Rhode Island Family Law Attorney: Visitation and Other Issues
"Lawyering is being an advisor and advocate, while being a mediator is about listening, understanding and helping people develop solutions." - Steven J. Hirsch, Esq.
Contact the Law Office of Steven J. Hirsch at 401-287-2079 to schedule your consultation. We will actively listen to your needs and work to support them with the best possible options.
An Overview of Family Mediation
Divorce mediation is a process to help spouses come to an agreement over issues relating to child custody, visitation, and financial issues, and therefore avoid a long and expensive contested divorce. The couple works with a neutral mediator to develop options and a plan that works best for everyone.
The goal of mediation is to find solutions for all issues, so that the family once separated can move forward. It provides an opportunity for both parents to confidentially express their concerns and desires, brainstorming in a safe setting. Parties realize that their goals may be similar, though each spouse believes that he or she knows the only road to the resolution. We work with people to see that there may be two or more ways to view issues and find resolutions. Through years of mediation experience, Steve has learned that oftentimes, agreements cannot be made until one or both parties have been able to voice their hurt, sadness, anger and concerns to their spouse. With so few opportunities to be heard in a hearing at the Family Court, mediation is a protected place to have that discussion so that the parties can then move forward to finding solutions. Steve knows that people come in during very difficult times, and thus the focus is to resolve the most pressing problems first and then to find solutions for all other issues.
Divorce Mediation is:
- A stress reliever during difficult times
- Confidential
- Endorsed by family courts
- A peaceful forum to discuss your opinions and options
- A powerful communication tool
- Facilitated at all times
Divorce Mediation is not:
- Therapy or marriage counseling
- A place to lay blame on others
Family Mediation addresses family issues other than divorce. Often, siblings that cannot come to an agreement about a parent's care or when to place a parent into a nursing facility, can reach an agreement through mediation. Each party speaks and hears the viewpoints of the others, allowing the group to reach an agreement on how to move forward with the appropriate care of a loved one.
I was chosen to write, as a respected Mediator in RI, the Chapter entitled "Mediation and Other Dispute Resolution Alternatives" in a book to be published and offered for purchase to RI Lawyers and Professionals. The Book is entitled "A Practical Guide to Divorce in Rhode Island" and is to be published by Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. of Boston Mass.
Helping You To Reach a Resolution
Do not let others talk you into pursuing revenge and trying to worsen the other person's future... It is detrimental to the entire family and a waste of assets and time. Attorney Steven Hirsch is a trained mediator with extensive experience in business and family mediation. In this mediation process, Steve's role is as a neutral party - a mediator. He does not represent either side, but rather serves as a neutral party to facilitate resolution of divorce and family law disputes.Steve believes the secret to mediation is getting people to say what they really need to say, so everyone has their true opinion on the table. He works with clients to develop options and solutions that are best for both parties.
Our office is centrally located off of Routes 95 and 295, ten minutes from the Providence and Kent County Courthouses. Our hours are 8:30 - 5:00, Monday through Friday with weekend appointments available as needed. We offer a reduced-fee initial consultation, where we will discuss the process, and accept Visa and MasterCard. Contact us at 401-287-2079 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Law Office of Steven J. Hirsch, Esq.
100 Jefferson Blvd.
Warwick, RI 02888
Telephone: 401-287-2079 | Fax: 401-352-0029
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