Massachusetts Joint Certification on Contested Motions/Contempt is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) used in family court cases. It is an informal process where the parties involved in a contested motion or contempt dispute come together and agree to a mutually acceptable resolution. This form of ADR is an efficient and cost-effective way to resolve disputes and avoid costly and lengthy litigation. There are two types of Massachusetts Joint Certification on Contested Motions/Contempt: 1) Negotiated Certification and 2) Mediated Certification. Negotiated Certification involves the parties involved in the dispute reaching a resolution through negotiations. Mediated Certification involves the use of a neutral third-party mediator who assists the parties in reaching a resolution. The Massachusetts Joint Certification on Contested Motions/Contempt process is governed by Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 209D and the Massachusetts Rules of Domestic Relations Procedure. The process is confidential and requires the parties to submit a joint certification form. The form must be signed by both parties and include a statement of the facts, a description of the dispute, and the resolution agreed to by the parties. The form is then filed with the court. After the court reviews the form and finds it to be in order, the resolution is legally binding.