Divorce
A comprehensive agreement covering parenting, support, and property.
Hingham Divorce Mediation
A private, structured way to reach your own agreement.
Mediation allows spouses and parents to resolve divorce and post-divorce issues together, with the help of a neutral mediator, rather than asking a judge to decide. Caldeira Law, P.C. offers family law mediation in Hingham and across the South Shore.
More than 25 years of family law experience. Practical advice. Careful preparation. Personal representation.
25+ Years ExperienceFormer SJC Law ClerkGuardian ad LitemAdjunct Professor
How mediation works
You make the decisions. The mediator helps you get there.
In mediation, a neutral mediator helps both parties identify the issues, exchange information, explore options, and work toward an agreement. The mediator does not take sides or make decisions for either party.
Mediation can address the full range of family law issues, including parenting plans, child support, alimony, and the division of property, as well as changes to existing orders after a divorce.
When it fits the family, mediation can offer greater privacy, flexibility, and control than litigation.
Start with clarity
Mediation may be a good fit when:
- Both parties are willing to participate in good faith
- You want more control over the outcome
- Privacy is important to you
- You hope to reduce conflict for your children
- You want to manage cost and time
Mediation services
Issues mediation can address.
Mediation can resolve an entire divorce or focus on specific issues.
Parenting Plans
Schedules, decision-making, holidays, and communication between parents.
Child Support
Support arrangements informed by the Massachusetts guidelines.
Alimony
Whether alimony is appropriate, and its amount and duration.
Property Division
The home, retirement accounts, businesses, and other assets and debts.
Post-Divorce Changes
Modifying parenting plans or support when circumstances change.
Considering mediation?
Find out whether mediation fits your situation.
A consultation can help you understand how mediation works, what to expect, and whether it is a good fit.
Experience matters
More than 25 years of family law experience.
Attorney Charlene A. Caldeira brings more than 25 years of experience representing clients in Massachusetts family law matters. Her background includes service as a law clerk to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, court-appointed work, teaching, and continuing legal education.
That depth of experience informs how Caldeira Law approaches mediation: understanding the law, identifying practical solutions, and preparing carefully for every stage of the matter.
Meet Charlene CaldeiraThe process
What the mediation process can look like.
Every case is different. Understanding the general stages can make an unfamiliar process more manageable.
Introduction
Meeting to discuss the process, goals, and ground rules.
Information
Exchanging the financial and other information needed to make informed decisions.
Discussion
Working through each issue and exploring options together.
Agreement
Putting the terms into a written agreement that can be presented to the court.
Hingham & the South Shore
Representation close to home.
Caldeira Law is based in Hingham and represents family law clients throughout the South Shore and Massachusetts, including individuals from Cohasset, Scituate, Norwell, Hanover, Weymouth, Quincy, Braintree, Milton, Hull, Marshfield, Duxbury, Pembroke, and surrounding communities.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions.
Is mediation confidential?
Mediation is generally a private and confidential process, which is one reason many families choose it. The specific rules and any exceptions should be discussed at the outset.
Does the mediator represent either of us?
No. A mediator is neutral and does not represent either party or give either party individual legal advice. Each party may consult their own attorney during the process.
What happens if we cannot agree?
Mediation is voluntary. If an agreement cannot be reached on some or all issues, the parties may pursue other options, including litigation.
Is a mediated agreement binding?
A mediated agreement is typically written into a separation agreement or other document and presented to the Probate and Family Court for approval.
Can mediation be used after a divorce?
Yes. Mediation can help resolve post-divorce issues such as changes to parenting plans or support.
This information is general and is not legal advice. Every situation is different.
Your next step
Start with a conversation.
If you are considering mediation, a conversation can help you understand how the process works and whether it is the right approach for your family.
Caldeira Law, P.C. · 99 Derby Street, Suite 200 · Hingham, MA 02043