Alliance Mediation Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mediation?
Mediation is a structured confidential process that helps people resolve disagreements and reach informed agreements without asking a judge to make those decisions for them. As your mediator, I remain neutral while guiding the conversation, helping you evaluate options and keeping discussions productive. Whether you're navigating a divorce, planning a marriage, resolving a family conflict or addressing another family matter, mediation gives you the opportunity to make your own decisions rather than having those decisions imposed by someone else.
What types of matters can be resolved through mediation?
Mediation can be an effective way to resolve a wide range of family matters, including divorce and separation, parenting issues, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, financial disputes, conflicts involving adult family members and other situations where people want to reach agreement without the expense or animosity of litigation. Each mediation is tailored to the specific issues that are important to the people involved.
What happens during mediation?
Every mediation is different because every family and every situation is different. The process usually begins by identifying the issues that need to be resolved and giving each person an opportunity to explain what has happened and what is important to them. I help identify information that may be needed, explore possible solutions, and guide the discussion as you work through decisions one step at a time.
My role is to help you have productive conversations, consider your options, and make informed decisions about practical, durable agreements that work for your family.
What are the benefits of mediation?
Mediation allows you to resolve important family issues in a private, respectful and collaborative setting. It is usually less expensive, less adversarial and more efficient than litigation. Just as importantly, it gives you the opportunity to make decisions that reflect your family's unique circumstances rather than relying on a judge who knows very little about your lives.
Does everyone involved have to agree to participate?
Mediation works by bringing the people involved in a conflict into the process. You do not have to agree on the issues before you begin. The purpose of mediation is to help you work through those disagreements in a structured and productive way. Reaching an agreement is voluntary, and each person decides whether the proposed terms are acceptable.
We disagree about almost everything. Is mediation still worth considering?
Often, yes. People usually seek mediation because they disagree about important issues. The goal is not to eliminate disagreement. The goal is to create a productive process for working through those disagreements and finding practical solutions that are acceptable to everyone.
What if we have difficulty communicating?
Communication challenges are one of the most common reasons people choose mediation. My role is to create a structured environment where each person has an opportunity to be heard, conversations remain respectful, and discussions stay focused on the issues and possible solutions rather than assigning blame.
How long does mediation usually take?
The timeline depends on the issues involved, the complexity of the matter, and how quickly decisions are made. Some matters are resolved in just a few sessions, while others require additional time. During the consultation, I’ll explain how the mediation process typically works, what can affect the timeline, and what you can generally expect as the process moves forward.
How long is each mediation session?
Generally, sessions last approximately two hours. That provides enough time to make meaningful progress while allowing everyone to remain engaged and productive. Depending on the nature of the matter, sometimes parties prefer to have a slightly longer mediation session and I am happy to discuss that with you.
Is mediation confidential?
Mediation is designed to provide a confidential setting for candid discussion. Massachusetts law provides important confidentiality protections for qualifying mediation communications and mediator materials, and our agreement to mediate also addresses confidentiality. Before mediation begins, I’ll explain the confidentiality provisions that apply, including their scope and any applicable exceptions.
Can mediation be conducted virtually?
Yes. I offer virtual mediation throughout Massachusetts. Virtual mediation provides flexibility and convenience while allowing participants to engage fully in the process from a location that is comfortable for them.
Should we consult with attorneys?
That depends on the nature of the matter being mediated. In divorce matters, I strongly encourage each person to have the proposed agreement reviewed by an independent attorney before signing it. As a mediator, I remain neutral and do not provide either person with independent legal advice. An attorney can explain your legal rights and obligations, help you understand the legal and financial implications of the proposed agreement, and advise you about what is in your best interest.
Will you give us legal advice?
No. As a mediator, I remain neutral and do not represent any participant. I can provide legal information and explain the mediation process, but I cannot give legal advice. Whenever legal advice is appropriate, I encourage each participant to consult with their own attorney.
What happens after we reach an agreement?
Once you have reached an agreement, I’ll prepare a draft Memorandum of Understanding that reflects the decisions you have made. I recommend that each of you have the draft reviewed by your own attorney. Your attorneys can review the agreement, recommend appropriate revisions, if any, and prepare or finalize the documents needed to put your agreement into final form.