Daniel E. Dalton

Daniel E. Dalton, Attorney & Mediator

Billerica, Massachusetts 01821

978-319-0575

Alimony, Child Custody, Co-Parenting, Divorce, Divorce Modification and Enforcement, Family, Legal Separation, PreNuptials, Same Sex Disputes


Since 1982, I’ve helped hundreds of people through divorce. I’ve written articles on Massachusetts family and divorce law, and I have taught these courses at the college level.

As an Assistant Counsel for the Massachusetts Department of Social Services (now the Department of Children & Families), I practiced juvenile, child abuse, and adoption law.

A certified Massachusetts divorce mediator, I regularly participate in continuing education to keep up on changes in Massachusetts divorce law. I have served as a court-appointed investigator in divorce cases, and have been a speaker at the Massachusetts Bar Association’s annual conference.

My wife, Elaine, and I have two children and three (perfect) grandchildren.

My professional and community involvement have included:

  • Massachusetts Bar Association, Section of Family Law
  • American Bar Association, Section of Family Law
  • Adjunct faculty, family and business law
  • Trustee, Pollard Memorial Library, Lowell
  • Editor, Law Practice Management Section, Mass. Bar Association
  • Court-appointed conciliator in divorce cases

Hours and Location

The office is just off Chelmsford Street (Rte. 110), a half mile off Route 495 (exit #34). Hours are 8 to 5, Monday through Thursday, and 8 to 4 on Friday. Other hours are available as needed.

Mediation can provide you with an alternative to adversarial divorce. In fact, 85% of couples who choose mediation reach a complete agreement.

Mediation can also be relatively inexpensive. There’s a simple reason for this: people who mediate tend to be the ones looking to resolve matters quickly and fairly.

As a trained mediator, I can help you conduct your own settlement talks without getting derailed. And unlike court, mediation is private and confidential.

When I mediate, I’m not the lawyer for either of you. I’m a neutral party helping you reach a solution that you might otherwise have found impossible.

When you do reach a settlement, I’ll prepare the divorce agreement. I’ll urge you to consult with another lawyer to review it. I’ll also prepare all the other papers needed to get a date to complete your divorce.

Mediation can benefit your whole family. Studies show that it helps children recover better from the stress of divorce.

Also, unlike couples who battle and are forced to accept a judge’s decision, with a mediated settlement you’re far less likely to return to court with future disputes.

Is mediation for you?

  • Do you want to be divorced, or at least believe that divorce is inevitable?
  • Do you really want to participate in mediation?
  • Do you know the value of compromising?
  • Do you truly want to settle your divorce?
  • Do you have a full grasp of the family finances?
  • Can you and your spouse discuss matters calmly and rationally?

Be honest. If you answered “no” to any of these, you may be wasting your time and money with mediation.

Also, don’t consider mediation only to save money. Yes, it’s usually less expensive. But unless you’re both good candidates for mediation, it could be more time-consuming and expensive than hiring your own lawyer from the outset.

9 Fletcher Street
Chelmsford, MA 01824
 
Phone: 978.319-0575
Email: [email protected]