Barbara Kellman Esq Mediation

When facing the complexities of family legal matters in Massachusetts, finding a legal professional who offers both expertise and a compassionate approach is paramount. For residents across the Bay State, from Boston to Newton, Brookline, and beyond, Barbara Kellman Esq Mediation stands out as a distinguished resource. This practice specializes in providing a nuanced and effective path through some of life's most challenging transitions, focusing on mediation and collaborative law to achieve amicable and lasting resolutions.

Barbara Kellman brings a unique blend of legal acumen and social work experience to her practice. With a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School and a Master of Social Work from Boston University, Ms. Kellman offers a holistic perspective to family law disputes. She has been practicing law since 1983, with extensive experience in health care law before focusing on family matters. Her dedication to mediation and collaborative law since 1998, and her current practice as a divorce lawyer, underscore her commitment to helping families navigate difficult circumstances with dignity and efficiency. This dual background allows for a deep understanding of not only the legal intricacies but also the emotional and interpersonal dynamics at play in family conflicts. Her focus is on fostering communication and empowering parties to find mutually beneficial solutions, rather than engaging in prolonged and often draining litigation.

Location and Accessibility

Barbara Kellman Esq Mediation is conveniently located at 822 Boylston St #300, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA. This prime location places the practice right on the Brookline-Newton line, making it easily accessible for individuals and families residing in various Massachusetts communities. Chestnut Hill is a well-known and central area within the Metro Boston region, offering ease of access from surrounding towns like Newton, Brookline, Needham, Belmont, Watertown, Framingham, Natick, Lexington, Arlington, and Cambridge.

For those traveling by car, free parking is available, which is a significant advantage in a busy area like Chestnut Hill. This eliminates the stress of finding and paying for parking, allowing clients to focus on their important discussions. Public transportation is also a viable option for reaching the office, connecting individuals from across the greater Boston area. The accessibility of the location ensures that clients can attend their mediation or consultation sessions with minimal logistical hurdles, contributing to a more relaxed and productive environment during what can be an inherently stressful time. The office environment itself is designed to be welcoming and conducive to open dialogue, providing a comfortable space for sensitive discussions.

Services Offered

Barbara Kellman Esq Mediation provides a comprehensive suite of services tailored to address a wide array of family law needs, with a strong emphasis on alternative dispute resolution methods. The goal is always to find constructive, cost-effective, and respectful solutions.

• Divorce Mediation: Guiding couples through the divorce process to reach mutually agreeable terms regarding asset division, spousal support, and other related matters without the need for contentious court battles.
• Child Custody and Parenting Plans: Facilitating discussions and agreements on child custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and comprehensive parenting plans that prioritize the best interests of the children.
• Pre-nuptial and Post-nuptial Agreements: Assisting couples in drafting comprehensive agreements that clarify financial rights and responsibilities before or during marriage, promoting clarity and preventing future disputes.
• Marital Mediation: Helping couples navigate ongoing marital conflicts, aiming to improve communication and resolve issues to strengthen their relationship and potentially avoid divorce.
• Property Division: Mediating fair and equitable division of marital assets and debts, ensuring all parties' financial concerns are addressed.
• Separation Agreements: Drafting legally sound separation agreements for couples who wish to formalize their separation without immediately pursuing divorce.
• Elder Mediation: Addressing disputes and planning for elder care, family support, and inheritance matters, often involving multiple generations.
• Mediation of Family Business Disputes: Resolving conflicts within family-owned businesses, helping to preserve both family relationships and business continuity.
• Arbitration: Providing an alternative to litigation where a neutral third party makes a binding decision after hearing arguments from both sides.
• Collaborative Law: Representing clients in a collaborative process where both parties and their attorneys commit to resolving disputes outside of court, working together to find solutions.
• Couples Therapy (with a different fee structure): Offering therapeutic support to couples to improve communication and resolve relational difficulties, complementing her legal mediation services.

Features / Highlights

Barbara Kellman Esq Mediation is distinguished by several key features that set it apart as a premier choice for family law services in Massachusetts.

