I believe that marriage/relationships should end with the same dignity and respect that it started with. My goal for my practice is to help improve the divorce process for couples seeking to end their marriage in a manner that shall preserve their families and reduce conflict for their children. Although the romantic partnership has ended, parents need to be able to co-exist in order to raise healthy children who can manage conflict in a peaceful and productive manner. I believe the divorce mediation process is the least detrimental for families seeking to end their marriage. A public courtroom battle is not the appropriate forum to resolve your issues relating to custody, parenting times, property division and support. A confidential and private divorce/family mediation with a highly skilled divorce mediator will help expedite your divorce, while leaving a couple in control over financial and parenting decisions for their family in a cost effective manner.
Practice areas
Accelerating Peace of Mind for couples Separating and Divorcing. Specialist in Divorce Mediation, Asset Preservation and Co-Parenting.
26 years, 3,000 cases
Provide comprehensive estate planning for families at all stages in their lives. Revocable and Irrevocable Trust and Wealth Planning, Wills, Durable Powers of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, Living Will
14 years
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
MA | Active | 1995 | 05/30/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Outstanding Women in Business | Worcester Business Journal | 2012 |
Thurgood Marshall Award for citizenship | Massachusetts School of Law | 2012 |
Katherine Forbes Erskine Award for Business and Law | YWCA | 2005 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Divorce/Attorney/Mediator | Law Office of Polly A. Tatum/Mediation Advantage Services | 1997 - Present |
Trainer | Practice Accelerator | 2014 - 2015 |
Assistant City Solicitor | City of Worcester | 1995 - 1997 |
Mentor Supervisor | Dare Family Services | 1990 - 1994 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
YMCA of Central Massachusetts | Vice Chair | 2017 - Present |
YMCA | Clerk - Executive Committee Member | 2015 - Present |
Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation | Former Board Member | N/A |
Worcester County Bar Association | Co-Chair Membership Committee | 2015 - 2016 |
YMCA | Board of Directors | 2014 - 2014 |
Worcester County Bar Association | Co-Chair Membership Committee | 2014 - 2015 |
Girls Inc | Leadership Academy | 2014 - 2015 |
Girls Inc | Leadership Academy Mentor | 2013 - 2014 |
Worcester County Bar Association | Co-Chair Membership Committee | 2013 - 2013 |
Worcester County Bar Association | Past President | 2012 - 2013 |
Worcester County Bar Association | President | 2011 - 2012 |
Worcester County Bar Association | President - Elect | 2011 - 2012 |
Worcester Bar Association | Co-Chair Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee | 1999 - 2000 |
Worcester County Bar Association, Alternative Dispute Resolution Section | Co-chair | 1998 - 1999 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
online telesummit | coparenting success series | 2015 |
SpeakEasy | Divorce and Mediation in Massachusetts - Helpful Guide to Navigate Your Case | 2014 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Western New England College School of Law | LLM | 2009 |
Massachusetts School of Law at Andover | JD - Juris Doctor | 1994 |
New Hampshire College | BS - Bachelor of Science | 1989 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
How to co-parent after Divorce | Co-Parenting Success Series | 2015 |
Monthly Seminars | How to Get Divorced in Massachusetts | 2014 |
Parenting Groups | Divorce Mediation Benefits | 2013 |
Leadership Academy | Conflict Resolution | 2012 |
Law Day | Lawyers role and responsibilities to community engagement | 2012 |
ADR Committee | Attorneys Role in divorce Mediation Process | 2005 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Divorce Mediation Couple 2015 | Couple filed a joint petition for divorce. Successful divorce mediation |
Divorce Mediation Couple 2015 | Couple filed a joint petition for divorce. Successful divorce mediation |
Divorce Mediation Couple 2015 | Couple filed a joint petition for divorce. Successful divorce mediation |
Divorce Mediation Couple | Couple able to file a joint petition and have their agreement approved. Additionally, the couple are civil to each other and are able to maintain a relationship with both sets of stepchildren. |
Divorce Mediation Outcome | The couple settled all their outstanding issues, custody, support, parenting schedule, and property division and saved thousands in additional legal fees. |
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Ryan McKeen, Divorce and separation Attorney on Aug 24, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I am fortunate to know Polly through a national group of lawyers working to improve their practice - namely the service they provide to their clients. Polly stands out. Her practices and care shine through. She is a cut above. You are lucky if you hire her to help you through a divorce.
Thomas Mallon, Divorce and separation Attorney on Nov 17, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of her clients and getting them the most favorable result possible.
Christine Majewski, Divorce and separation Attorney on Nov 11, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Clients deserve an attorney with such a caring and compassionate approach!
Katherine Miller, Divorce and separation Attorney on Nov 11, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I know Polly to be deeply committed to helping her clients find appropriate out of court solutions. I feel confident in recommending her services.
Joseph Mitchell, Mediation Attorney on Nov 9, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Polly has a compassion and an integrity which are rare in an attorney. Her love of mediation and working through problems is evident in all of her work. If I were "going through it", I would go to Polly for help.
Daniel Clement, Divorce and separation Attorney on Nov 9, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Polly is a very experienced and knowledgeable attorney. She possesses the requisite skills to effectively represent her clients
Ronald Pollack, Divorce and separation Attorney on Nov 8, 2015
Relationship: Other
Polly is not only bright and compassionate, but she will fight to protect her clients in a dignified manner. I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer.
Jeffrey Greenberg, Mediation Attorney on Mar 24, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Polly is a very effective mediator. She has many years of experience and is a dedciated professional.
Mark Zarrow, Mediation Attorney on Jun 6, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Polly was a pioneer in mediation in the Worcester area and has led the way for others to follow. She has a great reputation, deservedly so.
Benjamin Glass, Mediation Attorney on Feb 25, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
If you are thinking about getting a divorce you may want to consider mediation. I highly recommend that you check out Polly Tatum's website as it has a ton of information about divorce mediation as an alternative to divorce litigation, which can be messy and expensive. Polly is very friendly and easy to talk to. She has helped a lot of families through the pain of a marital breakup.
Aimee Griffin, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 3, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Polly is an incredible professional and community activist. Polly is an attorney who is committed to supporting individuals going through a challenging time with respect and dignity.
Francis Ford, Mediation Attorney on Jan 2, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Polly is well-known and well-respected in the Worcester County legal community. Her knowledge and experience in the law is extensive. Polly's pleasant personality and professional demeanor make her an excellent lawyer-mediator. I endorse her without hesitation. Francis A. Ford
Deirdre Healy, Family Attorney on Dec 31, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have worked with Polly on several matters. She has always been a good advocate for her clients while at the same time professional and easy to work with. I highly recommend Polly.
Mark Lee, Mediation Attorney on Jul 20, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Corine Claxton, Family Attorney on Jun 7, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Attorney Tatum is a well-respected, professional and dedicated lawyer. I recommend this attorney.