Skip to main content

Oran Kaufman

Mediation Attorney at Amherst, MA

4.9   27 reviews

About Oran

Learn Oran’s areas of practice.

In 1994, I founded Amherst Mediation Services. My decision to offer mediation as an alternative to the traditional litigation system stemmed from my years of experience in the Probate and Family Court and in particular my concern that in many ways the court system was not the most efficient and best equipped system for handling family crisis such as divorce. Mediation offers participants more control over their own destiny and works to increase rather than discourage communication. Mediation is also far cheaper and often far quicker than traditional litigation. However, mediation is not appropriate in every situation. I continue to provide my clients with legal services. In my capacity as an attorney I provide services which are professional, courteous and sensitive to my clients' financial needs, emotional needs and family situation.

In my ongoing effort to provide my clients with the widest range possible of solutions that meets their needs, in 2004 began offering collaborative law as yet another alternative approach to resolving divorces and other domestic relations issues. In the collaborative law model, I represent my clients just as I would in the traditional litigation approach. The primary difference however is that both lawyers and both clients sign a contract that the matter will be handled without resorting to the courts to resolve disputes. If a client decides to utilize the courts during the divorce process, both attorneys must withdraw and both clients need to retain new attorneys.

I now focus my practice almost exclusivley on helping clients through mediation.  I offer services througout Hampshire, Hampden, Franklin, Berkshire and Worcester counties including such towns as Amherst. Northampton. Springfield, Pittsfield and Worcester.

Licensed for 34 years
State MA
Status Active
Acquired 1988
Updated 03/17/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Oran

Similar lawyers nearby

Law and Mediation Office of Oran E. Kaufman
417 West Street
Suite 110
Amherst, MA, 01002-3818
Amherst Mediation Services
417 West Street
Suite 110
Amherst, MA, 01002
Oran Kaufman
Greenfield
Greenfield, MA, 01002
Hide locations

