Divorce Mediation
Making the decision to divorce can be difficult and emotionally charged but getting divorced doesn’t have to be a battle. Divorce mediation offers an alternative to the adversarial litigation process. It is an effective and empowering process that allows individuals to reach an agreement confidentially in a non-adversarial setting. The parties work together to reach a solution that satisfies both of their interests, and in family mediation, the best interests of their children.
As a professionally trained divorce mediator, I act as an impartial third party to help couples negotiate financial agreements, divide assets and liabilities, and develop custody arrangements, where applicable. Depending on how complicated the situation is, an agreement can usually be completed in several sessions. The goal is to create a divorce agreement that the divorcing couple can have their attorneys file in Family Court.
Practice Specialties Include:
- Marital Asset and Debt Allocation
- Child Custody Arrangements
- Creative Solutions
- Co-parenting
Common Mediation Questions
Who will be present at these sessions?
A typical divorce mediation session will include the couple filing for divorce and the mediator.
What's the difference between mediation and court?
Divorce mediation offers a number of benefits over going to court, including:
- Self-determination: The parties control the outcome.
- Cost: Mediation is often less expensive than litigation and is less time-consuming.
- Collaborative, not adversarial: Instead of arguing their positions, the parties work together to reach a solution that satisfies both of their interests, and in family mediation, the best interests of the children.
- Confidential: Court proceedings are public and everything is discussed in the open. Mediation takes place in a closed environment with only the involved parties present.
What happens if my spouse does not abide by the agreement?
Once signed, mediation agreements are legally binding just like traditional contracts. Both parties can agree to return to mediation to revise a divorce agreement. If necessary, the parties can take their dispute to court.