Who is involved in divorce mediation?

Divorce mediation can be a beneficial way to get a divorce. When couples are separating, it can be an emotional time. After marrying someone and spending part of your life with them, divorce can be difficult. Due to the turmoil in divorce, it may be easier to avoid litigation by going through mediation. For mediation, only your spouse, a mediator and your attorneys are present.

During mediation sessions, you and your spouse will meet with a neutral third party to reach decisions on important marital issues. The mediator does not make decisions for you as a judge would. Instead, the mediator is there to guide the conversation along and encourage spouses to work together to come to conclusions that satisfy both parties involved. During these sessions, it can be beneficial to have your attorney present. With your attorney by your side, you can be sure that your emotions will not get the best of you because you have a backup. Your attorney can ensure that your rights are not being infringed upon.

Can I end mediation?

While mediation is an amicable way to get a divorce, it is not for everyone. Mediation requires the cooperation of both spouses to prove to be productive. Without the cooperation of both parties, it may not be possible to reach a decision on marital issues. These issues can include alimony, child support, child custody arrangements and the division of assets. If mediation is not working out the way you hoped it would or your spouse is not cooperating, you have the right to end the process at any time. At this time, your divorce may become contested and cause you to enter into litigation to have a judge decide on issues.

How is mediation beneficial?

Mediation can have many benefits to it if couples decide to take this route. During mediation, couples can decide on issues together instead of giving a judge the authority to do so in court. With issues such as child custody and alimony being considered, it can be overwhelming for couples to enter into litigation. Mediation provides a more private process for them to reach a conclusion. Since court proceedings can be long and drawn out, this can be time-consuming and seem never-ending to the individuals involved. Mediation is done at the pace of the spouses. They can take as long as they need. This can also prove to be less costly. During litigation, attorney fees can add up based on the added time in court.

The law firm of Mattleman, Weinroth & Miller, P.C., is composed of experienced defense attorneys throughout the state of New Jersey. Please contact the office for a free initial consultation and get any questions answered regarding criminal charges and procedures.