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How Mediation Can Help You Move Forward

If you’re preparing to go through a divorce, it’s understandable if everything feels a little surreal. A chapter of your life is ending, perhaps rather abruptly at that. But before any new chapters can begin, this one must come to a full and proper close.  

Mutual Sense of Closure

All the decisions made when working with a mediator are decisions that you and your spouse have both agreed upon. It gives both of you a chance to finalize the divorce as peacefully as possible, together. It’s intended to make sure all parties get the best possible outcome in terms of finances, living arrangements, and custody. No single person has the final say in anything, and nothing is finalized until you’re ready for it to be.  

A New Normal

Just as nothing comes to a close until you’re ready for it to, you also get to decide how things will work going forward. A divorce mediation attorney in Long Island is there to help you plan out the first steps after the divorce is finalized. By having some measure of control over things like custody schedules and assets, the entire process feels far less chaotic than it would if you were going through the court. It’s easier to make the transition when you have an idea of what to expect, and you’re comfortable with it.

The Outside Perspective

Your perception of your spouse and your relationship can be negatively affecting your state of mind and emotional well-being. The presence of an objective third-party can help both of you stay grounded and not let your emotions get the better of you in the decision making process.  Because your mediator is representing both of your interests, they will get to know both of you and your situation very well. They are only there to make suggestions and give legal advice based on your situation, not make any decisions for you. You can act in confidence and with a clearer state of mind by having that third person there to keep everyone on the same page with the same goal in mind.

Why We’re Here

Our goal as a business is to give clients a chance to start this new chapter of their life on the best foot possible. Our goal is to help others move through these troubling times without becoming lost or overwhelmed. If you’re looking to work with a divorce lawyer in Long Island, NY who practices compassion as much as they do law, contact the Long Island Center for Divorce Mediation today.

How Mediation Can Help You Get Through Your Divorce

It’s natural to feel alone when going through a divorce. Your marriage is ending and your family is going to be divided. People you were once close to may be caught up in picking sides. Having a divorce mediator can alleviate some of that loneliness, stress, and frustration.

Know You’re Heard

Discussions related to divorce proceedings can often lead to arguments. At times you may feel like you’re not being listened to. Having a divorce mediator ensures that your concerns can be expressed to the fullest extent; we are here to listen to both of you and establish mutually beneficial terms. The objective is to reach common goals and prevent any party from financially or emotionally domineering the process. Everyone needs to demonstrate a little flexibility here.

Legal Professional

Laws around marriage, divorce, custody, and inheritance can vary by state. It’s natural to be confused because of this, as well as the legal terminology. It’s also natural to worry about making a poor decision because of all the terminology involved. Long Island mediators are lawyers who are well-versed in all of these areas of the law. They can help you understand the entire process in layman’s terms. 

Sense of Control

Going through divorce can make everything feel chaotic, unstable, and uncertain.  As divorce mediators we can’t make any decisions for you, we can only offer suggestions.  This puts the power back in your hands. You have far more say in the outcome when using mediators than you would by going through the standard divorce procedure. You have the ability to broker better long term solutions with your spouse.

Offer Privacy

When happens in divorce mediation, stays in divorce mediation. There is no going on public record to share personal and financial information in court. Topics like infidelity, abuse, irresponsible handling of finances, and parenting will come up in conversations with a divorce mediator. However, that private information is confidential.

What We Offer

We understand that divorce is never pleasant though sometimes it’s necessary. That’s why we at the Long Island Center for Divorce Mediation proudly offer our services to Huntington, Yaphank, Suffolk County, Hauppauge, Hampton Bays, Riverhead, Rocky Point, Ronkonkoma, Selden & Nassau Counties. To learn more about how divorce mediation in Long Island can help you through these difficult times, contact us via phone or email and schedule your appointment today.

How To Prepare To Go To Divorce Mediation

Divorce is a stressful and almost taboo subject. It’s often associated with loud, drawn-out arguments and families being torn apart. Unfortunately, this dramatic imagery is sometimes reflected in reality. But going through divorce mediation can significantly minimize the inevitable frustration you will experience during this trying time.

Bring the Necessary Paperwork

Do you have a prenup? If not you’ll need to agree upon the division of assets. Whether you answered yes or no you will still need to be able to provide the following information: taxes, any debt information, and if you have a prenup, the information on that. You should also have the information revolving around accounts such as retirement, checking, savings, etc. If there is any other information you feel may be helpful you can provide it as well. It isn’t necessary to have copies of all this information, but if you want to make sure you have everything you need, you can make copies for personal references. 

