Divorce Mediation:
- Voluntary process that helps couples come to a fair and equitable divorce agreement
- Meetings with a neutral, trained professional Divorce Mediator who helps the couple work their way from impasse to solutions
- Focus on all issues of divorce including parenting (child custody), division of marital assets and debts, child support, and spousal support (alimony)
- Helps divorcing parents learn how to work together to determine what is best for their children -- a good practice for the rest of your lives as a family
Benefits of Divorce Mediation:
Saves Money- A mediated divorce can cost so much less than going to court to litigate. No retainer required. You pay only for the time that you use. A more affordable divorce.
Saves Time- Since you are both in the same room speaking directly with one another and making decisions about your divorce, resolutions can be reached quickly. A faster divorce through open communication.
Less Time in Court- An uncontested divorce can be processed quickly through the court system. You only have to attend/Zoom with court one time- the day your divorce is finalized.
Positive Parenting- You will still be a parent, even when you are no longer a spouse. Less arguing during the divorce process and beyond is better for the kids. A lower conflict divorce.
Less Stress- A more informal and less scary atmosphere than court. You control when and how often you meet. A multi-faceted process is broken down into smaller, more manageable steps. No court-imposed deadlines to meet.
Less Conflict- You communicate person-to-person with your spouse, instead of through third parties (divorce attorneys). The mediator helps ease resentment and misunderstandings while preventing the same past fights from repeating themselves. Focus on the present and future, not the past.
Confidential- You can resolve your personal family matters in private and not in the public court of law.
Better Post-Divorce Relationship- You are more likely to follow through with the terms of your divorce agreement because you had input into these decisions. Everyone, including your children, is happier in the long run. Less likely to have to return to court after the divorce.
More Control- You can do what works best for your family. You make these life decisions, not a judge. You can be creative about solutions. You have control over your divorce and your future. A more personalized experience.
Nothing to Lose, Lots to Gain- Deciding to try divorce mediation does not mean that you must stick with it if it does not work for you. You can stop at any point and proceed with divorce litigation and a contested divorce.
Post-Divorce Mediation:
- Circumstances change and parenting plan needs to be created or updated
- Child support or alimony needs to be modified
- For couples who are considering divorce but want a trial separation before deciding to divorce or reconcile
- Even though NJ does not have an official legal separation status, it's a good idea to have an agreement in writing
Pre-Marital Financial Mediation:
- Useful for couples with children from a prior marriage/relationship or significant family wealth
- Drafted and reviewed by an attorney before being finalized
Parent Coordination:
- Appropriate when there is a high degree of conflict and frequent litigation during the divorce or post-divorce
- Helps families develop effective co-parenting strategies
NEW!! Coaching for New Mediators:
- Three-part program designed to help new mediators start their practice. Includes nuts and bolts of starting a business, networking and social media tips and review of preliminary practice documents
- Shadow real, live mediation meetings
- Review of your Memorandum of Understanding and paperwork
|
Westfield Mediation, LLC
1812 Front Street Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 Phone: 908.913.0373 |
Randi M. Albert, JD
Michelle Weinberg, M.Ed., LMFT info@westfieldnjmediation.com |