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  27 customer reviews
Posted by Lou | January 10, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly recommend
Oran is a really wonderful person to work with and just an all round good person. Very empathetic, responsive, knowledge of various solutions, able to defuse tense situations, all while being fair and equitable.
Posted by Gail | December 1, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thank you Oran!
Oran is an excellent attorney -- I could've never gone through my divorce without his professional opinions, his advocacy for me and his clarity. He made doable what I viewed as a serious challenge. He brought peace to the chaos of the experience. Thank you Oran!
Posted by Jeanne | June 27, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent help in Separtion Mediation
Oran Kaufman was invaluable in our journey to reaching a separation agreement. He was thoughtful, understanding, and kind in his guidance.  He was very knowledgeable and helped us through the entire process.  He was always available for questions and responded quickly.  He was a good listener and was able to help us solidify our thoughts into a coherent agreement. I highly recommend Oran for a mediated separation/divorce.
Read less
Posted by Josh | December 16, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very happy with mediation services
I recently worked with Oran Kaufman to settle a separation agreement between myself and my long time partner with whom I have two children. I thought that he did a very good job, he was easy to communicate with, explained the process clearly and thoroughly and he seemed fair and impartial. I especially appreciated that he worked with us on our own timeline and did what he could to get the process done as quickly as possible from his end to save us money. I would absolutely recommend him for any mediation needs, especially since he is an experienced licensed attorney.
Read less
Posted by Rebecca | July 19, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A strong recommendation
It is nice to have the chance to share my experience of working with Oran Kaufman through my/our divorce. While ours has been very amicable, it was also emotional and Oran was able to guide us through all the steps of the process. He was organized, approachable, easy to understand and very supportive. He was extremely fair and balanced, and remained committed to communicating equally with both of us, and not taking sides. I highly recommend him to anyone going through the divorce process.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | May 28, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce
Great job very fair honest upfront with cost just a pleasure to work with in a tough time
Posted by Sally | April 22, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic
We went to Oran for our divorce agreement, and he was fantastic. He understood that even under the best circumstances these kinds of negotiations are difficult and painful, and his warm, kind and caring approach made what could have been a horrible experience much more generative and productive. I would encourage anyone looking for mediation services to consider reach out to Oran.
Read less
Posted by Sarah | February 20, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Respectful, knowledgeable and fair!
We engaged Oran to assist us with mediating our separation and eventually filing for divorce and he was terrific! He is very knowledgeable and walked us through the entire process, explaining everything and helping us to reach an agreement that met our needs. Most importantly, he listened and was respectful and fair to both of us - he really worked with us and helped us get through a sad and difficult time.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | January 12, 2015
Excellent Mediator
Oran guided us through a very difficult process with both sensistivety and professionalism, He was always available when I had questions. He wrote up a very clear mediation report for the court. I highly recommend him
Posted by Peter P | December 27, 2014
Oran Kaufman/Mediator
Oran did an excellent job in helping us mediate hat must always be a difficult and sensitive situation. His patience and knowledge were extremely helpful to us. I would recommend him unhesitatingly.
Posted by Dan and Nancy | December 26, 2014
Divorce from afar
Oran is a hardworking, trustworthy, extremely caring person who we feel fortunate to get to be our son's lawyer for his divorce. We're from Montana and our son has has a brain bleed and all the work was done over the phone and from afar. Oran worked hard and kept us informed every step of the way. We would highly recommend Oran to anyone who needs a lawyer, you won't find a harder more knowledgeable worker in our eyes.
Read less
Posted by Dee | December 25, 2014
Oran is the best!
Oran Kaufman is helping me get through a very difficult and emotional divorce. He not only knows his stuff, but is a clear communicator and a great listener who keeps me aware of everything he does. He gives options for me to think about, and we work together on how to proceed. From day 1 I knew he had my back. He is soft spoken and gets his point across to the other lawyer with respect and firmness. Not an easy thing to pull off. I see Oran as having the people skills of a good therapist, and the teaching skill of a law school professer. Because of his diligence and hard work , I will be ending this process with a fair settlement, and much more knowledge about Finances. What makes Oran extra special is he is also a compassionate and down to earth person I feel comfortable confiding in him and super lucky that I found him to represent me in my divorce. I can't recommend him enough.
Read less
Posted by Herb | December 24, 2014
Excellent Attorney/Mediator
Oran provided excellent legal service, compassion, understanding and guidance. He is thoughtful and clear thinking. He is a mediator at heart and quickly identifies common ground and a reasonable resolution while remaining a strong advocate for his client. If you're looking for a 'shark' and a 'fight' you should look elsewhere. I recommend Oran without reservation.
Read less
Posted by Donald | April 13, 2014
Very Positive Experience
Oran is a very warm, intelligent and intuitive mediator. This kind of experience is never pleasant, but he made it comfortable and easy to get through. I would recommend him in a heartbeat to anyone who is going through a similar experience. I felt like I understood the parameters of what was happening every step of the way, and felt totally prepared for the last meeting before the judge.
Read less
Posted by Chris | April 10, 2014
Excellent Divorce/Child Custody Attorney
If you need good, sound legal counsel, Oran is the attorney for you. His mediation skills are excellent and he will work you and the other parties involved to create a solution. He navigated me through a very stressful child custody case. His advice on how the process worked and likely actions of the other parties and responses from the Court was spot-on. I do not think I would have kept my sanity during the worst year of my life without the calm guidance of this man. Oran has my greatest respect for how he helped me with my legal needs.
Read less
Posted by Sarah | March 28, 2014
Friendly, Efficient and Even-handed
We went to Oran for a mostly amicable divorce and we both went away liking him very much. He made us both feel comfortable and respected and helped us to settle any disputes quickly and professionally. He was warm and friendly without being too chatty (which I really appreciated since it kept our cost down!) He was patient when we needed time to get our financials in, informative about the court process, and obviously knew his way around the system. I have recommended him to a few couples and I will continue to do so. Thank you Oran!
Read less
Posted by Bob | September 15, 2013
Oran Rocks!
When my soon to be "X" and I visited the courthouse to set our court date, the clerk asked us who was our mediator. We replied Oran Kaufman and she blurted out “Oh, he is excellent”. As she flipped through the paperwork Oran had prepped for us to fill out, she just nodded and nodded. Our Judge was smiling and friendly (that I truly did not expect) and Oran had given us very specific instructions on how to present ourselves appropriately. Bottom line, the actual divorce proceedings were very easy and anti-climactic. Negotiating a divorce sucks. No way around it. But Oran is adept at finding the middle ground and keeping the conversation alive even when one or both parties freak out. I think he was a Guru in a past life. I couldn’t recommend him more highly.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | September 13, 2013
Oran made a difficult situation, easier to handle
My ex and I really had a simple separation, we were civil at the time so it was very cut and dry – even still, Oran walked us through the entire process step by step and made sure we were both fully aware of all of our legal options. I truly believe even if we had a situation that was more complex he would have just as great about it. Thanks to him, the process was quick and within 24 hours of submitting our paperwork to the court, we had a court date.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | September 13, 2013
Excellent work and very professional. Very pleased.
Very professional. Guides you through the process well and knows what is required to prepare for court. Entire transition went very smoothly. The papers passed through court without a hitch.
Posted by David | June 6, 2012
Captain US Merchant Marine
The best review for any attorney is one who cares for his clients foremost. Mr. Kaufman is such an attorney. My wife and I went to him to mediate our divorce and through his kindness and perception, we are now working to keep the marriage together. Being the person at fault and regretting my actions I can only thank Oran for this out come. I strongly recommend Mr. Kaufman and support mediation as the best option when a marriage is in distress.
Read less
View less reviews

