At Integrative Divorce Mediation, I offer a full suite of divorce and separation services designed to reduce conflict, lower costs, and support clearer decision making. My approach blends legal expertise with nervous system regulation and emotional wellness tools, giving you a more grounded, stable process that leads to lasting, fair agreements.

My core services include:
• Divorce Mediation
A guided, collaborative process that helps couples create fair, legally sound agreements without going to court. This approach saves time, reduces conflict, and keeps costs manageable while protecting your family’s future.

• Legal Consultation (Strategy + Clarity Sessions)
For individuals who want informed guidance before, during, or after divorce. You’ll get legal insight, emotional support, and a clear roadmap so you can make decisions from a place of stability rather than stress.

• Limited Assistance Representation (LAR)
Flexible, lower-cost legal support for specific parts of the divorce process, including document review, court prep, and legal strategy. Perfect when you don’t need (or want) full representation.

• Divorce Coaching
One-on-one support to help you regulate your nervous system, navigate emotional triggers, develop communication strategies, and stay grounded throughout the process. Coaching is especially helpful when one partner is not ready for mediation or when you’re navigating the aftermath of divorce.

Across all services, I integrate tools such as somatic grounding, breathwork, and emotional regulation techniques. Because here’s the truth: divorce decisions made from fight-or-flight rarely create healthy, long-term outcomes. When your body feels safer, your choices get wiser.

My integrative method helps you move through divorce with clarity, dignity, and confidence so you can build the next chapter of your life with more peace.

Most divorce professionals focus on the legal process. I focus on you — your clarity, your emotional stability, and your ability to make grounded decisions that lead to fair, lasting agreements.

What sets me apart is the combination of 27 years of legal experience with a nervous-system-informed, holistic approach that helps you stay calm, clear, and empowered through one of the most stressful transitions of your life.

Here’s how my process is different:
• Legal strategy + emotional regulation in one place
I blend divorce mediation, legal consultation, and LAR services with somatic tools, breathwork, and emotional wellness practices. This dual approach helps you stay centered, reduce reactivity, and communicate more effectively — which directly impacts the quality of your agreements.

• A calm, structured process that protects your peace (and your wallet)
I help you make decisions from a regulated, grounded state. That means fewer arguments, fewer delays, and far lower costs compared to traditional litigation. My clients walk away with clarity and agreements that actually work in real life.

• Trauma-informed insight without the therapy vibe
After decades working in family law and violence intervention, I understand the emotional weight divorce carries. I bring compassion, firmness, and real tools to help you navigate it without getting swallowed by the stress.

• Future-focused, not fight-focused
I’m not here to escalate conflict. I’m here to help you create sustainable, fair outcomes that work long after the papers are signed.

• I do the work differently because I believe divorce should be smarter, calmer, and more human.
When you combine legal expertise with nervous system regulation, people think better, communicate better, and choose better.

And that leads to agreements — and a future — that actually feel livable.

Mediation is a smarter, calmer, and far more cost-effective way to divorce — especially when you work with someone who understands both the legal system and the emotional system driving the conflict.

Here’s the real difference:

• Mediation costs a fraction of litigation
Mediation with me is typically under $10,000 for the full process.
Traditional litigation? Easily $25,000 to $100,000 or more per person.
That’s money that could stay in your family’s future, not disappear into a courtroom battle.

• You stay in control, not the court
In litigation, judges — who don’t know your life or your values — make decisions for you.
In mediation, you and your partner make the decisions. You design solutions that actually fit your real life.

• We address the emotional side, not bulldoze through it
Litigation often ignores the underlying emotional dynamics, which is exactly why so many agreements fall apart later.
My integrative mediation approach includes nervous system regulation, emotional wellness tools, and structured communication support. When you’re calmer, clearer, and less reactive, you make better decisions with less chaos.

• Better for your mental health and long-term outcomes
Litigation is adversarial by design. It fuels anxiety, conflict, and long-term resentment.
Mediation fosters communication, stability, and dignity — which leads to healthier co-parenting, smoother transitions, and agreements that actually work over time.

• Better for your wallet, your wellbeing, and your future
Mediation saves time, money, and emotional wear-and-tear. You walk away with a fair, legally sound agreement created in a process that protects your peace.

In short:
Litigation drains you.
Mediation empowers you.
And my approach makes the entire journey more humane, grounded, and financially sane.Item description

Working with me is calm, structured, and deeply supportive. I blend legal expertise with nervous system regulation and emotional wellness practices, so you’re not just “getting through” your divorce — you’re staying grounded, clear, and in control while you do it.

Here’s what clients consistently say the experience feels like:

• Clear, steady guidance without judgment
I give you straight answers, real options, and practical next steps. You always know where you are in the process and what comes next.