Self-Care

Divorce mediation in Long Island can make the process of getting divorced easier, but that doesn’t mean your health won’t still be affected by it all. Seeing a therapist can help you cope with your individual concerns and find useful, creative ways to manage your stress levels and temperament.  It provides a safe space for you to identify any triggers that may come up during mediation and find ways to manage your emotions while effectively communicating your thoughts. Find ways to relax, eat healthy, and keep a regular sleep schedule. These things may sound obvious but when put to the test they can become much harder to do.

Healthy Communication

Being able to communicate your thoughts is important, but there are constructive ways and destructive ways of doing it. As kids, we learn to use ‘I statements’ during conflict resolution and there’s great wisdom to that. Consider how helpful it will be to say ‘I feel angry when you say that’ compared to ‘Hearing you talk like that makes me so angry’. Divorce mediation doesn’t concern itself with which one of you is the bad guy so trying to place blame will draw out meetings. It also fails to communicate your needs. If there are things you want to address in the meetings write them down ahead of time and frame your language in a way that clearly states what you want to say without making out to be the bad guy or the victim.

Use Trusted Professionals

Above all, have your divorce mediation with Long Island divorce lawyers,  being supported by a proven history and great reputation. We have been serving the Long Island, NY community for over twenty-five years.  To learn more about the services we offer at our divorce center, contact us today by email or phone.  

How Mediation Can Save You Stress

The word ‘divorce’ often makes people cringe. It has an inherently negative connotation, despite being useful and helpful. It can also be very expensive, and both partners might not be able to afford a lawyer, putting one at an unfair advantage. To ensure a mutually beneficial agreement for finances, assets, and custody without pulling your hair out, a divorce mediator in Nassau County is the best alternative.

Unbiased Third Party

Venting to friends and family can only be helpful to an extent, especially if you and your partner are very close to each other’s families. Forcing people to take sides and getting caught up in the ‘he said, she said’ is unfortunately all too common. Using a mediator allows an unbiased third party to help both sides work through their frustration without causing harm to anyone else, whether it was intended or not. It is important to act as one unit where both sides can be heard and understood. Everyone is on the same page this way.

The Point of Mediation

Mediation is by design a means of settling conflict, negotiating, problem-solving, and even relationship mending. It uses principles of psychology but it’s not a therapy session. Mediation is interactive, conversation is encouraged, and both parties need to be engaged in the decision-making process for a resolution to be met. The idea is that by having both parties make decisions together they have control over the outcome of the divorce. Mediators can’t make decisions, but they will offer advice, solutions, and reframe issues to help both parties think clearly and better understand their partner’s perspective.

Unresolved Stress Is Bad for Your Health

Having unresolved stress can be harmful to your physical and mental health, which can make the entire divorce process even more miserable. It can also exacerbate any existing health conditions that may affect one’s ability to communicate effectively, think clearly, and attend sessions and hearings. Even without pre-existing conditions, all the stress brought on by handling the divorce can have long-term negative consequences on one’s health. Divorce mediators aren’t doctors or miracle workers, but they are here to help both partners to the best of their ability.

To learn more about how divorce mediation can help you and your partner work through this difficult experience, contact Long Island Divorce Mediation online or by phone.

Child Support – NY State Guidelines vs. Divorce Mediation Approach

In the state of New York, both parents are required to financially support their children until the age of 21, regardless of their relationship status. These child support guidelines are designed to ensure that a child still receives the resources necessary to live a happy, healthy life throughout changes within their family dynamic.

Unfortunately, courts are very strict in their calculations, establishing certain guidelines without considering the full reality of a family’s financial situation. Mediation, as an alternative, allows parents to make decisions based on their values and unique situations without the involvement of the court.

When deciding the right process for your family, there are a couple of key differences between determining child support through state-determined guidelines and through divorce meditation.

State Guidelines to Child Support

In New York, the state determines how much you pay in child support based on your income, using the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) formula. The state will use the combined total income of both parents and take a certain percentage of this joint income to calculate the child support cost. These incomes may include pensions, fellowships, workers’ compensation benefits, unemployment, Social Security and retirement benefits, among others, while deducting certain expenses such as taxes, alimony obligations, business costs, or public assistance.

This percentage of combined income is determined based on how many children a parent must support.

