What to Expect in Divorce Mediation in Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island
As a Long Island Divorce Mediator and Family Law Attorney, my experience has shown that for Nassau County and Suffolk County couples who can communicate amicably, divorce mediation is the least expensive least stressful, and quickest method of ending a marriage and moving on with their lives. In cases where couples have children, it can also cause the least disruption to the relationships between parents and children.
The Divorce Mediation Process in Nassau County and Suffolk County, Long Island
On Long Island, if you are contemplating divorce, or preparing for divorce mediation, it is important to first gain an understanding of the process. Divorce mediation is the process by which you and your spouse meet with a neutral third-party divorce mediator to decide the terms of your divorce. Issues concerning division of property, responsibility for debts and liabilities, child custody and visitation, as well as spousal maintenance and child support will be addressed in private sessions with an impartial divorce mediator. With the assistance of your mediator, you and your spouse can work through these difficult issues with the goal of coming to an agreement that best serves the family as a whole in a flexible and confidential environment.
What Does a Long Island Divorce Mediator Do?
A Long Island divorce mediator is a neutral third party that will oversee and counsel discussions between you and your spouse to resolve the issues involved in ending your marriage. The mediator does not represent either spouse or give advice; instead, the mediator may make suggestions based on the wishes of both spouses, and encourage compromise and solutions that will satisfy everyone. The mediator will assist you and your spouse in addressing one issue at a time. Mediation can take place weekly, bi-weekly, or on any schedule agreed upon by the spouses and the mediator. The length of time it takes to mediate depends on the complexity of the divorce and the ability of the you and your spouse to work together cooperatively. If you wish, either of you may bring a separate attorney to mediation, although this is not usually necessary.
What’s the First Step Toward Divorce Mediation in Nassau County or Suffolk County?
When you first speak with your divorce mediator, he or she will ask you for some basic information as well as background information about your marriage and the issues that will need to be addressed in your divorce. This initial consultation may be done over the phone, in the mediator’s office or in a comfortable conference room. Depending on your circumstances, the mediator may wish to meet with you and your spouse together or separately for the initial meeting. Separate meetings may be beneficial at first so that the mediator can obtain candid background information and an unfiltered version of your goals for mediation.
What Do I Have to Do In Mediation?
All that is required of a spouse for successful mediation is a willingness to meet and discuss these issues without hostility. While it may seem as though you and your spouse will not be able to agree, you may be surprised how many issues can be quickly resolved through mediation. Even if there are some issues upon which you feel you are not willing compromise, it is possible that fair and open-minded negotiation on both sides can result in a plan that is agreeable to everyone. Many attorneys suggest that spouses refrain from discussing sensitive divorce issues outside mediation during the course of mediation, as this can potentially lead to arguments and unwillingness to compromise in the mediation room.
What Else Do I Need to Know For Divorce Mediation?
Because divorce is a complicated process, both the emotionally and financially, it is important to be prepared and organized. You will need to have your legal and financial documents in order, including proof of income, assets, debts, and health and life insurance. Your attorney can provide you with a complete list of documents and information to have ready. Organization will not only decrease your level of stress as you begin mediation, but will likely result in a smoother process, which equates less time, expense and stress.
Take Care of Yourself First
In addition to preparing your documents and schedule for these sessions, it is also important to take care of yourself physically and emotionally at this time. Your divorce may be an extremely stressful time in your life, but important decisions must be made nonetheless. Taking care of your mental and physical health is critical to the process so that you can assert your wishes and goals effectively. It is important that you attend these sessions and make these important decisions with a clear head. If you feel you are not ready for mediation, you should communicate this with your mediator. There may be other important steps that you can take to mentally prepare for mediation before you begin meeting with your spouse in a mediation setting.
What Happens When We’re Done with our Long Island Divorce Mediation?
Once your mediation is complete, you and your spouse will sign an agreement that will allow you to have an uncontested divorce. The uncontested divorce process on Long Island is far more efficient than a contested or litigated divorce. This means that you and your spouse will not have to contest any issues in court. For this reason alone, mediation is often far less stressful and less costly than divorce litigation, and is a worthwhile pursuit for many divorcing couples in Nassau County and Suffolk County.
Find Out If Long Island Divorce Mediation Is Right For You in Nassau County or Suffolk County
To learn more about Divorce Mediation on Long Island and how it can save you time, money and stress, visit this page: How Divorce Mediation Works and its Benefits for Families in Nassau, Suffolk, Long Island. If you have questions about whether divorce mediation is a good option for you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse, contact the experienced and compassionate Long Island divorce mediators at Robert E. Hornberger, P.C. at 631-923-1910 to discuss your concerns during a free divorce mediation consultation. Or fill out the short form on this page and we’ll get right back to you to see how we can help.
Our 41-page “Guide to New York Divorce: What You Need to Know Before Hiring a Divorce Lawyer in New York” written by an experienced family law lawyer Long Island’s Robert E. Hornberger, Esq., provides you with real information on the divorce process and the laws it rests upon in the state of New York. This book will help give you a solid foundation upon which you can begin the process of making your family’s, life better. Download your Free Guide to New York Divorce here.