• Calm, emotionally safe sessions
We don’t bulldoze past emotions, but we also don’t get stuck in them. I use somatic tools, breathwork, and regulation techniques to help you stay centered so you can think clearly and communicate effectively.

• A process that moves at your pace
No rushing. No dragging. We move intentionally so you can make decisions from a grounded place, not a stressed-out one.

• A mix of legal clarity and holistic support
You get the benefit of my 27 years in family law plus the nervous-system-informed practices that make your brain and body available for better decision-making. Most divorce professionals only handle one side of the equation. I handle both.

• A focus on fairness, dignity, and future stability
My goal is to help you create agreements that actually work in real life, not just on paper. That means less conflict now and fewer problems down the line.

• A human, relatable experience
Clients often tell me, “I finally feel like someone gets what I’m going through.” I bring compassion, humor, expertise, and zero pretense. You get a guide who knows the legal system inside and out and still cares deeply about your wellbeing.

In short:
Working with me means you’re supported legally, emotionally, and strategically — so you can navigate divorce with clarity, dignity, and confidence.

I’m based in Greater Newburyport and Amesbury Massachusetts, and serve clients throughout the state both in person and online.

I can provide information, emotional support, coaching, and nervous-system tools to people anywhere in the country. These services are not state-specific and can support you before, during, or after divorce.

However, for mediation cases and any form of legal advice or Limited Assistance Representation (LAR), I work exclusively with clients who are divorcing in Massachusetts, as those services require state-specific legal knowledge and compliance.

If you’re unsure which category you fall into, we can clarify it during your free consultation.

Yes. In mediation, you have the option to bring in additional professionals to support you and your partner. Not every case needs a full team, but when used intentionally, this model creates clarity, reduces stress, and promotes collaboration instead of conflict.

The team-based approach is a healthier alternative to the traditional adversarial system, which often fuels misunderstanding, escalates emotions, and drains financial resources. Instead of pitting people against each other, we build a supportive structure around both of you so you can make informed, grounded decisions.

Here’s what a team may include (only as needed):

• Certified Divorce Financial Analysts (CDFAs)
To help you understand budgets, assets, long-term financial impact, retirement concerns, and what “fair” actually looks like in real numbers.

• Certified Divorce Lending Professionals (CDLPs)
To clarify mortgage options, home equity questions, and the lending realities that affect whether someone can keep or refinance the home.

• Independent Attorneys
Each partner may choose to consult with their own attorney for legal advice while still staying in mediation. This protects individual interests without triggering a court battle.

• Divorce Coaches, Therapists, or Other Specialists
For emotional support, communication tools, co-parenting guidance, or regulation strategies when things feel overwhelming.

Why clients choose this model

The team-based option strengthens mediation. It keeps the process collaborative, informed, and steady. Instead of fighting it out in an adversarial system that often destroys relationships and depletes resources, you get a coordinated support network that helps you move through divorce with dignity and clarity.

This approach leads to:
• Better communication
• More stable emotional decision-making
• Fair, sustainable agreements
• Lower legal costs
• Less stress and chaos
• A process rooted in compassion and respect

You don’t need a village for every divorce.
But when you do, you deserve one designed for collaboration, not conflict.

Collaborative Law is a structured, out-of-court divorce process where both partners hire specially trained collaborative attorneys and commit—through a signed agreement—to resolve all issues without litigation. It is a cooperative, problem-solving model designed to protect dignity, reduce conflict, and create sustainable agreements while avoiding court entirely.

How Collaborative Law works:
• Each partner has their own collaboratively trained attorney
• You all sign a “no court” agreement (if the process breaks down, both attorneys must withdraw)
• Meetings happen as a team, not as adversaries
• Neutral professionals are brought in as needed—such as a financial specialist, divorce coach, or child specialist
• Everyone works toward transparent communication and mutually acceptable outcomes

How Collaborative Law differs from the team-based mediation approach

While both models promote collaboration and reduce conflict, they differ in structure and role definitions.

1. Mediator vs. Attorneys
In Mediation:
You and your partner work with one neutral mediator (me). I guide the process, provide legal information, support emotional regulation, and help create fair agreements. Attorneys may be consulted individually, but they aren’t required.

In Collaborative Law:
Each partner has their own collaborative attorney present at every session. The mediator role doesn’t exist; the attorneys guide the process together.

2. Required team vs. optional team
Mediation:
The team approach is optional. You bring in financial specialists or coaches only if needed.

Collaborative Law:
The team is more built-in. Most cases include:
• Neutral financial expert
• Neutral divorce coach
• Child specialist (when applicable)

3. The commitment to stay out of court
Mediation:
There is no formal “no court” contract. Couples can choose mediation even if emotions are high or uncertainty exists.

