Boston Family Law Mediators

ADR Options Can Help Families Avoid the Expense & Stress of Litigation

Divorce does not have to bankrupt you emotionally and financially. Sometimes having a neutral, objective third party intervene is all it takes for divorcing parties to gain the clarity and perspective they need to come to an agreement.

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods such as mediation, collaborative law, and arbitration can potentially help couples avoid the expense and stress of litigation.

At Davis & Davis, P.C., we have successfully guided numerous Massachusetts clients through ADR to resolve their family law matters. In addition, judges from the Middlesex County Bar Association regularly appoint Attorney Patricia Davis as a conciliator. In this role, she provides pro bono services to litigants.

Ms. Davis appreciates the fact that these conciliation programs allow individuals to resolve their disputes without the need for costly trials. Participating in these programs also gives her a valuable perspective. Her experience as a conciliator has honed her ability to help parties resolve their family law disagreements in a far more cost-effective and amicable manner.

The Benefits of Resolving a Case without Litigation

There are many potential advantages to resolving a family law dispute short of litigation. Here are just a few:

• More control — ADR methods leave the ultimate decision in the couple’s hands, not in the hands of an unknown judge. People are also more likely to adhere to agreements that they have helped craft.
• Less contention — ADR promotes more amicable resolutions that reduce the negative emotional impact on both children and their parents.
• Less expense — Often, ADR turns out to be far more cost-effective than taking a case to trial.

Mediation Is Mandatory in Child Custody Modifications

Before either parent can request a custody modification, both parents must attend mandatory mediation and meet with a parenting coordinator. This parenting coordinator may be selected by the parties but must be appointed by the court. He or she has the ability to make a binding recommendation to the judge.

If one party does not agree with the binding recommendation of the parenting coordinator, he or she can take the matter to trial. However, if he or she wins at trial, he or she will be obligated to pay the other party’s legal fees.

Discuss Your Options with an Attorney at Our Firm

For an initial consultation with one of our lawyers, call Davis & Davis, P.C. at (978) 228-2262 or contact us online. Our North Reading office is convenient for clients in North Reading, Middleton, and beyond.