Family conflict affects everyone…and can linger. Even with divorce, most parents will have to continue to deal with each other for the sake of their children.

Mediation can restore peace, the sense of justice and let life proceed.

When ongoing conflict occurs in a family, a trained mediator helps the parties discuss the issues, explore options and create an acceptable agreement. The mediator remains neutral and helps the parties to develop their own solutions.

Mediation can prevent more costly litigation in court and gives the participants more control over the terms of the final agreement. Mediation also promotes the development of improved conflict-resolution techniques. Mediation promotes cooperation among participants, making it more likely family members will stick to their agreement.

The Benefits of a Mediated Divorce Agreement or Modification

Children are able to adjust better to divorce when conflict between parents is minimized. Divorcing parents continue to interact as co-parents for years, affecting the quality of their children’s lives as well as their own.

Why Choose Mediation Rather than Litigation?

• Everyone is an active participant in reaching an agreement.
• The process is tailored to your family’s specific needs.
• It avoids lengthy court proceedings.
• It is a confidential process.
• Mediation models appropriate conflict resolution for children.
• Disputes are settled more quickly.
• Mutually agreed upon resolutions can help prevent future conflict.
• Divorce mediation helps create a sense of family with a new structure.
• Mediation is less expensive.

Family Disputes Resolved Through Mediation

• Family finances (division of assets, child support, etc.).
• Child custody.
• Parenting plans.
• Disputes regarding care of an elder parent.
• Disputes between parents and children.
• Stepfamily disputes.
• Families who do not want to engage in the adversarial process of litigation.
• Families who have found previously litigated solutions unsatisfactory.

Why Mediation at JFS?

JFS has a team of lawyers and social workers experienced in family law, family therapy and mediation. Parenting plans developed at JFS emphasize consid­eration of the children’s interests in achieving resolutions. JFS promotes the continued cooperation of the participants in implementing agreements. We assist families in developing skills to manage future disputes should they arise.

The JFS Mediation Program is An Approved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program of the Worcester Probate and Family Court.

How Much Does Mediation Cost at JFS?

JFS offers a free half-hour screening consultation to potential mediation clients.

Mediation services are provided at a rate of $240 per hour. A sliding-fee scale is available based on the family’s income. Participants share the cost of mediation. Mediation enables you to “pay as you go” and avoid investing a large sum of money as a retainer. Divorcing couples often achieve an agreement in less than 10 hours of mediation at a cost significantly less than litigation.

Participants in mediation may choose to have an independent attorney review the overall agreement to ensure that their rights are preserved.

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