  • One child: 17%
  • Two children: 25%
  • Three children: 29%
  • Four children: 31%
  • Five or more children: 35%

Additional child support may be paid to contribute to the child’s healthcare, education, and other additional living expenses.

For the parent who does not have physical custody of the child for more than 50% of the time, known as the noncustodial parent, contributes the exact percentage of the combined total income that they are responsible for as child support payment. The custodial parent is presumed to be contributing their percentage by providing for the child when they are in their home, so essentially their income is ignored in the equation. If both parents share custody equally, the higher earning parent would pay basic child support to the other parent.

New York also has a $154,000 total income cap on child support (as of March 2020), requiring a judge to use the formula for any combined income total under this amount. If the parents’ joint income is higher than this cap, a judge is required to explain how arrived at that number based on factors laid out within the law. So, to clarify, the cap is not a limit on the child support, but instead a cut-off in which judges are no longer required to use the formula method in calculating the child support of each parent.

Overall, the court will determine how much is just for you to pay in child support based on how much money you make and whether or not you have custodial rights to the child with little deviance from the formula.

Mediation Approach to Child Support

While the courts require mediators to use the same calculations stated above, the mediation process allows a closer consideration of the various factors that the parents feel are important to them and make changes to these numbers. With a mediator’s legal guidance, parents can come to a financial agreement while taking in all aspects of their unique situation and financial realities.

Without being forced into the strict guidelines of a court-led divorce process, parents can better come to a mutual agreement that is best for their child/children and each other.

Key Differences:

The main differences between state-determined child support and mediation-determined child support are:

  • Mediation allows for more flexibility in the calculation of parental contributions based on specific financial factors and the family’s situation
  • Mediation is typically less aggressive than court-ordered child support, as many parents will try to use mediation first, turning to the court as a last resort when no personal/private agreement can be made
  • The court must follow the Child Support Standards Act guidelines when determining child support up until the aforementioned cap, while mediated child support can deviate from the formula with provided reasons

Our mediators in Suffolk County will help the parties reach a child support agreement, contact us today to learn more about our process.

How is Marital Property Divided in a New York Divorce?

When a marriage ends in divorce, it comes with a lot of difficult decisions and tough discussions that neither spouse ever anticipated having. Dividing a family’s assets during a divorce can often add even more stress to an already complicated situation. To help you and your spouse through the process, here’s everything you need to know about marital property and how it is divided in a divorce. 

What is Marital Property?

Marital property, or marital estate, is defined as property or cash acquired by one or both spouses during a marriage, regardless of whose name the asset is under. It is possible to exclude certain property from your marital estate by entering a marital agreement, such as a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. Without one, all property obtained during the marriage is considered marital property, minus a few exceptions, including inheritances, personal injury/worker’s compensation, and third-party gifts.

Any property or cash previously owned or obtained prior to the marriage is considered separate property. This also includes any increase in value or payments made to your separate property during the marriage.

  • Separate property, so long as it is kept separate and not co-mingled in marital accounts.
  • This also includes any increase in value or payments made to your separate property during the marriage in most cases. Exceptions include when a spouse has added value to the separate property during the marriage, that spouse may negotiate for some amount of the added value.

The following are included in marital property:

  • Real property purchased by you or your spouse during the marriage
  • Personal property, such as cars, boats, airplanes, artwork, and furniture purchased together during the marriage
  • Cash, bank accounts, pensions, retirement accounts, and pensions obtained during the marriage
  • Advanced educational degrees, and specialized business permits acquired during the marriage
  • Gifts to one another

What is Equitable Distribution?

Prior to its adoption of equitable distribution, New York was a “common law property” state, meaning the court distributed the property owned by either spouse based on who held the title. The goal of equitable distribution is to ensure fairness in the contributions of both spouses throughout the marriage, as well as what each party will need after the divorce is finalized. But fairness does not necessarily mean “equal.” In New York, property is not divided in half; though most Judges do divide in half. Here are 13 specific factors involved in determining equitable distribution:

  1. Each spouses’ income and property at the time of the marriage, and at the time of the divorce.
  2. Length of the marriage and the age and health of both spouses.
  3. If there are minor children involved, the need of the spouse who has custody of the children to live in the marital residence and to use/own its household contents.
  4. Loss of inheritance and pension rights because of the divorce.
  5. Loss of health insurance benefits because of the divorce.
  6. Any award of support or maintenance the court will be making.
  7. If one spouse made contributions to marital property that the spouse does not have title to; for example, where one spouse helps the other spouse obtain a degree or certification to make more money.
  8. Liquid or non-liquid character of all marital property (meaning the ability to be converted to cash).
  9. Probable future financial circumstances of each spouse.
  10. Impossibility or difficulty of determining the value of certain assets, and whether one spouse should be awarded the business to run without interference by the other.
  11. The tax consequences to each party.
  12. Whether either spouse has used up any of the marital property throughout divorce process.
  13. Whether either spouse transferred or disposed of marital property at less than market value with knowledge of the divorce.

