Mediation Is The New Divorce Settlement
There are times when a married couple will agree to separate and get a divorce. They agree to work together to resolve issues like child custody OR child support, property distribution, retirement, taxes, etc. This type of situation is known as an “uncontested divorce.” Many uncontested divorces are resolved through divorce mediation. Divorce mediation is a more comfortable alternative to a divorce court litigation.
In a divorce mediation Long Island uncontested divorce, the “mediator” helps couples to resolve disputes and to work through the issues of their divorce to help reach a mutually agreeable settlement. A divorce mediator is a trained professional who is neutral to both parties. A mediator has studied and reviewed all the issues that are involved in each divorce mediation case.
In mediation, each party can discuss their concerns and the mediator can help to customize their specific needs so that there is a fair outcome for both parties. This process is efficient, practical and more affordable than divorce litigation. It helps couples to clearly define their decisions and to work toward a solution in a reasonable amount of time. A mediator is often a divorce lawyer, retired judge , or certified business professional like a therapists who has training based in the area of divorce in Suffolk County or Nassau County, NY.
Mediator Works With Both Parties
A Long Island divorce mediation agreement is quite different from a traditional divorce with a divorce attorney. Long Island divorce mediation cases can be resolved within a matter of weeks, unlike traditional court-held divorces.
In divorce litigation, a traditional attorney advocates for just one of the parties involved in the case to achieve the best outcome for his or her client. In other words, a standard divorce attorney represents just one party, not both like a mediator. In a traditional divorce, you are dealing with two attorneys negotiating for what is best for each of their clients. Unfortunately, if a mutual agreement can not be reached between spouses, then the next process can result in a length, litigation in the Supreme Court system.
Long Island Mediators
Each divorce case is different. For this reason, a divorce mediation firm like the Long Island Center for Divorce Mediation in Huntington, Suffolk County, NY and Yaphank, Suffolk County, NY offers a full range of comprehensive divorce mediation services. These services include the Stipulation of Settlement or legal contract between the two Spouses, parenting plans and child custody arrangements, spousal and child support and financial division of assets and liabilities. To find out more specifics about mediation, the firm outlines the process on their website.
At the mediation center, a free consultation is first provided for the couples. Both spouses make all the decisions discussed during the mediation process. Mediators will guide the couple through the process, outlining options available when needed. They do not take sides, and they inform you what the laws are and how they are applied.
Mediation Process
In a Long Island mediation process, couples do not wait for months or sit in a courthouse nearly all day without a satisfying resolution. When you use the services of a mediator, each relaxed session brings you closer to a solution that works best for the family.
Your paperwork is submitted to the assigned Judge where it is checked for completeness and accuracy. When ready, the Judge will sign off on the Judgment of Divorce. The Divorce will be recorded with the County Clerk and you are then officially divorced.
With the emotional support that your mediator provides, bad emotions and a variety of stress factors are eased or eliminated from the divorce process.
Factors that Affect Mediation Costs
The factors affecting the cost of divorce mediation will vary. In simple terms, our Long Island divorce mediation costs are based on how many legal details are involved. These details includes the number of children, ownership of a house, pensions, child support, spousal support, debt and all other assets.
As part of the process, the divorce mediator Long Island is required to analyze the couple’s assets to determine what is a marital split and what will be designated as separate distributions.
These factors apply to the couples who are just splitting up as well as to those who have been separated for a long period.
Other minimal cost factors include Suffolk County court fees These can include filing papers, processing fees, or other paperwork required by your mediator. Additional costs can include costs from other professionals that must be a part of the mediation discussions. These can include a real estate appraiser to provide the value of any marital properties.
A QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order) expert can be asked to sit on to advise on the division of pensions, retirement funds, as well as advising on 401(k) plans or defined benefit pensions. Other professionals can include a business appraiser or Long Island child supportprofessional . For example, if child support in your Long Island divorce mediation case is a contested issue, then your divorce mediator Long Island will bring in a financial advisor who can provide guidelines for the payment of child support.
This professional will break down the child support percentage of the obligor (paying) parent’s net monthly income. Child support is a set amount that is calculated on the income of the non-residential parent. However, if you meditate, both spouses are asked to agree to vary the amount, depending on their specific circumstances.
Both your mediator and the financial advisor or actuary are well versed in the family’s financial situation. They can calculate most accurately the child support needs of your family. You and your spouse get to decide what’s best for your child or children.
Mediation End note
A divorce can be as traumatic as a major illness or death in the family. But please put your mind at ease. A good mediator is a stress-free option for the family, especially if each Spouse is amicable and is committed to keeping an open mind. The Long Island Center for Divorce Mediation process is a favorable low-cost alternative to a divorce court ligation.
Working with a third-party professional who doesn’t try to impose their own beliefs in your divorce proceedings will help you and your Spouse get the best result. The mediators will also keep your divorce case private, and are well versed with the laws. At the same time, they commit themselves to helping you and your spouse make your divorce as simple and painless as possible.
In sum, divorce mediations are more effective and are less stressful. Contact us today at the Long Island Center for Divorce Mediation, Suffolk County offices in Huntington and Yaphank, 631-757-1553, to set up a Free Consultation/First Session.