It can feel as daunting to pick a divorce mediator, as it is to pick a divorce lawyer. Where do you begin? Mediators come with different levels of training and experience.
- Is your mediator certified by the Massachusetts Council of Family Mediators?
- Is your mediator an attorney who has experience in family court? While there are many fine mediators
- working in divorce mediation, a separation agreement is a legal document and must be drafted by an attorney.
- Is your mediator working exclusively to resolve matters outside of court, or do they also do litigation?
- Did your prospective mediator train specifically on divorce mediation or did they train primarily on general dispute resolution?
- Has your prospective divorce mediator continued on with his/her education?
I’m Carolan Hardy, Esq., a divorce mediator certified by the Massachusetts Council of Family Mediators, working in the greater Boston area. After working as a litigator in family law cases, I left that role in order to work with the clients outside of court. I have been helping couples with divorce mediation and child custody mediation for 10 years.
Using mediation, negotiated settlements, the collaborative process and other dispute resolution processes, I assist couples as they work together to resolve their family matters in a peaceful and respectful manner.
I would be happy to meet with you to answer any questions about mediation and how it can reduce the cost of your divorce while resulting in an agreement that you decide, not the court. Contact me, or call 617-750-9709 to schedule a free initial consultation at my Quincy or Hingham law office.
Additional Questions to Ask a Prospective Divorce Mediator
One of the challenges of family law is its complexity. Family law touches on property law, financial matters such as pensions, tax law and bankruptcy law, inheritance law, child custody and even criminal law (in cases involving domestic violence). Because of this complexity, it can be helpful to work with a divorce mediator who is also a Massachusetts family law attorney. This should help to ensure your separation agreement is not only acceptable to you and your spouse, but is also valid and enforceable in family court.
- Are you a practicing divorce attorney in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts?
- Are you a mediator per the statute of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts?
- Have you met the rigorous requirements to become a Certified Mediator under the guidelines of the Massachusetts Council of Family Mediators? Are you a member?
- Have you completed any training beyond basic mediation?
- Do you attend ongoing mediation training programs?
- Are you a member of the Association of Family Courts and Conciliators
- Are you a member of the Academy of Professional Mediators
- Do you regularly attend meetings and training in divorce, family and elder mediation?
- How many separation agreements have you written?
- Have you practiced before the court where my case will be filed?
- Do you know the current child support guidelines for Massachusetts? Do you know the current alimony laws for Massachusetts
Don’t Discount Your Feelings
Once you have the facts about the mediator, don’t forget to consider your feelings. You must trust this person to help you through a sensitive time. Do you feel the person is treating you with compassion and concern? Do you feel respected? Does the mediator act in a professional manner?
Unhappy With Your Divorce Mediator or Need Advice Outside Mediation?
If you are currently in mediation but are not making progress or you are just not happy, you can change mediators. I can be brought in as a replacement divorce mediator. I can also act as a mediation review attorney or coach, offering legal advice and review of your mediated settlement agreement. Call my office at 617-750-9709 to schedule an appointment.