Divorce & Family Mediation in Amherst, Massachusetts — Helping Families Resolve Conflict with Dignity
Trusted divorce and family law mediation serving Amherst, Northampton, and throughout Massachusetts for over 35 years.
MEDIATION AND ALTERNATIVES TO LITIGATION
Navigating Conflict. Finding Clarity.
Divorce mediation is a non-court process where a neutral, trained mediator helps a couple resolve the terms of their divorce — including property division, parenting plans, and support — together. It is faster, more affordable, and less stressful than litigation. At Amherst Mediation Services, we have guided couples across Hampshire County and the Pioneer Valley through this process for over 30 years.
At Amherst Mediation Services, we offer a compassionate, cost-effective alternative to litigation. With over 35 years of experience in family law and over 30 years of experience in mediation, we guide individuals through difficult conversations, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard. Our goal is to empower clients to reach lasting agreements that are tailored to their unique situations. As experienced family law mediators serving Amherst, Northampton, and the wider Pioneer Valley, we help couples across Hampshire County and Franklin County resolve divorce and family disputes without the stress and cost of court.
Divorce and Family Mediation
Our divorce and family mediation services help couples in Amherst, Northampton, Hadley, South Hadley, and throughout Hampshire County and Western Massachusetts resolve issues like property division, parenting plans, child support, and separation — all in a respectful, neutral setting. Whether you choose virtual or in-person sessions at our Amherst, MA office, our family mediation services are designed to save you time, money, and emotional stress.
Family mediation works through a series of structured joint sessions with a neutral mediator. Both parties identify the key issues, share financial and family information, and negotiate solutions together — at their own pace, without going to court. Most mediated divorces across Amherst and the Pioneer Valley resolve in 4–8 sessions over 2–6 months.
Now offering virtual and in-person consultations for new and current clients. Book a session.
Our Services
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Mediation
A cost-effective alternative to litigation. We offer mediation in a wide range of family law disputes, including divorce, separation, custody, paternity, post-divorce, and family and estate disputes
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Legal Representation
Legal advice for clients participating in mediation with another mediator—understand your rights during uncontested divorce or Family Resolution Specialty Court proceedings.
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Collaborative Law
An alternative to the adversarial system of resolving disputes. Collaborative Law helps you reach an open and voluntary resolution through shared problem-solving.
Understanding the Mediation Process
No — you do not need a lawyer to mediate your divorce, and the mediator does not give legal advice to either spouse. However, we recommend each party have an independent attorney review the final agreement before signing — this is called a review attorney and is standard practice in Massachusetts. It ensures both parties' rights are protected and the agreement holds up in court.
A typical mediation session lasts 1–2 hours and is held at our Amherst, MA office or virtually anywhere in Massachusetts. The mediator guides the conversation through one or two specific topics — such as the parenting schedule, dividing assets, or support — and helps both spouses negotiate. Decisions are captured in a working draft of the final agreement as they're made.
Areas We Serve
Amherst Mediation Services proudly provides divorce and family mediation, collaborative law, and legal consultation throughout the Pioneer Valley and Western Massachusetts, including:
Hampshire County:
Amherst (01002, 01003, 01004, 01059), Northampton (01060, 01061, 01062, 01063), Hadley (01035), South Hadley (01075), Easthampton (01027), Belchertown (01007), Williamsburg (01096), Pelham (01002)
Franklin County:
Greenfield (01301), Deerfield (01342), Sunderland (01375), Montague / Turners Falls (01376), Leverett (01054)
Hampden County:
Longmeadow (01106) and the greater Springfield area
Virtual mediation:
Available statewide across Massachusetts — connect from anywhere.
Strategic note: this is the canonical version of 'Areas We Serve' with full ZIPs. Other pages (Mediation also has the full list; Collaborative Law, Legal Rep, What We Offer have shorter regional notes) to maintain consistency without duplication.
What Our Clients Say
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
We offer Free Consultations for every mediation. Both spouses/partners are required to attend the consultation. Mediation Services are available both virtually and in-person. Please fill out the form to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Amherst Mediation Services offers divorce and family mediation, collaborative law, legal representation and consultation, prenuptial and postnuptial agreement mediation, elder mediation, and lawyer-assisted mediation. Each service is designed to help families resolve disputes outside of court. With 35+ years of experience serving Amherst, Northampton, and the Pioneer Valley, we help you choose the right path during a free consultation.
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Yes. Amherst Mediation Services is based in Amherst, MA and serves clients throughout Hampshire County, Franklin County, and the wider Pioneer Valley — including Northampton, Hadley, South Hadley, Easthampton, Belchertown, Greenfield, Deerfield, and surrounding towns. We also offer virtual mediation sessions throughout Massachusetts, so you can meet with us from anywhere.
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A traditional divorce attorney represents one side and often prepares for court. A mediator is neutral and works with both parties together to reach an agreement outside of court. Mediation is usually far less expensive and less adversarial. At Amherst Mediation Services, our team also offers legal representation and collaborative law, so we can guide you to the right option for your situation.
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Yes. We offer a free consultation in every case so you can understand your options before making any commitment. Both spouses or partners are asked to attend the consultation together (in-person at our Amherst office or virtually). Schedule your free consultation by calling (413) 256-1575 or filling out the contact form on this page.