FCMS MEDIATORS are trained in compliance with MGL CH 233 Section 23c, which protects the confidentiality and legal rights of the disputants. The mediators remain neutral throughout the process and will not impose a decision on the parties. Generally, mediators work in teams of two (the co-mediation model).

THE PROCESS BEGINS when all parties to the conflict sign an agreement to mediate. An appointment is scheduled for all parties to begin work with the mediators as soon as possible. The mediation meeting takes place at our offices.

DURING THE MEDIATION, the mediators will ask questions in order to gain a clear understanding of the dispute. Each person has the opportunity to tell his/her side of the story and is encouraged to talk about their differences, their viewpoints, and their ideas for resolving the conflict. Together the mediators and the disputants work towards finding an agreement that meets the needs of both parties. In the end, however, it is up to the parties in dispute to decide on the solution which will work best to settle their conflict. Witnesses and other evidence are permitted if all parties find that necessary.

THE AGREEMENT will be reviewed by the mediators and the parties before being written up as a formal document. Each party receives a copy of the written agreement. If parties are unable to reach agreement, they may pursue other alternatives (e.g., court) as though mediation never occurred.

IT IS IMPORTANT to keep in mind that parties choose mediation because they are willing to work toward settlement.

Family And Youth Mediation

You may want to try mediation if you and a family member are experiencing situations or conflicts about:

• Schools
• Friends
• Discipline
• Truancy
• Family disputes

Mediation is a way for parents and youths to settle serious conflicts among themselves in a safe, private, and confidential atmosphere with the assistance of trained, neutral mediators.
Mediation is a voluntary process and may be utilized as an alternative method of settling disputes.

Mediation is scheduled at a time and place convenient to family members.
The mediator is a person who:

• Remains neutral throughout the mediation process
• Encourages each person to talk about differences, viewpoints, and possible solutions to end the conflict
• Prompts each person to think about the solutions to their own situations

Mediators do not impose settlements, but they work with families toward the settlement of their own choosing.

Divorce Mediation

In mediation, both parties work together with the help of a mediator or co-mediators to reach an agreement that will be comfortable and fair for each of you. Through mediation, we will assist you to identify and explore each party’s needs, concerns and options.  General areas of discussion and resolution may include property division, child custody and parenting, child support, alimony or maintenance, insurance and taxes. 

All aspects of the mediation process are confidential, except in situations where there is information that someone is a danger to themselves or others or there is information about the planned commission of a crime.  The mediator(s) may neither testify for or against either party in any court hearing nor may their notes or any other information disclosed by the parties during the mediation be entered by the mediators as evidence. 

Initially, we will set up a free intake meeting with both parties to discuss the mediation process and to design an agenda that will meet your specific needs. At the end of the intake meeting, you can decide whether or not you wish to pursue divorce mediation. 

To divorce in Massachusetts, couples with children under the age of 18 years old must participate in a parenting class, which is held at many locations throughout the Commonwealth.  For a schedule of classes and locations, go to www.mass.gov, click on Judiciary, then Probate and Family Department, Self Help Centers, and Approved Parent Education Providers.  Couples wishing to mediate their divorce at Framingham Mediation Services must complete this class before they commence mediation. 

The average divorce mediation takes five to seven meetings of about 2 hours per meeting, based on your needs.  Fewer meetings are possible depending on the issues to be resolved. At any time during the mediation process, you and your spouse may consult attorneys, financial advisors, counselors or other professionals, and you are encouraged to do so. 

Elder Care Mediation Services

Elder care mediation services is designed to assist families facing tough decisions about care giving, living arrangements, driving and other independent activities, financial and estate planning, and medical treatment. Generally, family members can work through their concerns together and come to reasonable solutions. Sometimes, however, families may need help to address these issues to agree on the right course of action.

Mediation provides seniors and their families with an opportunity to discuss difficult issues and to make decisions together in a safe, confidential and supportive environment. Mediation is convenient and can take place at home, in our offices or elsewhere. It is affordable and effective.

Our mediators are neutral third parties who are trained to help families by facilitating discussions and brainstorming options to assist in reaching a mutually acceptable solution for everyone. Families who mediate their concerns can regain, maintain, build or improve relationships.

Seniors and their families needing additional services are encouraged to contact the following Metro West agencies:

To get help and information for seniors in the metro west Boston area, you can contact BayPath Senior Services at (508) 872-1866, and Natick Council On Aging, (508) 872-1866.

For legal referrals and information on elder law and rights, contact South Middlesex Legal Services at (508) 620-1830 or (800) 696-1501, or the Massachusetts Bar Association. 

Community Mediation

Framingham Mediation Services has thirty years of experience mediating neighbor and community disputes and facilitating large public policy discussions.  Our mediators, who serve as neutrals, help the parties clarify their concerns and resolve disagreements. To discuss an issue confidentially to determine whether mediation may be helpful for you, contact us at 508-872-9495 or email us a info@framinghammediation.org.

Court Mediation

Framingham Mediation Services provides mediation for disputants in court cases involving small claims, landlord/tenant, juvenile and probate, and minor criminal matters at 7 courthouses in Middlesex County; in Concord, Framingham, Marlborough and Natick, and at Middlesex County Probate Court and Middlesex County Juvenile Court. Mediation offers parties the option to discuss their case with the help of a neutral third party (the mediator), for the purpose of finding areas of mutual agreement. 

Once the parties agree on the terms of settlement, an agreement is written which each party endorses in writing, and which is then reviewed by the Magistrate and enforced by the court.  Nearly 80% of the people who opt for mediation at court resolve their disputes satisfactorily. Cases that do not reach agreement are heard by the judge on the same day. 

If you have a small claim or landlord/tenant case pending in a local court, contact us at 508-872-9495 or email info@framinghammediation.org, or ask for the mediator in court.  Mediation provided at the courthouse is free of charge.