Divorce Mediation NJ
For many years, I have been accredited by our Courts as aFamily Law Mediator to mediate all aspects of a parties’ divorce, as well as post-divorce issues. I have served for over two (2) decades and I am listed in both Bergen and Passaic Counties rosters of economic mediators, such that a case that is in litigation and not resolving, may be sent to me as Mediator in an attempt to resolve the case. I have both the experience and unique perspective of getting to the bottom line of the issues preventing settlement. I do private mediation for the parties as well.
Why Choose Mediation?
The parties can choose mediation at any time, either before, during or after the divorce process has begun. This will be explained further below. But first, why consider it to begin with? First, mediation can save the parties considerable time, money, and aggravation. When a case is litigated, it is proceeding through the court system, which is usually a lengthy, complicated and expensive proposition. When the case is in the courts system, the Court controls the process. The parties have to appear for certain hearings as determined by the Court, with the consequence of additional court and attorneys’ fees, time and aggravation. In mediation, the parties chose the dates and times when they would like to meet and how to proceed. Mediationalso allows the parties to determine the outcome of their issues, such as distribution of assets, alimony, child support, custody, co-parenting time, etc.
• Mediation provides the parties an opportunity for enhanced communication and hopefully a more cooperative relationship in the present and in the future, especially if the parties have children together.
• Mediation makes the parties more committed to arrive at an agreement through mediation rather than the Courts.
• Mediation utilizes the principle of “Fundamental Fairness”, thus maximizing the benefits for everyone. It is more streamlined, efficient and less costly approach.
• Mediation provides a forum where issues in controversy are narrowed cutting time and expense.
• Mediation provides more privacy with regard to the party’s finances and other issues that arise as part of any divorce case. The “Airing Out” of the issues remains in house with the parties rather than in a public courtroom.
How To Start The Mediation Process
As I stated, mediation can begin either before, during, or after the parties’ divorce and either with or without attorneys involved.
Some couples seek consultation with me as a Family Law Mediator just to learn what is involved in the mediation process before either or both retain counsel. Usually the spouses at this point are amicable and are committed to working through the issues to arrive at a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA). If they decide they want to proceed with the mediation process, I explain what is involved, show the parties our retainer agreement, and explain the costs involved and approximately how long the process might take. I also will explain my role as mediator.
One common misconception is that a mediator will be advising either or both parties on what to do or what the law is. This is not the case at all and is not permitted. The roll of the mediator is to facilitate the resolution, not to give legal advice. The mediator is totally neutral. Thus, the parties are free to retain their own counsel during the mediation process for guidance and advice along the way. For example, let’s say the parties agree to sell the marital residence, but one party wants to retain 20% more of the net proceeds than the other party. After the mediation session, (or at the end of all the sessions), the parties would discuss with their lawyer this issue for his/her lawyer to give advice. There are no requirements to have a lawyer during his/her mediation process. It is the choice of each party; but it is the better way to go. I often represent a spouse who is involved mediation elsewhere, and who comes to see me periodically during his/her mediation process to get advice as to what has been discussed during their mediation. The endgoal of the mediation process is for the mediator to draft up what is called a “Memorandum of Understanding” which is essentially an outline of the issues that appear to have been resolved by the parties. Each party than takes the Memorandum of Understanding to his or her attorney for review and comment. If acceptable, one of the party’s attorneys’ will draft a formal Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA).
If the parties already have counsel before the mediation process began, and the divorce has already been filed, mediation can be helpful, essentially proceeding in the same fashion as above. Family Court Judges are happy to hear the parties are in mediation to relieve the Court of burden, and parties the expense of proceeding through the Courts. When completed, and if settled, the Court would be so advised, and the matter would be put through as an Uncontested Divorce.
Mediation can also be used after divorce regarding issues that might arise. Perhaps there is an issue regarding modification of alimony, child support or an issue involving payment of college expenses. This can all be handled through mediation.
The bottom line is that through mediation, I do all I can to move the parties expeditiously and productively towards a mutually agreeable resolution.
The Law Offices of Philip C. Puglisi, LLC has extensive experience in Mediating your divorce case from start to finish. I suggest you immediately contact my office for a FREE CONSULTATION to review in detail the entire process.
Phone: 201-431-8400