Collaborative Law:
Everyone signs a binding agreement: no one can go to court with their collaborative attorney. If litigation becomes necessary, both attorneys must withdraw and you start over with new counsel.

4. Cost structure
Mediation:
Typically the most cost-effective option, often under $10,000 total.

Collaborative Law:
More structured and attorney-driven, which can increase cost, but still significantly less expensive and less damaging than litigation.

Which approach is right for you?

Choose Mediation if:
• You want the most cost-effective, streamlined path
• You prefer one neutral professional guiding the process
• You value emotional regulation and holistic support
• You want flexibility and a calm, steady environment

Choose Collaborative Law if:
• You want full legal advocacy while still avoiding court
• You want a more built-in team supporting your family
• You want a structured, transparent framework with attorneys in the room

Both models prioritize dignity, respect, and future-focused outcomes.
The right choice depends on the level of support, structure, and advocacy you and your partner need.

Absolutely not. You do not need to be best friends, getting along, or even particularly comfortable with each other for mediation to work. The only true requirement is that both parties are willing to come to the table, engage in honest conversation, and work toward an out-of-court resolution.

I fully expect conflict. I expect disagreement. That’s normal. Divorce is one of the most emotionally charged experiences of adult life, and pretending otherwise only sets people up to fail.

My process is designed for real humans in real emotional situations.

Here’s what that looks like:

• We don’t need harmony, we need willingness
You don’t have to agree on everything. You just have to agree to try. If both of you are willing to engage, I can guide you through the rest.

• Conflict doesn’t derail the process — it informs it
I create space to hold the hard conversations, either together or in separate sessions when needed. This helps diffuse tension so you can make clearer decisions.

• We don’t bypass emotions
Rushing to an agreement by avoiding the emotional reality almost always leads to fragile outcomes. When emotions are ignored, people often end up right back in court — the very thing you were trying to avoid.

• We work at a pace that supports clarity, not reactivity
Through nervous system regulation tools, breathwork, somatic grounding, and structured communication, I help you stay centered enough to make decisions that hold up over time.

• You don’t have to be amicable. You just have to be willing.
If you can commit to engaging in the process with honesty and a desire to stay out of court, I can help you move through the conflict toward a fair, sustainable resolution.

Mediation isn’t about perfection.
It’s about possibility — and the willingness to build a future without destroying each other in the process.

Getting started is simple. The best first step is to book a free 30-minute consultation. This gives us a chance to talk through the mediation process, explore the different ways we can work together, and—most importantly—see if we’re a good fit. Chemistry matters. You want someone you trust guiding you through this, and I want to make sure I can support you in the way you need.

During this call, we’ll cover:
• Your situation and goals
• Whether mediation, coaching, or another service is the right fit
• What the process looks like from start to finish
• Expected timelines and costs
• Any questions or concerns you have

If you already know you need specific legal advice or you’re seeking clarity about your options, your rights, or next steps, you can skip the consult and book a Strategy Session instead. These sessions provide tailored legal insight, emotional grounding, and a clear plan so you can move forward with confidence.

Whether you’re unsure where to start or you’re ready for concrete guidance, you’ll get support that’s calm, clear, and aligned with your goals.

Your next chapter begins the moment you reach out.

Mediation and traditional legal representation are two very different paths.

Mediation:
• You and your partner work with one neutral mediator (me)
• You stay in full control of the decisions
• It is significantly more cost-effective
• The focus is collaboration, clarity, and emotional regulation
• The goal is a mutually agreeable settlement without court

Hiring individual attorneys/litigation:
• Each partner hires their own lawyer
• Decision-making shifts toward the attorneys and the court
• Costs rise quickly (often $25,000–$100,000+ per person)
• The process becomes adversarial
• The emotional toll is much higher

My integrative mediation model gives you the clarity and legal structure you need — without escalating conflict or draining your resources.

Yes. Mediation is absolutely a legally recognized path to divorce in Massachusetts. While the mediation sessions themselves are confidential and not binding, the Separation Agreement we create together becomes legally binding once it’s approved by the Court.

Here’s how it works:
• You and your partner work with me to craft a fair, comprehensive Separation Agreement.
• I prepare the mediation paperwork for filing.
• Once submitted and approved by a Massachusetts judge, your Agreement becomes a court-enforceable order.

This gives you the best of both worlds:
• A calm, collaborative process
• A legally sound, binding outcome
• No courtroom battle

Mediation helps you stay in control while still creating an agreement that holds up legally.

Yes. In fact, most couples who choose mediation are not “getting along.” Tension, frustration, overwhelm, and emotional reactivity are normal parts of the divorce process, and they do not disqualify you from mediation.

You don’t need harmony.
You need willingness.

