Mediation Services For Clients
As the mediator for you and your spouse, I will:
Help you and your spouse identify your respective goals and interests;
If you have children, emphasize the need to do what is best for them.
Use my experience and training to bring the two of you together to formulate your own separation agreement.
Prepare a formal Divorce Separation Agreement to be reviewed by your respective attorneys if any.
Help the two of you make the best of a difficult time.
Help each of you avoid the expense, time, and emotional trauma often associated with the Adversarial/Traditional Divorce Approach.
I received my formal training in mediation at the Harvard Law School Program of Instruction for Lawyers.
In addition to my training at Harvard and the Center for Dispute Settlement, I also serve as a mediator or arbitrator for several organizations.
- The conclusion to my ordeal was beyond my highest expectations. In fact, I was speechless when you called with the decision. My appreciation for what you did for me goes beyond any fee that I paid. You gave me back the rest of my life, free of any future court dealings resulting from my divorce, and for that I thank you.
Philip, client - Thank you for all your kindness during my 'ordeal'. I always knew there would be compassion on the other end of the phone or across the desk. That along with your expert advice gave me such a sense of well being. I don't think many people can say that of their lawyers and staff! You are both unique! Thank you again - Happy New Year and continued success to you both.
Suzanne, client - Again, thank you for all your help and support. I truly do appreciate it. And it was a great pleasure to work with both Donna and you.
Tim, client - This is just a note to say thank you to you and Donna for the hard work, special efforts and miracles you both pulled off in handling my divorce last week. Not a happy time to be sure, but in the face of such adversity – … you two were heroes!
Margaret, client - Can't thank you both enough for all your help. You were both super! Hope I didn't crash anyone's diet, but the chocolates from Nichols are to die for. In case you've never heard of them, they are called 'Turtles' and 'Walnut Whip'. Thanks again!
Paul, client - Thank you both for all your hard work and kindness. I know it's because of both of you that gave me some of my strength. Its nice to know there are people like you that care so much.
Donna - I just want to sincerely thank you for all your help and guidance during a most difficult experience. Most important to me, was that you were available when I needed you. … Again, thank you, Tony.
Dexter - Just wanted to say thanks for a wonderful divorce. Your hard work paid off for me. Thank you.
Linda - Please accept our thanks for all you have done. You have made what was a stressful situation bearable. I'm not certain that it is ended but having you there helps ease the pain.
George - Thank you for being the best attorney anyone could have! I appreciate all your effort and hard work.
Arlene - Now that the dust has settled a bit and I am on the plus side of the ledger, I wanted to take a minute to thank you for guiding me through the process. This is quite literally one of those occasions where it is true to say that I couldn't have done it without you.
Michael - Thank you very much for all your help & patience. Happy Easter!
Kathleen - … I am wishing for you a year filled with all the gifts life has to offer. No one deserves it more! Not a day passes over this earth without remembrance of the role you played in changing my life. T.R. Glover one said, 'one is never done with knowing the greatest men or the greatest works of art – they carry you on and on; and at the last you feel that you are only beginning'. Thank you Tony for my new beginning. It's wonderful to be back home!
Kay
Divorce Mediation
In mediation, I concentrate on "interests" and “goals” rather than "positions" or "entitlements".
For example, your spouse’s position might be that she or he “wants” the van and your position is that you are entitled to the van because it is registered in your name. If the two of you cannot come to an agreement, only a judge or arbitrator can end the dispute. In Mediation, the question is not who is "entitled" but rather what the “interest” in the van is. If your spouse wants to use the van to start a home-based business and earn an income, then you, realizing that you may be paying less support, may agree to give up the van.
In Massachusetts, a mediator cannot, by law, give legal advice. Therefore, you and your spouse should consider each having your own attorney with whom each of you may consult when needed. Usually, attorneys do not attend mediation sessions; typically each acts as an advisor “on call”.
Point to Consider
If you are considering mediation, you may want to reconsider if you believe your spouse is in no hurry to get a divorce. Mediation lasts as long as both parties continue to participate; therefore, it is easier to “put off” the divorce if parties stay in mediation.
