WHY SHOULD COUPLES MEDIATE THEIR DIVORCE OR LEGAL SEPARATION?
by Robyn D. Weisman, Esq.
1. DIVORCE MEDIATION TAKES THE FIGHT OUT OF AN OTHERWISE BRUTAL BATTLE
Ending a marriage does not have to be a huge fight. There are things that the couple can agree on and an experienced divorce mediator can scope those out and begin the process in an amicable manner. The key is to find out what your concerns are and interests and work to the ends that address those.
However, starting divorce mediation doesn’t mean you give up the right to go to court. If you find mediation is not working you can discontinue mediation anytime and retain an attorney. However, now you are bound by a judge instead of your own ability to create a plan that fits for your life and family.
Communication is key to every relationship. In litigation, the attorneys steer you away from communicating with each other. This is dangerous for any healthy relationship whether you are together or apart and also realizing if you have children you are going to be parents forever. You both control your future by working with each other to plan it. It is proven that people are more willing to abide by a mediated settlement since it is an agreement you created, not forced upon you.
2. DIVORCE MEDIATION IS THE QUICKEST LESS COSTLY WAY TO DIVORCE OR SEPARATE
This is easy, no retainers (at least with my office), no attorneys fighting with each other to pad billable hours, and no legal fess generated in the range of $10,000 to $40,000 or more each.
3. DIVORCE MEDIATION IS HEALTHIER FOR THE FAMILY AND CHILDREN
During mediation, both adults sit down together with a mediator (who at Divorce Mediation & Family Services of New York is also a trained litigator) and negotiate a plan that will hopefully optimize everyone’s well-being. The parents cooperating in times of separation is an expression of mutual respect, health, and even unity that helps the child understand that, even though the parents are divorcing, they still care for the family institution and, more importantly, the children themselves. Therefore, the very essence of what mediation stands for is a real-world manifestation of the healthy psyche that we want to see in our children, making it the healthiest option for the family.
The emotional toll of separation can have consequences that manifest themselves in children’s social and academic lives. The result of this severe stress can negatively impact a child’s grades, friends, state of mind, and even physical well-being. Fortunately, there are ways in which a couple can get separated while preserving the family atmosphere that is so vital to the healthy development of a child or young adult.
At Divorce Mediation & Family Services we create a parenting plan together with the common goal of doing was is best for your children and family.
4. MORE CONVENIENT MEETING TIMES AND PERSONAL ATTENTION
With an experienced divorce mediator you are not pushed to different attorneys who handle different aspects of your case. With Divorce Mediation and Family Services you will work with one attorney mediator who will help you come to your agreement on issues and file the divorce paperwork or legal separation.
Given everyone’s busy schedules and especially now during the pandemic we need to be more creative on scheduling mediation sessions. Now with the invention of virtual conferencing this has allowed a greater time period to hold these meetings, including nights and weekends, or during work hours in the office. With these options it is not necessary to take off of work anymore to make appointments.
Remember, no one wins but the key is to be peaceful and come to a solution that works for all. It is the mediator’s goal to help you stay focused on the goal of separating peacefully.
Robyn D. Weisman, Esq., Attorney, Mediator, Collaborative Lawyer, Director of Divorce Mediation & Family Services of New York, Ltd. 1-631-465-2140 with offices in Melville, Long Beach, and New York City, New York visit our website at www.divorcemediationandfamilyservices.com
Disclaimer: The information obtained at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.