Cost

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.6 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Owner
  • Law and Mediation Office of Oran E. Kaufman
  • 2004 - Present
  • Associate/Partner
  • Burres, Fidnick, Booth and Kaufman
  • 1989 - 2004
  • Clerk
  • Massachusetts Superior Court
  • 1988 - 1989

Education

  • Northeastern University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1988
  • Washington University
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1985

Associations

  • Academy of Professional Family Mediators
  • Certification
  • 2013 - Present
  • Best lawyer- Mediation
  • 2009 - Present
  • Hampshire County Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Massachusetts Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Parents and Children in Transition
  • Clerk
  • N/A
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • Hebrew
  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • BV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2016
  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2016
  • Best Lawyers in America- Mediation
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 2014
  • John A. Fiske Award for Excellence
  • Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation
  • 2014
  • Best laywers in America- Mediation
  • Best Laywers in America
  • 2013
  • Advanced Practitioner
  • Academy of Professional Family Mediators
  • 2013
  • Best lawyer- Mediation
  • Best Lawyer In America
  • 2011
  • Best Lawyer- Mediation
  • Best Lawyer In America
  • 2010
  • Best Lawyer- Mediation
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 2009
  • Community Service Award
  • Massachusetts Bar Association
  • 2009
  • Advanced Practitioner
  • Association for Conflict Resolution
  • 2005
  • Certification
  • Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation
  • 1997
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc.
  • Divorce Mediation
  • 2014
  • Divorce mediation Training 2011
  • Divorce Mediation Training
  • 2011
  • MCLE Family Mediation Training- MCLE
  • Divorce Mediation
  • 2010
  • Divorce Mediation Training- TMTC
  • Divorce Mediation Training
  • 2010
  • Amherst Chamber of Commerce Brown Bag Series
  • Conflict Resolution Training
  • 2010
  • Family Law Mediation Training
  • Mediation
  • 2009
  • Family Law Mediation Training- MCLE
  • Mediation Training
  • 2008
  • Divorce Mediation Training
  • Divorce mediation
  • 2008
  • Annual Conference
  • “Alzheimer's: Dispute Resolution Options When Family Disputes Arise
  • 2008
  • Divorce Mediation Training
  • Divorce Mediation
  • 2006
  • Annual Conference
  • Alzheimer's: Dispute Resolution Options When Family Disputes Arise
  • 2006
  • American Bar Association
  • Using Parenting Coordinators to Resolve High Conflict Family Cases
  • 2004
  • Annual Conference
  • On What Level are We Mediating
  • 2000
  • Continuing Education
  • The Joy of Conflict
  • 1998
  • Annual Conference
  • Superglue or Velcro: How to Get Unstuck During Mediation
  • 1998
  • Continuing Legal Education Workshop
  • Updating Your Boilerplate
  • 1996
  • Continuing Education
  • Practical Skills Workshop: Divorce Demystified
  • 1996
  • Annual Conference
  • Drafting Separation Agreements: Can You be Neutral
  • 1996
  • Panelist
  • Family Law Motion Practice
  • 1995
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (4)
Given (0)
Endorse Oran
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jan 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Oran is a well respected member of the family law mediation community. For many, he has made important contributions to helping families resolve their divorces peacefully. I endorse this lawyer. I endorse Oran Kaufman!"
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jan 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Oran as a very knowledgeable and caring attorney and mediator. He is extremely thoughtful and his diligence as a lawyer is evident to me. If I were seeking a divorce lawyer or mediator, I would not hesitate to engage him."
Mediation Attorney | Jan 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney Oran Kaufman is an icon in the field of family mediation. He is held in high esteem by colleagues and clients alike. He has made significant contributions to the field of family law and dispute resolution. His character and professionalism are highly regarded by those who know him well."
Family Attorney | Feb 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I whole heartedly endorse this lawyer's work."
This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.