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Polly A. Tatum

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Avvo Rating10
  • Worcester, MA
  • Licensed for 24 years
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About Polly

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

Estate planningDivorce and separation
  1. Divorce and separation: 90%

    Accelerating Peace of Mind for couples Separating and Divorcing. Specialist in Divorce Mediation, Asset Preservation and Co-Parenting.

    24 years, 3,000 cases

  2. Estate planning: 10%

    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

    12 years

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

1348307 1447035021

Contact

19 Cedar Street
address map

The Law Office of Polly A. Tatum

19 Cedar Street
Worcester, MA, 01609

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
MAActive199509/16/2019
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers37
Legal guides5
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Outstanding Women in BusinessWorcester Business Journal2012
Thurgood Marshall Award for citizenshipMassachusetts School of Law2012
Katherine Forbes Erskine Award for Business and LawYWCA2005
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Divorce/Attorney/MediatorLaw Office of Polly A. Tatum/Mediation Advantage Services1997 - Present
TrainerPractice Accelerator2014 - 2015
Assistant City SolicitorCity of Worcester1995 - 1997
Mentor SupervisorDare Family Services1990 - 1994
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
YMCA of Central MassachusettsVice Chair2017 - Present
YMCAClerk - Executive Committee Member2015 - Present
Massachusetts Council on Family MediationFormer Board MemberN/A
Worcester County Bar AssociationCo-Chair Membership Committee2015 - 2016
YMCABoard of Directors2014 - 2014
Worcester County Bar AssociationCo-Chair Membership Committee2014 - 2015
Girls IncLeadership Academy2014 - 2015
Girls IncLeadership Academy Mentor2013 - 2014
Worcester County Bar AssociationCo-Chair Membership Committee2013 - 2013
Worcester County Bar AssociationPast President2012 - 2013
Worcester County Bar AssociationPresident2011 - 2012
Worcester County Bar AssociationPresident - Elect2011 - 2012
Worcester Bar AssociationCo-Chair Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee1999 - 2000
Worcester County Bar Association, Alternative Dispute Resolution SectionCo-chair1998 - 1999
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
online telesummitcoparenting success series2015
SpeakEasyDivorce and Mediation in Massachusetts - Helpful Guide to Navigate Your Case2014
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Western New England College School of LawLLM2009
Massachusetts School of Law at AndoverJD - Juris Doctor1994
New Hampshire CollegeBS - Bachelor of Science1989
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
How to co-parent after DivorceCo-Parenting Success Series2015
Monthly SeminarsHow to Get Divorced in Massachusetts2014
Parenting GroupsDivorce Mediation Benefits2013
Leadership AcademyConflict Resolution2012
Law DayLawyers role and responsibilities to community engagement2012
ADR CommitteeAttorneys Role in divorce Mediation Process2005
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Divorce Mediation Couple 2015Couple filed a joint petition for divorce. Successful divorce mediation
Divorce Mediation Couple 2015Couple filed a joint petition for divorce. Successful divorce mediation
Divorce Mediation Couple 2015Couple filed a joint petition for divorce. Successful divorce mediation
Divorce Mediation CoupleCouple 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 OutcomeThe couple settled all their outstanding issues, custody, support, parenting schedule, and property division and saved thousands in additional legal fees.
Divorce Mediation CoupleCouple developed a comprehensive custody, parenting and support arrangement for their families needs that were not your typical stereotypical arrangement.

Reviews

(16)
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Review Polly Tatum

I strongly recommend Polly

Posted by

Polly was an amazing lifeline during a very difficult and painful time. I STRONGLY recommend her for any divorce! Not only did she help us come to terms that we were both happy with, but she helped us learn to communicate with each other better, as we move forward working together as co parents. She has all of the connections, knowledge, expertise and people skills necessary to give you the best possible outcome. I have every intention of using her for my estate planning too, once the divorce is finalized.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

5k Stars

Posted by

Polly did an amazing job navigating a tricky divorce. Her ability to advocate for both of us to each other during some very tense times was phenomenal. Not only were we both very happy with the resolution she helped us reach, But she also help us communicate much better as a divorcing couple who is still going to be raising kids together. I can’t say enough positive things about our experience with poly or how much respect I have for her!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
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Attorney endorsements

(15)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Ryan McKeen, Car accident Attorney on Aug 25, 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, Family Attorney on Nov 12, 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 12, 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, Personal injury Attorney on Nov 10, 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 10, 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, Car accident Attorney on Nov 9, 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, Real estate 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, Elder law 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, Employee benefits 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, Estate planning 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, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jul 20, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Corine Claxton

Attorney Tatum is a well-respected, professional and dedicated lawyer. I recommend this attorney.