Settle your divorce out of court, with less cost, less conflict, and the outcome in your hands instead of a judge's.
Divorce mediation resolves all the issues, property, support, custody, and parenting, outside of court, with a neutral mediator guiding both parties to agreement. It is faster, significantly less expensive, and keeps control of the outcome with you rather than a judge. Agreements reached through mediation are also more durable, because both parties helped shape them.
Brigantine Law provides skilled divorce mediation across the North Shore. We also represent clients in mediation as their own legal advocate, making sure their interests are fully protected throughout the process, and that any agreement reached is fair, complete, and legally sound.
A clear, step-by-step process, so you always know what comes next.
We talk through your situation, explain how mediation compares with collaborative divorce and litigation, and confirm whether mediation is the right fit for you both.
Both spouses exchange complete information on income, assets, and debts. Massachusetts requires honest, complete financial statements, and good decisions depend on a full picture.
With a neutral mediator, you work through property division, spousal support and child support, and a parenting plan, at a pace that suits you, not the court's calendar.
The terms you reach are put into a clear, legally sound written Separation Agreement. This is the document the court will rely on, so getting it right matters.
The signed agreement is filed with the Essex Probate and Family Court, along with the required forms, as a joint petition for an uncontested divorce.
At a brief hearing, a judge reviews the agreement for fairness. Once approved, it becomes a binding court order, and the divorce is final after the statutory waiting period.
Mediation vs. litigation: Mediation works best when both parties are willing to negotiate in good faith, even after the relationship has broken down. When it works, it saves months of court process and thousands in legal fees. When it does not, we are fully prepared to transition to litigation to protect your interests.
Mediation can resolve every issue in your divorce. We help you reach agreement on the questions that matter most to your family and your future.
Brigantine Law can serve as your neutral mediator, or as your own review counsel while another mediator handles the sessions. Either way, you have experienced guidance.
Talk to UsFree resources to help you prepare and understand your options.
See roughly how long your path to divorce may take, mediated or litigated.
QuizA few quick questions to gauge whether mediation or collaborative divorce fits your situation.
WorksheetThink through a parenting schedule and the decisions a plan needs to cover.
ArticleHow the process works, what it costs, and when it is the right choice.
ArticleA walk-through of the first mediation meeting, so nothing catches you off guard.
ArticleCompare the cost, control, and conflict of each route to divorce.
Most mediated divorces resolve in a handful of sessions over a few months, far faster than litigation. The exact timeline depends on how many issues need to be worked out and how prepared both spouses are. An uncontested (1A) divorce also has a statutory waiting period before it becomes final.
The mediation conversation itself is not binding, but the written Separation Agreement that comes out of it is. Once both spouses sign it and a judge approves it as part of an uncontested divorce, it becomes a binding court order.
It is strongly recommended. A mediator stays neutral and cannot give either spouse legal advice. Having your own attorney review the agreement before you sign makes sure it is fair, complete, and protects your interests. Brigantine Law serves in both roles: as a neutral mediator, and as review counsel for a client who is mediating.
Mediation works best when both spouses are willing to negotiate in good faith. If it stalls or one party will not participate honestly, we are fully prepared to protect your interests through litigation. You are never locked in.
Tell us a little about your situation and we'll reach out within one business day. No obligation, no pressure. Just a conversation with someone who can help.