The court may also take into consideration “any other factor” it finds fair in establishing the final distribution of marital property. For property that cannot be divided in any way (i.e.. real property), the court may require a monetary payment, known as distributive award, by one spouse to the other, whether in a lump sum or over time.

Division of Property in New York Divorces

In many cases, spouses are able to agree on how to divide the property to meet both parties’ needs without getting the courts involved. Divorce mediation offers spouses control of their decisions through a cooperative and amicable process. Even if a full agreement is not met, mediation allows you to narrow the issues in dispute for litigation to help the distribution process go more smoothly.

If a couple cannot agree on how to divide their marital property, a judge will determine which assets or debt fall into the “marital” or “separate” categories and use the factors listed above to divide all estates fairly. If a prenuptial or post-nuptial agreement has been signed, then the court must follow the provisions of the contract.

To learn more about how divorce mediation can help you and your spouse negotiate the distribution of your property fairly and amicably, contact our experienced divorce mediators today.

How to Convince My Spouse to Come to Long Island Mediator

Despite all the financial and personal benefits of mediation, it’s not always easy to get two spouses on the same page when their marriage is ending. You may understand how advantageous divorce mediation can be, but if your spouse is less familiar with the process, it may be a challenge to get them on board. If you are having trouble convincing your spouse to try mediation, following these steps can help you effectively convince them to give it a shot.

State the Facts
A key factor in persuading your spouse to try mediation is to educate them about the process and the benefits for both of you. Inform your spouse on the ways in which mediation is more affordable, private, and controlled than litigation.

Affordability: Although the price of mediation varies by case, mediation generally costs less than a formal, legal litigation. In mediation, divorcing couples save costs on lawyer fees and retainers, as well as other legal fees by settling without a trial. Additionally, the mediation process is much shorter than litigation, saving you money and time.

Privacy: The mediation process is confidential and provides privacy to those going through a divorce, as opposed to public litigation involving multiple legal personnel in an open courtroom.

Control: In addition to privacy, there’s a personalization aspect of mediation. Mediation helps divorcing couples work together to achieve their specific goals without involving any legal repercussions—such as custody issues—that the legal system may otherwise ensue. It is beneficial to inform your spouse on how mediation can help your specific situation, as well as any unique aspects of your divorce. With mediation, nothing will get out of hand, and the divorcing couple will have greater control over the outcome and terms of their divorce.

Listen to Your Partner
Your partner may have qualms and reservations regarding mediation, and it is important to listen to them and respond to their concerns. Be prepared to answer any questions they may have and make sure to have the conversation about mediation in a calm and respectful manner. Creating a hostile situation will not convince your spouse to try mediation. By effectively communicating with your partner and taking their viewpoint into consideration, you and your spouse can come together to decide what is best for you.

Take Your Time
It is important not to force the concept of mediation upon your partner and avoid frustration and pressure. Take time to introduce your partner to mediation and how it could be applied to all aspects of your divorce, such as financial and custodial disagreements. Calm conversations about what will most benefit your particular situation play an essential role in convincing your spouse to try mediation.

It is important for you and your spouse to work together in order to minimize the pain and stress of divorce process and doing so may involve mediation. By being logical, compassionate, and patient, you can effectively convince your spouse to try mediation as opposed to litigation. Contact us to learn more about the mediation process and the strategies that you can use to help your spouse understand the benefits.

What All Is Included in a Divorce Mediation?

Not every couple in the midst of divorce wants the New York courts involved. Not only does it add more stress and publicity to the process, but it also can lead to a settlement that doesn’t satisfy either party. Instead of putting control in the hands of a judge, divorce mediation offers an opportunity to settle important issues and divide key assets amicably with an agreement that favors both spouses. Here is what you can expect to be covered in a Divorce Mediation.

