Massachusetts Mediator Laurie Israel, "Are You Really Ready for Divorce?"

Most Massachusetts family lawyers agree that married individuals should “beware that many attorneys will go into full-force fighting gear” when it comes to a client’s divorce; however, it’s important to examine all the options before starting the divorce process.  When a client is ready, the first step is usually the letter of intent.

According to Israel’s Huffington Post article, Don’t Let Your Attorney Hijack Your Divorce, “a letter to your spouse telling him or her of your intention to divorce…sets the tone for the entire [process].”  Even the best divorce lawyers possess a writing style, however legal (read: dull) and objective, which may not perfectly convey their client’s voice.

Israel bemoans the loss of the individual that sometimes occurs during divorce.  Filing the divorce, for instance, can be achieved through a spouse to spouse discussion, by a divorce attorney, or by a Massachusetts town constable. Each situation calls for a different, delicate manner by which to deal with filing for divorce, as well as the rest of the divorce process, like property division, child custody, child support and alimony, and business valuations.

Divorce mediation is an excellent alternative to traditional litigation.  Mediation offers clients who are willing to sit down face-to-face with their spouses an opportunity to create their own settlement within the limits of the law. Additionally, as Israel put it, “The spouses feel better because they, and not their attorneys, are in control and their needs are fully expressed and acknowledged.  The bitterness that comes with winning and losing in Court can be eliminated….”