Lynch & Owens is proud to invite readers to visit the South Shore Divorce Mediation blog, where dozens of mediation-related issues are covered in depth.

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After 25 years of serving the South Shore, the Lynch & Owens online presence has grown from a basic, 5-page website into the most popular family law blog in Massachusetts today. Our attorneys’ blogs regularly receive more than 1,000 unique visitors a month, with many of regular readers becoming clients of the firm. However, the Lynch & Owens Blog is only part of the divorce and family law content we regularly publish online.

Did you know that Lynch & Owens also provides mediation services through South Shore Divorce Mediation (SSDM)? I wanted to take a moment to invite readers of the L&O blog to check out the great divorce and family law content we regularly post on our sister website, at the South Shore Divorce Blog.

The focus at SSDM is all mediation, all the time. Below is a quick rundown of some of the great content our mediators have posted in recent months at the South Shore Divorce Blog.

Divorce Mediation vs. Divorce Litigation Blogs

Before choosing mediation over litigation, most people want to know: what are the upsides to mediation? The blogs below explore the differences between mediation and litigation, including differences in time, cost and flexibility. If you are trying to decide between mediation and litigation, read some of these blogs:

• Why Choose Mediation Over Litigation for Your Divorce?
• A Comparison: Divorce Mediation vs. Divorce Litigation
• Is Divorce Mediation Faster than Litigation?
• How Mediation Rewards Creativity to Resolve Disputes
• Do Separated Spouses Need to Get Along for Mediation to Work?
• This is When to Bring Up Potential Power Imbalances in Divorce Mediation
• Mediated Divorce Agreements Are Less Likely to be Violated
• Even if Unsuccessful, Mediation Narrows Down the Issues for Litigation

Blogs about Mediation Techniques and Practices

The SSDM Blog includes a number of blogs exploring specific techniques and practices employed by mediators. These include different styles of mediation, the role of mediation coaches, and how mediators use shuttle mediation and other techniques to resolve high conflict disputes and power disparities between mediation participants.

• Comparing the 3 Major Styles of Mediation
• How Hiring a Mediation Coach Can Help You Mediate Your Divorce
• My Spouse Hired a Divorce Mediation Coach…What Should I Do?
• How Different Mediation Styles Address Power Imbalances
• The Increased Role of Mediation Coaches in Shuttle Mediation
• Shuttle Diplomacy Helps Resolve High-Conflict Divorce Mediations
• I’m in Mediation, do I need a Lawyer too?
• Tips for Finding the Right Divorce Mediator for Your Family
• What Questions Should You Ask Before Hiring a Divorce Mediator?

Blogs About the Mediation Process

Another frequent blog topic focuses on the nuts and bolts of the mediation process. How does mediation work? How long does it take? What issues are covered in divorce mediation? Check out the blogs below for some answers.

• How Long Will My Divorce Mediation Take to Complete?
• When Should You Start the Divorce Mediation Process?
• Mediation Works Even After a Complaint for Divorce Has Been Filed
• Three Things that Mediation is NOT
• I’m in Mediation, do I need a Lawyer too?

What Issues Can be Handled Through Divorce Mediation?

Tips and Strategies for Mediation Participants

Unlike in litigation, participants in mediation are in charge of their own destinies. This means participants need to negotiate and advocate on their own behalf, understand their goals, and employ common sense tactics to achieve their aims. The blogs below explore ways that mediation participants can prepare and improve outcomes in mediation.

• The Importance of Defining Your Goals Before Divorce Mediation
• Four Negotiating Tips for Divorce Mediation
• Understanding Interests Vs. Positions in Divorce Mediation
• How Basic Legal Arguments Can Help Non-Lawyers in Divorce Mediation
• Overcoming Negative Emotions in the Mediation Process
• Setting Boundaries During Divorce: The Co-Worker Rule
• The “Co-Worker Rule” Helps Spouses set Boundaries During a Divorce
• The Top Four Questions to Ask in Your Divorce Mediation

Mediating Custody and Parenting Time

The mediation blogs below focus on resolving child custody and parenting time issues through the mediation process, including co-parenting challenges, holiday schedules, and parenting plans for out-of-state parents.

• 3 Ways You Can Help Your Children Handle a Divorce
• How Do You Mediate Parenting Time for Out-of-State Parents?
• Child Custody: The Benefits of Mediating Holiday Schedules
• Co-Parenting: The Challenge for Divorced and Separated Parents
• How Mediation Helps Unmarried Parents Resolve Child Custody and Child Support Issues
• How Mediating Child Custody Agreements and Parenting Time Protects Families

Mediating the Division of Marital Assets

A big part of divorce mediation is the division of marital assets. The SSDM blog includes several entries focused on asset division, including dividing complex assets and business interests.

• How Divorce Mediation Helps Spouses Divide Marital Property Fairly
• Divorce Mediation for Small Business and Family Business Owners
• Dividing Complex Financial Assets in Divorce Mediation
• Splitting Complex Assets in a High Net Worth Divorce Mediation
• Agreeing to a “Marriage End Date” Can Reduce Stress in Divorce Mediation

Mediating Alimony Issues

Alimony is among the most challenging subjects that are addressed in the mediation process. The SSDM bloggers have explored how alimony can be resolved through mediation, negotiation and alimony buyouts.

• What Is the Point of Alimony and Why Is It Such a Difficult Topic to Discuss?
• Divorce Mediation Keeps Alimony Focus on the Future
• How Alimony Buyouts Can Maximize Flexibility After a Divorce

Mediating Child Support

For divorce parentings, child support is a common issue requiring resolution. SSDM blogs explore how mediation resolves child support disputes through creativity rather than confrontation:

• How Mediating Child Support Issues Can Benefit Families
• New Case Highlights How Mediation Can Craft Unique Child Support Solutions
• How Joint Bank Accounts Can Assist Co-Parenting

Unique Issues in Divorce Mediation

Not every blog fits neatly into a broad category. From mediating modifications to prenuptial agreements to tax concerns, below are some SSDM blogs that touch on unique issues in divorce mediation:

• Mediating High Net Worth Divorces for Wealthy Spouses
• Mediating Modifications: Child Custody, Child Support and Alimony
• How Using Mediation Avoids Many Common Problems with Prenuptial Agreements
• Millennials and the Benefits of Mediating Prenuptial Agreements
• Tax Reform and Divorce: Is Your Divorce Mediator Tax-Aware?
• Two Situations Where Collaborative Law Can Help Resolve Your Divorce

Avoid Retainers with Pay-As-You-Go Mediation

Worried about paying a retainer for your mediation? Don’t be. South Shore Divorce Mediation now offers pay-as-you-go mediation. With pay-as-you-go mediation, you avoid retainers, up-front payments and financial commitments. Call and schedule your first mediation session today at (781) 253-2049.

About the Author: Jason V. Owens is a Massachusetts divorce lawyer and family law attorney for Lynch & Owens, located in Hingham, Massachusetts and East Sandwich, Massachusetts. He is also a mediator for South Shore Divorce Mediation.

Schedule a consultation with Jason V. Owens today at (781) 253-2049 or send him an email.