Helping You Achieve a Mediated Divorce on Staten Island
I offer my clients the possibility of resolving divorce issues without getting lawyers involved. That's one of the reasons I provide divorce mediation services at my family law office in Dongan Hills, Staten Island, New York.
What is Divorce Mediation?
Divorce mediation basically means bringing the parties together to discuss their plans to get divorced. Who will stay in the house, or should the house be sold? What kind of parenting plan will meet the family's needs? Will spousal maintenance be paid — and if so, how much and for how long?
During mediation, while I am a lawyer, I am not an advocate for either side when I serve as a mediator. Rather, I collect information, explain the law and discuss the likely outcome if the issue was put forth before the court.
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution. It is not binding on either party, until an agreement is agreed upon and signed. If you are not able to reach an agreement through mediation, you and your spouse can hire lawyers and proceed to seek a divorce through litigation.
What Are the Advantages of Mediation?
Sometimes the atmosphere of litigation and a win or lose mentality can encourage clients to dig their heels into a position. However, when both sides dig in, the only parties who benefit are the attorneys. Couples who fight over martial property can end up spending much more than the assets are worth in legal fees. Couples who involve their children in a child custody and visitation dispute often end up alienating and damaging the children they sought to protect.
In most of the mediation cases that I handle, the two parties come to me before either side has hired a lawyer. However, you can also participate in mediation after you have hired an attorney. If we are able to work out a mediation agreement, your lawyer can review the agreement and suggest any required changes.
To schedule an attorney consultation to discuss divorce mediation: Call 718-351-3748 or fill out the contact form on this Web site.
