At SD Family Services, Inc. (SDFS), we provide specialized, child-focused, and cost-effective alternatives to traditional family law litigation. We understand that divorce, separation, and parenting disputes are highly personal and emotionally charged. Our goal is to help families resolve conflicts respectfully and collaboratively, while saving time and reducing costs.
Family Law Mediation with Co-Mediators
What makes SDFS mediation unique?
SDFS offers co-mediation led by both:
- A family law attorney
- A mental health professional
Why is this better?
You get the best of both worlds:
- Legal guidance on divorce, parenting plans, modifications, and more
- Emotional support to manage conflict, improve communication, and focus on your children’s needs
What Is Mediation?
What is Parenting Coordination?
Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process where a neutral third party helps you resolve disputes outside of court.
- You control the pace and outcome
- Avoid expensive litigation
- Reach durable, practical agreements
Benefits of Co-Mediation
By working with both a mental health professional and a family law attorney, you can:
- Craft child-centered parenting plans
- Develop effective co-parenting strategies
- Address the underlying legal issues properly
- Ensure your agreements are comprehensive and sustainable
Common Mediation Topics
Our trained Massachusetts family law mediators help clients address:
- Divorce and separation agreements
- Parenting plans and schedules
- Custody and visitation arrangements
- Child support and financial matters
- Post-divorce modifications
What is Collaborative Law?
What is Collaborative Law?
Collaborative Law is a structured, team-based alternative to courtroom litigation for family law disputes.
- Parties agree not to go to court
- Attorneys must withdraw if litigation is pursued
- Promotes respectful negotiation and lasting solutions
Benefits of Collaborative Law
- Avoid courtroom battles
- Control your own outcomes
- Address legal, emotional, and financial needs holistically
- Reduce stress on children and family
- Preserve relationships and minimize conflict
Common Mediation Topics
Our trained Massachusetts family law mediators help clients address:
- Divorce and separation agreements
- Parenting plans and schedules
- Custody and visitation arrangements
- Child support and financial matters
- Post-divorce modifications
Benefits of Co-Mediation
At SDFS, our Collaborative Law Team includes:
- Collaborative Lawyers: Represent each party but commit to settlement-focused negotiation.
- Collaborative Coaches: Licensed mental health professionals supporting emotional needs and communication.
The process often also includes neutral experts hired by both parties to address:
- Tax implications
- Financial planning
- Property valuation
- Parenting considerations
These experts are required to withdraw if the case proceeds to court.
Why Choose SDFS?
- Integrated Legal and Emotional Expertise: Our mediators and collaborative coaches are trained family law professionals and licensed clinicians.
- Child-Focused Approach: Prioritize your children’s well-being and reduce conflict.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: Avoid expensive, drawn-out court battles.
- Confidential and Respectful Process: Mediation and collaborative law are private, reducing stress and public exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
SD Family Services, Inc. is a unique group practice with a multidisciplinary approach to clinical and forensic services.
Client Testimonials
I just wanted to say THANK YOU for providing the Guide to Aligning Professionals that you recently offered in the latest AFCC newsletter.
I am a therapist and my husband is a family law attorney, and we have lamented for years on how difficult it is to get professionals to collaborate for the good of children and families in these types of cases. he guide is well-written and quite comprehensive. The summary tables, definitions of terms and roles, and sample language for court orders were great pieces to include. I also appreciated the acknowledgement that many cases do not present with adequate resources to include the multiple professionals that would make everyone’s roles easier to clarify. That is the situation nearly all of the time here in outstate Nebraska, where my husband and I live and practice. We often struggle with the silo approach and with dual roles that muddy the waters. I plan to keep this guide handy and use it to illustrate points, as needed along the way, with parents and fellow therapists.
I printed your guide just now and plan to read it at home tonight and share it with my husband. Here’s the guide.
Melissa Adams, LICSW
On behalf of the Society of Clinical & Child Adolescent Psychology (SCCAP) leadership, one of the goals for our organization was to make SCCAP more relevant and valuable for our members – a reason to stay engaged with us beyond the student years. Our vision centered around offering impactful education, featuring content with real-world applicability, and inviting credible subject matter experts who not only share their expertise but also have A++ delivery. Dr. Deck’s presentation on therapeutic work with children and families of divorce embodied everything we had hoped for—and truly exceeded our expectations for the webinar program. The way you commanded the audience and delivered such practical, insightful content was exactly what our webinar program needed and I think is a huge boost for our members.
Dr. Adam Lewin
I had the great pleasure of working with Premela in her new clinical mediation program. Not only is Premela an excellent mediator, she is also kind enough to devote her time and energy into developing new programming to support families and children in high conflict situations. Her ability to organize the thoughts and conflicting energies of her clients is very impactful and I am exceedingly grateful to have had the chance to learn from her techniques. I would recommend Premela and her practice for any matters of family law and/or clinical work. She knows what she’s doing, that’s for sure.
Columbia University Teachers College
Premela is amazing. Do not hesitate to use them. Thank you Premela for everything
Mike P.
Premela’s team is knowledgeable, professional, and respectful. 10 out of 10.
Matt W.
We are so lucky to have SD Family services in our community! The services and support they provide to families are unmatched.
Nora M.
Ready to strengthen your co-parenting relationship?
Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation.