Benefits of Divorce Mediation

Why Choose Mediation for Your Divorce?

At Wisselman, Harounian & Associates, our attorneys frequently meet with new clients who are unfamiliar and overwhelmed by the divorce process. In many cases, clients are unaware that there are alternative options to standard divorce proceedings and litigation. These options can include divorce mediation, collaborative law, and negotiated divorce settlement.

Because mediation is a process in which two parties amicably negotiate the terms of divorce and other family law matters – such as child custody, child support, and property division – it can provide significant benefits.

Mediation can save the parties a significant amount of time and attorney fees. Mediation is also often less emotionally turbulent than litigation since mediators are skilled in resolving disputes and helping work through intense emotions that may interfere with reaching an amicable agreement.

Contact Wisselman, Harounian & Associates today to explore mediation.

Save Money

When compared to divorce litigation, mediation can save you significantly – both financially and emotionally. This is primarily because mediation does not involve two opposing lawyers representing clients who are “battling” for their own side. Instead, it involves a mediator, who acts as a neutral third party and helps spouses compromise and reach a mutual agreement.

The goal of mediation is to finalize a divorce as swiftly and smoothly as possible. When two spouses are able to arrive at an amicable resolution, they can save themselves substantial legal fees while moving on with their lives.

Save Time

Divorce litigation can become lengthy and potentially last for years. This is especially true when spouses have disputes over the division of custody or visitation rights, support, property and finances. When divorce issues can be smoothly resolved with the help of a mediator, considerable time will be saved. Of course, this may not be an option for everyone.

The Benefits of Child Custody Mediation

Mediation is especially effective in shared parenting and joint custody situations where parents want to preserve an amicable parenting relationship. In our office, after the parties reach an agreement with the mediator, we draw up all of the required documents and court papers. There is no need to have separate attorneys to draft these documents, although you may have an attorney review it for you.

More Control Over Personal Arrangements

In typical divorce proceedings where spouses cannot agree with one another, a family law judge will be entrusted to make the ultimate decision about how parenting time and decision-making issues will be handled. Of course, leaving it to a judge involves a large degree of uncertainty. If both parties can agree on terms they are satisfied with working with a mediator, they can better avoid a potential outcome they don’t want with a judge.

Other Benefits

In addition to saving time and costs, and providing more control over future arrangements, mediation generally requires a more streamlined financial disclosure process than a litigated divorce. Each party will also have their own “review attorney” who can look over everything to ensure the arrangements are in their interests.

Find a Favorable Solution Without Going to Court

Although mediation can provide certain benefits to parties seeking a divorce, it is important to remember that each divorce is different. Relationships and individuals are unique, and the specific circumstances of your case – as well as your goals and strategy – will largely dictate which process is best for you.

If you would like to learn more about the ways in which divorce mediation may benefit you – of if you would like to learn how other methods may benefit you – reach out to Wisselman, Harounian & Associates today.

Contact us today! We serve clients throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, and the surrounding New York Metro area.