The Basics of a Divorce Mediation

Like its name suggests, Divorce Mediation is a cooperative process between two spouses. Unlike litigating a divorce, where the terms of the decree are dictated by a third party (i.e. a judge), this contract is set up and agreed upon by both parties and drafted by a trained mediator.

What Will Divorce Mediation Include?

Divorce Mediation will cover all issues or assets of importance to both parties involved. This can include common legalities, such as property division, spousal maintenance, child support, etc., as well as any other issues of importance to the couple; regardless of how unique or insignificant.

As a result, every agreement will look a little different, but all agreements will:

  • Be drafted by a Mediator in straightforward terms, avoiding legalese
  • Not include anything without full agreement of both parties
  • Be as simple or complex as the parties determine necessary to resolve the dispute
  • Be inclusive of all terms of importance to the parties, no matter how minor or unusual
  • Not be legally binding unless made through a court process or drafted into a contract by solicitors
  • Be agreed upon and signed by both parties

Can a Stipulation of Settlement Be Changed After It’s Signed?

If either party would like to change the terms of the Stipulation of Settlement, there are ways to do so legally, even if the papers have already been signed. If the mediation papers were filed through the court as part of an official divorce settlement, the party requesting the changes will need to file for an amendment to an order. Most judges are reluctant to do so unless there is a very good reason for the change or both parties agree. Legal representation will be required, and a possible repeat mediation process may be necessary, of which the party who is initiating the changes will typically be expected to cover the costs.

If the Agreement was not filed through the court, the process is very similar with the exception of the party’s ability to try and request an agreement to the changes from the other party.

What Happens if an Agreement is Broken?

Since a Mediation Agreement is an official and enforceable contract, if one party does not honor the terms, the other party is able to take legal action, not only for breach of contract, but also for the original disagreement as well—resulting in fees and possible jail time.

If you and your spouse are considering divorce mediation and would like to learn more about the process in New York, contact your mediators at Long Island Divorce Mediation today.

What’s The Difference Between Legal Separation & Divorce in New York?

When a couple decides to part ways, divorce isn’t the only option. There are many reasons two people may choose to live separately but remain married — either temporarily or indefinitely.

And while legal separation can be an alternative to divorce, it can also be a step toward divorce. That’s why it is important to understand the key differences between legal separation and divorce to help make the right choice for you and your spouse.

 

Divorce Mediation Long Island at the Long Island Center for Divorce Mediation Suffolk County

What is a Divorce?

When two people file for divorce, the intention is to end the marriage completely. During a divorcee case, a settlement agreement will be reached, involving issues such as division of debts and assets. If a child is involved, both parties must come to an agreement as to whom has custody rights, if visitation rights will be granted, and for the amount of child support that will be required once the marriage has officially ended.

What is a Separation?

While a divorce means that a marriage is officially over, a separation is different in that both parties remain married but instead live separate lives. Many of them either plan to fix the marriage or file for a divorce down the road. Depending on the couple’s specific circumstances, there are two types of separation processes. One type will go through the courts, similar to divorce. This path allows for the division of retirement benefits according to a QDRO, even if the couple is not divorced. In the second, all issues in regard to the division of assets, child custody and support, allocation of responsibilities, etc. will be defined in a separation agreement and recorded by a county clerk without the court’s involvement.

Separation as an Alternative to Divorce

Often, couples do not want to proceed with a divorce because they believe separating temporarily will allow them to reflect on their marriage and possibly reconcile. Other reasons for a separation as an alternative to divorce may involve religious beliefs, sentimentality or personal preference, where the separation may last as long as they want. The most frequent reason is staying on the other spouse’s health insurance.

Separation as a Step Toward Divorce

In regard to property and assets, separation accomplishes many of the same things as divorce, and as a result, is often a step toward divorce for some couples. In many cases, couples will enter a legal separation to postpone or minimize any financial burdens with additional time to prepare for the financial changes that accompany a divorce. Since the only grounds for divorce in New York is “irretrievable differences in the marriage” which could mean anything, at any time after a legal separation, the couple can move forward to file for divorce.

