For divorcing couples who are looking to save time and money, divorce mediation can be an excellent alternative to traditional litigation. Mediation works successfully for many divorcing families. While we have found that cooperative couples more readily choose to mediate, families with high degrees of conflict can benefit just as greatly from mediation by avoiding the high costs of litigation, which can provoke even more conflict.
In addition to the cost savings, mediation in New Jersey provides several other benefits, including:
- Increased privacy
- Wider range of solutions
- Higher level of client satisfaction
- Quicker dispute resolution
- Less conflict
- Greater understanding of the other party’s point of view
DeTorres & DeGeorge Family Law Attorneys provide neutral, third-party mediators to help divorcing couples come to a divorce agreement either in combination with, or in lieu of, litigation. Mediation sessions can be held with or without an attorney present, and all communication is kept confidential and can never be used against you or your former spouse in a court of law. In the absence of an attorney, our mediators may explain the law, but they will never counsel any party as to whether a proposal is in his or her best interest. Rather, they will simply work to broker an agreement between you and your former spouse to ultimately help you reach an agreement.
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The mediation process at DeTorres & DeGeorge consists of four parts:
- Client Orientation
We will provide you with a comprehensive client packet and encourage you to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have related to mediation. We’ll also schedule your first appointment with a mediator and ask you to sign a mediation agreement. - Mediation Sessions
During these sessions, your mediator will provide you and your former spouse with a safe place to communicate to help you create options for resolution and to help you think about open issues from various perspectives. While the first mediation session is always a joint one, the mediator will continue on with either individual or joint sessions as agreed until the settlement is reached. - Post-Mediation
Once your mediation sessions end, your mediator will prepare summary letters for both clients, as well as a memorandum of understanding, which incorporates the critical points of the agreement reached between the parties. Once the parties sign the memorandum of understanding, it becomes a binding contract. - Drafting of Legal Documents
At your request, we may also draft judgments, property settlement agreements, disclosures, deeds, etc.
At DeTorres & DeGeorge, our attorneys have significant experience both in participating in mediation as advocates for our clients, and in the role of mediator. If you believe mediation may be right for you, please schedule a consultation with our attorneys today.
For more information, please call us at 908-304-9679.