• Dual Qualification (JD & MSW): Ms. Kellman's unique background as both a lawyer and a licensed clinical social worker provides a rare and invaluable perspective. This allows her to address not only the legal aspects of a case but also the complex emotional and interpersonal dynamics, leading to more comprehensive and sustainable resolutions.
• Extensive Experience: With over 30 years in legal practice, including significant time dedicated to mediation and family law, Ms. Kellman brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to every case. Her roles as former General Counsel to New England Deaconess Hospital and Counsel to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing further highlight her broad legal expertise.
• Focus on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): The practice primarily emphasizes mediation and collaborative law, offering clients a less adversarial, more cost-effective, and often more amicable path to resolution compared to traditional litigation. This approach empowers parties to retain control over their outcomes.
• Membership in Professional Organizations: Ms. Kellman is a Board Member and Vice President of the Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation, Inc., and a member of the Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council. These affiliations demonstrate her commitment to best practices and ongoing professional development in the field of family mediation and collaborative law.
• Flexible Scheduling: Understanding the demands on clients' time, Barbara Kellman Esq Mediation offers flexible hours, including weekends and evenings, to accommodate busy schedules.
• Client-Centered Approach: The practice is known for providing close personal attention to every client. Attorneys at Sneider Kellman, P.C. (where Barbara Kellman also practices) emphasize regular communication and encourage clients to reach out with any questions or concerns, adapting strategies as circumstances evolve.
• Trained in Advanced Negotiation Techniques: Ms. Kellman has extensive training in mediation and negotiation, including courses at the Harvard Project on Negotiation, the Community Dispute Settlement Center (CDSC), the Equal Opportunity Commission, and the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General.

Promotions or Special Offers

While specific, ongoing promotions are not explicitly detailed for Barbara Kellman Esq Mediation, the practice emphasizes its commitment to accessible and flexible service. Based on available information, clients can expect:

• Flexible Fee Adjustments: Fee adjustments are possible in appropriate financial circumstances, demonstrating a commitment to making legal and mediation services accessible to a wider range of clients.
• Free Initial Consultation: For some services, such as individual and couples therapy, a free 15-minute consultation is offered, allowing potential clients to discuss their needs and determine if the services are a good fit before committing. While this is noted for her therapy services, it is common for legal practices to offer initial consultations. It is advisable for prospective clients to inquire about consultation fees for mediation and legal services.

It is always recommended to contact the office directly to inquire about current offers or flexible payment options that may be available for mediation and legal services.

Contact Information

To learn more or to schedule a consultation with Barbara Kellman Esq Mediation, Massachusetts residents can use the following contact details:

Address: 822 Boylston St #300, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA

Phone: (617) 278-1881

Mobile Phone: +1 617-278-1881

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents across Massachusetts, Barbara Kellman Esq Mediation offers a compelling and highly suitable option for navigating challenging family legal matters. The practice's deep roots in the community, combined with Ms. Kellman's extensive qualifications and client-focused approach, make it an ideal choice for those seeking efficient and empathetic legal solutions.

The emphasis on mediation and collaborative law resonates strongly with local values of community and peaceful resolution. Rather than pushing clients into potentially lengthy and costly litigation, Ms. Kellman provides avenues for constructive dialogue and mutual agreement. This approach not only saves time and financial resources but also helps preserve important family relationships, which is often crucial for long-term well-being, particularly when children are involved.

Her unique dual background as a lawyer and a licensed clinical social worker provides a distinct advantage. Massachusetts families can benefit from a professional who understands not only the legal framework but also the emotional complexities inherent in divorce, custody, and other family disputes. This integrated perspective leads to more holistic and enduring solutions that address both legal obligations and personal needs.

Furthermore, the convenient Chestnut Hill location, with easy access to free parking and public transportation, ensures that services are readily available to residents across the Metro Boston area and beyond. The flexible scheduling options, including evening and weekend appointments, cater to the busy lives of Massachusetts families.

Ultimately, Barbara Kellman Esq Mediation is suitable for locals because it offers a beacon of understanding and resolution in times of family discord. It provides a pathway to move forward with dignity, empowering individuals to make informed decisions that shape their future in a positive and sustainable way. For anyone in Massachusetts seeking a compassionate, professional, and effective approach to family law, Barbara Kellman Esq Mediation is a trusted and valuable resource.