4 Important Things to Know about Separation in New York:

When deciding between a divorce and a legal separation, there are some important aspects to consider:

  1. Healthcare Benefits: One of the biggest reasons couples opt for a legal separation is that it typically allows both spouses to remain on the same health insurance policies, unlike in a divorce, where both parties will need their own health insurance plan or a cobra plan. Both parties also retain all social security benefits, such as retirement, unemployment insurance, pension insurance, etc., many of which will terminate during a divorce or will need to be negotiated into separate property during a divorce.
  2. Property Rights: During a separation, the rights to the property they own together are preserved. Reversely, a divorce forfeits these rights, requiring the couple to divide the shared property within their settlement agreement.
  3. Debts and Liabilities: Since a legal separation means that a marriage status is active, it also means that a person can still be held responsible for their spouse’s debt, in addition to other similar liabilities. If a divorce is filed, then all debts are handled during the process of dissolution of the marriage to allow each party to live separate lives.
  4. Important Decisions for the Other Party: Spouses remain next of kin for each other during a legal separation, which means  they still carry the right to make medical or financial decisions for the other person Unlike a divorce, a separated spouse still carries the responsibility  of making decisions that they feel is best for them and their family.

Choosing between a legal separation and divorce depends on the unique situation of each couple, so it’s important to know the differences and how they will affect your family. To learn more, contact our Divorce Mediator Attorney in Suffolk County, Fredrick Klarer, to discuss your options today.

What is the Difference Between Divorce Mediation and Divorce Litigation?

Divorce is never easy. And if it’s your first experience with the New York court system, it can only make the process more overwhelming. The thought of disputing complex financial investments, child custody, and more in front of a courtroom of witnesses is intimidating, but many divorce cases never even have to see the inside of a courtroom. Divorce mediation provides spouses with a much less stressful alternative to settle divorce cases in Suffolk County, NY.

So to decide if it’s the right path for you and your family, it’s important to understand the key differences between divorce mediation and divorce litigation.

divorce litigation in long island

What is Divorce Mediation?

When a couple pursues divorce mediation, a neutral third party is chosen to meet with both sides to guide them toward an amicable resolution. This process, which is either initiated by a couple or ordered by a judge, is led by a professional mediator who both parties have agreed upon to help the spouses come to realistic agreements concerning equitable distribution of investment assets, property ownership, child support, child custody, and other related issues over the course of a few weeks.

The mediator chosen should have extensive experience and knowledge in divorce and family law, and even better, a licensed attorney. This background will help ensure their ability to negotiate effectively, but also provide the emotional support to help you navigate the process and move forward.

What is Divorce Litigation?

In a divorce litigation, both parties will retain their own legal counsel to put forward separate cases. A Summons with Notice or Verified Complaint, etc. is filed and served on the defendant and then an Answer is served and filed. From there, both parties will enter the discovery process where they will prepare a case to present before a judge. This could be to determine the division of assets, who will have primary or legal custody of a minor, what support will be provided, etc.

Attorneys may look for evidence to use against the opposing party in order to obtain the outcome that’s best for their client; in regards to anything from the mental or physical status of the other parent, ability to provide a stable home, assets/income one spouse may want to hide, etc. Gathering this evidence can only elongate the process while your actual court date will also be at the mercy of the judge’s busy schedule.

Key Differences Between Mediating and Litigating a Divorce

While each method aims to resolve the same issues, the values and approach couldn’t be more different. As a result, there are numerous differences to consider when choosing which is best for your case.

  • Mediation Offers Speed & Control
    Since mediation focuses on cooperation and mutual agreement, there are no courts or judges overseeing every detail and making the decisions for you. The outcome is determined by you and your spouse together, giving you control of the experience and how long it takes. Even if mediation doesn’t result in a full agreement, the process will allow you to narrow the issues in dispute for litigation, offering very little risk to couples who attempt this method first.
  • Mediation is Less Expensive
    During the litigation process, both spouses are responsible for attorney and court fees – including discovery, delays, trials, and all communication between lawyers. Not to mention that the more you’re willing to pay for better representation, the better your chances at a favorable outcome. Mediation doesn’t require either side to be represented and the courts aren’t involved, which results in a fair settlement and a lot of money saved for both parties.
  • Mediation is Confidential
    In Litigation, in the event there is a trial, your personal life will be on display in the courtroom. And that courtroom is open to the public. In Mediation, the situation between you and your Spouse is totally private.
  • Mediation Encourages Creative Solutions
    As a much less formal process than courtroom litigation, mediation allows for a free exchange of ideas and opinions by both parties. This eliminates the tension and defensiveness of a ‘one side vs. the other’ structure. The process is designed to encourage creative solutions and a much quicker, favorable outcome for both spouses.

To learn more about the divorce mediation in Suffolk County and if it is the right option for you, contact the experienced mediators at Long Island Divorce Mediation Suffolk County, NY today.

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