once the Memorandum of Understanding is reviewed, a Settlement Agreement is drafted by your attorney and approved by the court, it becomes a legally binding divorce decree.

What It Costs

Mediation sessions are $275 per hour. The total cost depends on the number of sessions your situation requires, but mediation is typically significantly less expensive than litigation. Most couples find that the investment in mediation saves them considerable money — and stress — compared to the alternative.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Reaching out doesn't mean you're committing to anything — it means you're exploring a better option.

Contact Candace directly to schedule an initial consultation.