Andover Counseling Center

Divorce Mediation

What is Divorce Mediation?

Mediation is an efficient, reasonable and fair way for separating or divorcing people to reach agreements with the help of an impartial professional Mediator.

A Divorce Mediator will give legal, financial and parenting information in order to plan for the family's future.

An Alternative to Litigation

In Massachusetts a couple seeking divorce need to present a Separation Agreement to the court.

A couple can hire attorneys to negotiate or litigate an agreement, or they can mediate. . . Mediation avoids the adversarial system of divorce, during which time the most personal matters of people's lives are handed over the court for judgment.

Why Mediation?

Divorce is a complicated time for the people involved. Divorcing couples will face much hurt, anger and confusion.

While Divorce Mediation is not therapy, a mediator can help create an atmosphere of cooperation. This allows couples to adjust to their changing relationship and begin the healing process.

Ronald E. Zagaja

LICSW, BCD Certified

Divorce Mediator

What Will Be Discussed?

A professional mediator will help people resolve one or all of the following issues:
   • Assets and Liabilities
   • Child Custody and Support
   • Medical Insurance Coverage
   • Property Division
   • Taxes
   • Parenting Schedules
   • Alimony

What are the Benefits?

Mediation is fair.

Mediation reduces bitterness.
Mediation enables parents to help in the children's adjustment to the separation and divorce.
Mediation creates an atmosphere of cooperation.
Mediated settlements cost less than 10% - 25% of contested divorces.
Mediation allows couples to make their own decisions.
Mediators help to create options that are specific to the needs of the family.
Mediation provides the necessary legal and tax information.
Mediation requires and allows for full financial disclosure to ensure that informed decisions can be made.
Mediated agreements last longer than court ordered settlements.

(978) 682-1579

Ron Zagaja is a Certified Divorce Mediator, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He has been a family mediator and mental health clinician working with families and children for over 20 years.

Since 1992, Mr. Zagaja has practiced in the field of Divorce Mediation, attempting to help couples resolve the many difficult issues associated with the decision to separate and/or divorce.

He has pursued extensive training in Divorce Mediation and works closely with attorneys who understand and respect the process of mediation.

Mr. Zagaja has been a member of the Academy of Family Mediators, Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation, Society for Family Therapy and Research and the National Association of Social Workers.

Reasonable and Cost Effective Impartial Mediation for
Couples Separating or Divorcing