Mediation
Mediation Services
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process that relies on a trained neutral mediator to help parties, in a dispute, reach a mutually acceptable agreement within the parameters of Massachusetts law. Mediation is typically less costly and takes less time than traditional litigation involving two lawyers.
People who have been involved in mediation generally express a high degree of satisfaction with the results. The clients make all of the decisions; the mediator facilitates and guides the negotiation of a written agreement for presentment/approval of the Court.
The mediator helps the parties identify issues and maintains a supportive environment that encourages open and honest discussion. Our mediators, who are experienced attorneys, provide essential, practical and legal information that enables the mediation participants to make informed, self-determined decisions in a comfortable and emotionally supportive environment. As a third party neutral, we help parties reach reasonable goals in their negotiations and are invested in finding a solution to satisfy all parties.
The mediation process provides added benefits beyond the settlement. Because both parties have a personal investment in the agreement and have worked together to reach solutions, they are less likely to have problems in the future.
Rafanelli Kittredge provides private mediation services in a wide array of civil disputes including:
- Divorce and family law
- Probate law
- Contract, employment and small business disputes
- Personal Injury
Not all parties require the adversarial process to resolve disputes. Many people consider an amicable resolution a goal in and of itself. The mediation process is remarkably suited for this purpose. Rafanelli Kittredge provides qualified and experienced mediators to assist in resolving conflicts without litigating in court.
Attorney Toni Rafanelli is an experienced family law attorney with formal mediation training, earning the designation of a Certified Family Law Mediator and Certified Financial Litigator. Attorney Rafanelli is uniquely qualified to help the parties balance their financial and legal issues.
Attorney Joseph Kittredge is a trial lawyer and trained mediator with extensive experience in civil litigation including personal injury, business and contract matters.