How Mediation Can Benefit a Divorce Proceeding
While a divorce can sometimes grow into a long and stressful process, an experienced family lawyer can guide couples through the mediation process and reach a settlement without going to trial. Mr. Goldblatt is a New Jersey R. 1-40 Qualified Mediator. If you are interested in mediation for your divorce in Wall, NJ, let us help. We protect the integrity of the process by listening to the needs of all parties involved, and coming up with solutions that are in your best interest.
What Is Divorce?
Divorce is a legal process, filed with a court and designed to permanently end a marriage. Issues such as property division, separation of debts, alimony, child support, child custody, parenting time, and the impact of prenuptial or postnuptial agreements are determined during the case. Some divorcing couples are amicable with one another and agree to many of the final terms, but others are not able to agree on certain issues without court intervention.
We protect the integrity of the process by listening to the needs of all parties involved. We will explain your choices and help guide you toward a sensible solution.
The process can be lengthy, and this can take a toll both financially and emotionally on all involved. When mediation or other settlement options offer attractive solutions, those options should be explored. We will explain your choices and help guide you toward a sensible solution.
What to Expect during the Divorce Process
The decision to file for divorce is not typically made without a lot of thought. Even then, it can be intimidating to follow through with filing a case and can be equally frightening to be served with divorce papers. Knowing what to expect can help relieve some of the stress. Most cases proceed as follows:
- A petition for divorce is filed, and served on the non-filing spouse.
- The non-filing spouse is permitted a certain amount of time to file a response.
- The parties engage in a conference after the petition has been answered. During this conference it is critical to have an attorney represent you, since negotiations regarding the issues will take place.
- If the parties reach an agreement at the conference, a settlement agreement is prepared.
- If an agreement cannot be reached, the case will be set for trial.
During the negotiation phase of the case, the parties will discuss child support and custody, talk about a schedule for parenting time, attempt to work out who will pay what debts, and try to develop a fair distribution of assets. Given the importance of these issues, it is easy to see why having an experienced attorney at your side is beneficial. Your attorney has the job of protecting your interest, and working toward solutions that meet your needs.
Settlement Options
When parties are unable to agree on terms, the timeline is lengthened. The longer a case takes to resolve, time and money begin to add up, making finding a solution desirable. Mediation can help move the case along, saving valuable resources. A mediator will listen to both sides and propose solutions. There is usually some give and take in a mediation, and a successful outcome generally requires that each party compromises. Attorneys are also present at mediations, to protect the interest of their client and ensure critical issues are not overlooked.
Contact Jeffrey W. Goldblatt
At the Law Offices of Jeffrey W. Goldblatt, we have extensive experience mediating divorce cases, and will protect your interests while seeking an outcome favorable to your needs. For answers to your questions about divorce and mediation, call our office in Wall, NJ, at 732-402-8124 or contact us online.
