So
much has changed in the times of COVID-19. These life-altering events
are incredibly painful during normal circumstances—but even more agonizing
during a pandemic.
In normal times, most divorces are resolved without going to
trial. However, Court conferences in
family court and the trial courts are the norm. While litigation is an essential tool in
family law to resolve highly contentious or complex situations, it is often a
last resort. Divorcing through litigation can be costly, emotionally challenging,
and it can take anywhere from a few months to a couple of years.
Although we are getting back to a new normal, with many
trials being put on hold by the courts and the backup I the Courts are real
Family
court and trial courts are not available or a limited for hearings and
trials. In fact, many courts are not opening
for trial until 2021.
Can
you then resolve family issues, get separated or get divorced?
Through mediation,
couples seek mutually beneficial resolutions to their problems with the
assistance of a neutral third-party mediator. Unlike litigation, this process
does not pit spouse against spouse. It allows the couple to keep their personal
life private and is typically more cost-effective.
The mediator can help resolve child custody, child support,
spousal support, and property division issues. The divorce can be dealt with at
whatever pace works best for the couple. Mediation can also be used to resolve
specific issues in a divorce, such as custody, while the rest of the divorce is
otherwise settled between the parties.
Mediation can be done from the comfort of your home or private
space while Zoom has allowed for a perfect way to mediate while social distancing. Offices are starting to open up with social
distancing guidelines and can be done in the office.
Mediation
is kinder, gentler way to divorce or separate. Since the Courts are not available now, think
mediation is always available!
With
years of experience in the Courts, working as a mediator in Family Court, and
with a psychology background, we are able to work through the issues and find the
options which best serve your family.
The
goal is to fairly and equally divide our assets and to advocate for your
children’s best interests in as few sessions as possible.
Remember,
no one wins but the key is to be peaceful and come to a solution that works for
all. It the mediator’s goal to help you
stay focused on the goal of separating peacefully.
The
mutual goal: to finalize the divorce without spending a fortune on legal fees
or becoming enemies. It will work! Find a mediator who you are comfortable with
and who knows the law. And you will find
the kindler, gentler way to separate or divorce.
Robyn D. Weisman, Esq., Attorney,
Mediator, Collaborative Lawyer, Director of Divorce Mediation & Family
Services of New York, Ltd. 1-800-WE MEDIATE with offices in Melville and Long
Beach, New York www.divorcemediationandfamilyservices.com