Here’s what I offer:
• A calm, structured process
• Somatic + nervous system regulation tools to reduce overwhelm
• Clear guidance through tough conversations
• Space to address emotions without letting them run the show

We don’t bypass the emotional reality.
We use it to build better, more durable agreements. When emotions are ignored or rushed, people often end up back in court later — the very thing you’re trying to avoid.

Mediation works even when things feel hard, as long as both partners are willing to engage.

Absolutely. Many people meet with me individually long before their partner is ready — or willing — to participate in mediation.

If your partner isn’t on board yet, you can still work with me through:
• Strategy Sessions for legal clarity
• Divorce Coaching for emotional support and regulation
• Guidance on how to approach your partner about mediation
• Help understanding your options and next steps

Sometimes one person needs support getting grounded before the couple can move into mediation. Sometimes mediation isn’t the right fit yet, and individual coaching or legal strategy gives you the clarity you need.

You do not have to wait for your partner to start getting support.
And often, once one person stabilizes and understands the benefits, the other becomes more open to the process.

Most couples complete mediation in 6 to 12 weeks, depending on complexity and communication needs. Because I blend legal expertise with emotional regulation tools, the process moves more efficiently — even if things feel tense or overwhelming at the start.

Here’s the typical flow:
• 1 free consultation
• 3 to 4 mediation sessions
• Coaching or regulation support between sessions
• Drafting and finalizing your Separation Agreement
• Filing with the Court

Because you’re not waiting months for court dates, mediation avoids the long delays and drawn-out timelines that come with litigation. When both partners are engaged, this can be one of the fastest, clearest paths to a fair, court-approved divorce.

Yes. As part of my flat-fee mediation process, I prepare the full set of mediation paperwork needed for your Massachusetts divorce. This includes drafting your Separation Agreement, plus all the required documents for filing with the Court.

You won’t be left sorting through confusing forms or trying to decode legal jargon on your own. I guide you from start to finish so the process feels clear, organized, and manageable.

Note: Court filing fees and any outside professional services (financial, lending, legal advice) are not included in the mediation flat fee.

Absolutely. Mediation is one of the best approaches for parents because it reduces conflict and promotes long-term stability for your family.

Together, we will work through:
• Parenting plans
• Parenting schedules
• Decision-making responsibilities
• Communication guidelines
• Financial arrangements related to the children

Because my approach integrates nervous system regulation and emotional wellness tools, parents are better able to stay grounded, communicate clearly, and make decisions from a place of stability rather than stress.

This sets the foundation for healthier co-parenting — and agreements that are realistic, durable, and child-centered.

Yes. I offer virtual divorce mediation for clients across Massachusetts. Online mediation is just as effective as in-person sessions and often even more comfortable for couples, especially when emotions are high.

You can join from your home, office, or anywhere you feel grounded. All sessions are confidential, structured, and supported with the same nervous-system-informed tools I use in person.
Virtual mediation is a great option for:
• Busy schedules
• Parents juggling childcare
• Couples living separately
• Anyone who feels calmer meeting from their own space

You don’t need to be local to Newburyport to work with me. As long as your divorce is being filed in Massachusetts, online mediation is a seamless and effective option.

I use a flat-fee model for Divorce Mediation so you know exactly what to expect, with no surprise billing or unpredictable hourly charges.

My Divorce Mediation package is $5,000 and includes:
• Up to 4 mediation sessions
• Coaching sessions with me to support emotional regulation and clear decision-making
• Preparation of all mediation paperwork for filing
• A structured, supportive process designed to move you toward a fair, durable agreement

This flat fee covers the entire mediation experience with me. It does not include costs for additional professionals you may choose to bring in, such as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, Certified Divorce Lending Professional, or independent attorneys for legal advice.

For clients who need individual legal guidance, I offer separate Strategy Sessions that are billed outside of the mediation package.

The goal of this pricing model is simple:
transparent costs, predictable expenses, and a process that protects your resources instead of draining them.

Yes. I offer payment plans for my $5,000 flat-fee mediation package to keep the process accessible and predictable. Many couples choose to split the fee between partners.

I also accept a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, to make the process as seamless as possible.

We can discuss payment options during your free consultation so you know exactly what to expect before moving forward.

It’s normal to hit moments of tension or gridlock. I expect it, and I’m skilled at navigating it.
We use tools such as:
•Separate sessions (caucusing)
•Somatic and nervous system support
•Reframing and communication strategies
•Financial or legal clarity when needed

Most couples work through the stuck points and reach an agreement.

If mediation ultimately isn’t the right fit, you still leave with:
• Clarity about your priorities
• A deeper understanding of your financial and parenting needs
• Tools to regulate your emotions and communicate more effectively

You can then transition into Collaborative Law or attorney-led negotiations with far more grounding and direction than when you started. Nothing is wasted.