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800 Hingham Street 2 North
Rockland,
Massachusetts
02370
Phone: 781-871-2250
Fax: 781-740-2712
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MEDIATION MATTERS
Mediation Matters was founded by Attorney Melissa Whish out of the knowledge that there is a successful and preferable alternative to the costly, burdensome and often inflammatory dissolution of marriages through the court system.
Attorney Whish combined her aptitude for dispute resolution with her 20 years of experience as a Family Law practicioner, as well as training as a divorce mediator, to offer Divorce/Family Law mediation -- a process which allows the parties to proceed through the difficult matter of divorce and related issues with dignity and a self-determined outcome.
Mediation does matter - it works!
BENEFITS OF MEDIATION
- Level Playing Field
The expertise of the mediator and the exchange of Financial Statements with verifying documents allow both parties to participate in the process with equal support and information.
Additionally, depending on the complexity of the case, outside sources such as an accountant, CPA, financial planner, or pension appraiser can be utilized to analyze the financial impact of the proposed settlement from that perspective.
The parties may also choose to hire their own attorneys strictly for the purpose of reviewing an Agreement at a considerable savings in legal fees.
- Self-Determined Outcome
Mediation allows the parties to maintain a sense of control over their lives at a time when many facets of their lives feel out of control.
Rather than leave decisions about critical, intimate aspects of their lives in the hands of the court, the parties can customize their agreement, within the parameters of the law, to suit their circumstances.
- Significant Financial Savings
Divorce is inherently financially difficult. Through mediation, the cost of a divorce can literally be cut in half or even less, depending on the number of meetings it takes to reach resolution. The parties jointly pay the mediator, Attorney Whish, who is a family law practicioner with 20 years of experience as well as divorce mediation training, thereby eliminating the cost of two separate attorneys.
- Decreased Emotional Impact
Getting divorced is inherently stressful. As many are painfully aware, it is on the list of the top stressors in life. Additionally, the most important factor in childrens' post-divorce adjustment is the intensity of conflict between their parents.
Mediation allows the parties to resolve their conflicts in a cooperative, dignified manner, thereby allowing them to maintain a similar relationship for themselves and for the benefit of their children.
ABOUT THE MEDIATOR
Attorney Melissa Whish has been a Family Law Practicioner for 20 years. In recent years, due to her personal style and aptitude for reaching resolution, she was referred by fellow practitioners to mediate a number of divorces. Through this experience, she came to realize her strengths in this process and the advantages it offered to the divorcing parties.
This led Attorney Whish to supplement her 20 years of experience with formal training as a Divorce Mediator through Divorce Mediation Training Associates and to found Mediation Matters.
Attorney Whish graduated cum laude from Regis College with a B.A. in Communications in 1982. Following college, she spent 2 years in computer sales and as Corporate Communications Coordinator for Leading Edge Computers.
Melissa then received her J.D. from New England School of Law in 1988. While at NESL, Attorney Whish published an article in the New England Journal on Criminal and Civil Confinement which was subsequently cited in a 2007 American University Law Journal article: "Lessons from Hurricane Katrina: Prison Emergency Preparedness as a Constitutional Imperative."
Following graduation, Attorney Whish began her career in Family Law as an associate in a small firm in Dedham, MA. In 1994, Attorney Whish opened her own practice in Rockland, MA, and continued to specialize in Family Law.
Please email us or visit our website for additional information.
