What Does a
Mediator Do?

My role as a mediator is different from my work as a divorce and family law attorney. Mediators do not act as an advocate for either party. Rather, mediators:
  • Help the parties identify and define areas of disagreement
  • Help them fairly evaluate each other’s points of view
  • Help couples identify areas of agreement
  • Encourage shared problem-solving
  • Present settlement alternatives
  • Consult with other professionals such as
  • accountants, counsellors and others
  • Prepare the agreement that the parties can present to the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court

I do not act as an attorney for either party during mediation. Rather, I help the parties negotiate to arrive at a fair settlement. If desired, each person may have their own lawyers present or on call during mediation sessions. As a divorce lawyer, I am intimately familiar with all the issues that could arise during a divorce. In helping clients finalize a separation (divorce) agreement, I cover all the bases. Clients can be confident that their final agreement will be comprehensive.

Divorce mediation is not for everyone. If one of the parties does not want to participate, it will not work. If one of the parties is being dishonest during the process (for example, hiding assets), it will not work. If there is a big difference in the power or status of the parties (for example, when domestic abuse or hidden finances are a factor), mediation will not work.