Mediation and Family Services

07/22/2025

“Today was the best presentation that I have heard on mediation bar none, and I have attended too many in my 40 years of mediating.”

That was the subject line of an email I received on Thursday. Wow.

I’m sharing it not just because it was kind (though it was!)—but because the sender understood the topic is so important: When Stress Hijacks Mediation.

For those who may not know, mediation is a model for resolving conflict. It often revolves around legal or financial disputes. The focus tends to be on the substance of the issue.

But here’s the catch: the parties are human beings.

And human beings bring their stress, fear, and emotional wiring into the room—sometimes more than the substance of the conflict itself.

Mediators need to attend to this.

Thank you to Will Work For Food for the opportunity to join your incredible program--for supporting the dispute resolution field with fabulous professional development and advancing global food security.

If you’re curious, the recording is available on YouTube, and the link to Will Work For Food is in the comments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80s9YTkg7E8

Ben Stich will Presents How Stress Hijacks Mediation—and What You Can Do About It stress out stressed out in mediationMe...

02/25/2025

Divorce conjures up ugly images for many folks.

Conflict. Fighting. Destruction.

And the idea that navigating divorce is a contest to be won.

Well, here's the reality: there are no shiny trophies at the end of a divorce...

Read on to learn more about how to truly "win" at .

One of the benefits of divorce mediation in Massachusetts is that winning is redefined from zero-sum to mutual agreement.

02/18/2025

Parenting children with special needs is complex, and made even more challenging when balancing it with a divorce.

offers a chance for parents to focus less on the “divorce” part and more on the “parenting” part.

The flexibility and collaborative nature of divorce mediation can help parents develop a customized parenting plan to meet their children's unique needs.

Read on for illustrations related to anxiety, ADHD, autism, and severe medical needs.

As a mediator with a social work background I appreciate the sensitivity and expertise that is needed to navigate divorce when there are children with special needs. I hope this article helps provide some guidance and reassurance for families facing these important challenges!

https://benstich.com/divorce-and-special-needs/

A parenting plan for a child with special needs requires careful consideration. Learn how mediation for divorce and special needs can help.

02/12/2025

High-conflict co-parenting can feel like navigating a storm, but offers a beacon of hope. This insightful article delves into one mediators approach to mediation and how it can provide a safe space for parents to address disputes constructively, reducing tension and fostering better communication. It's a valuable read for anyone seeking a more peaceful co-parenting journey.
https://talkingparents.com/blog/mediation-in-high-conflict-divorce

Divorce mediation services can help separating partners deal with a high conflict case. How the mediation process benefits collaboration, cost, and more.

02/11/2025

Divorce mediation is not only for cooperative couples! It's a conflict resolution approach--in Massachusetts the fact that mediation is voluntary ensures that almost always the parties have skin in the game and are committed to resolution. Consider my story about a and how the process created amazing opportunity! https://benstich.com/co-parenting-mediation/

The trajectory of a co-parenting mediation just turned for the better. Learn how mediation can be transformative for parents.

07/19/2024

Heading out on vacation...see you in two weeks! 😀

If folks want to schedule a consultation please pass on this link to schedule with one of my amazing mediators or with me for the week of August 5th:

https://benstich.com/schedule-mediation-appointment/

07/18/2024

Divorce myths can be treacherous.

Here are some divorce misconceptions I've heard clients say with authority:

Assets are automatically divided 50/50

-If you move out of the house you’ll lose custody…lose your stake in the house…etc…

-The court will give equal parenting time

-The court will give Mom primary custody

-It’s better to wait to divorce after the kids go to college (ex. stay married for the benefit of the children)

-You’re going to lose your health insurance

-He/she/they are a narcissist…has borderline…will gaslight you…etc…

Can these things happen? Sure. Are they divorce truths in Massachusetts? Heck no!

Help me dispel divorce misinformation with your friend, family, colleagues and clients.

MASSACHUSETTS FAMILY LAW PROFESSIONALS: What other misconceptions have you found make collaborative divorces more difficult?

07/17/2024

ANNOUNCEMENT: I am now mediating New Hampshire divorces!

Please help spread the word to your NH colleagues, friends and families.

https://benstich.com/services/divorce-mediation-in-new-hampshire/

Contact Ben Stich for a free consultation to learn about divorce mediation in New Hampshire. Mediation saves time, money, and heartache.

07/11/2024

How gratifying is it to slam a winning point in ping-pong? So gratifying!!

In life being competitive and using force is a great strategy.

Not so much with and family conflict.

Following my post on Tuesday about positions and interests check out my article about how to avoid "Ping-Pong Arguments!"

https://benstich.com/divorce-mediation-process/

Ping-Pong Arguments: Two Tips for Dealing with Family Conflict Inspired by the Divorce Mediation Process | by Divorce Mediator Ben Stich

07/09/2024

What's the difference between "I want the house" and "I want to maintain as much stability for the kids?"

One is a position (what I want) and one is an interest (the real issue).

The position of keeping the house is a possible solution to address the interest of maintaining stability for the children.

Effective help folks shift their discussion from a positional one to an interest-based one.

Once interests are identified more options for resolution present themselves.

Frankly, effective communicators do the same thing!

What are some interesting examples of positions you've heard that uncovered unexpected interests that led to creative solutions?

07/04/2024

Happy July 4th!

Join me in spreading the word about the power of , seeking understanding, conflict resolution, and empathy for those who have different perspectives!

06/06/2024

Another great thank you email I received recently that speaks to how a mediator's compassion during a painful time can transform the trajectory of a divorce.

"I’d like to thank you for all the assistance you offered during a very difficult time. Your guidance, professionalism and warmth was greatly appreciated."