How Does the Divorce Mediation Process Work in Rockland County, NY?
Divorce mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that is more amicable, less expensive, and a faster alternative to traditional divorce litigation. During mediation, you and your spouse hire a mediator to help review your divorce case and guide you through the process of negotiating a settlement. The divorce mediator helps you understand the important issues in your case and reach acceptable terms for your divorce.
Generally speaking, a divorcing couple will meet with a mediator for around 4 mediation sessions. Each session lasts between one and two hours.
The initial consultation
The first step in the divorce mediation process is the initial consultation. During the initial consultation, you and your spouse will meet with a divorce mediator and learn about the mediation process. The consultation will give the mediator the opportunity to learn about you and your spouse and your individual situation. You’ll learn about the mediator’s process and how discussions are handled. The goal is to make you feel comfortable with the process and ultimately negotiate a divorce settlement.
After discussing matters with you, the mediator will make recommendations about how you should proceed. They will also tell you how much the divorce mediation will cost. The estimate will be based on the details of your situation and the complexity of your case.
After the initial consultation, you will sign a mediation agreement, pay the mediator for their time, and prepare for your first mediation session. Most mediators will also ask that you sign a non-disclosure agreement to keep the proceedings private.
Preparing for divorce mediation in Rockland County
Once you’ve finished with the initial consultation, your mediator will provide you with a list of documents to bring to the mediation session. The mediator will likely ask you to bring financial documents related to your income, bank accounts, tax returns, retirement accounts, and any major assets you own. You should, at this point, consider your goals and what you want once your divorce is settled.
What to expect during a divorce mediation session in Rockland County
Generally speaking, you and your spouse will meet with the mediator in a conference room. The mediator will make the couple feel as comfortable as possible. During the mediation session, you, your spouse, and your mediator will begin by identifying key issues that need to be resolved. You and your spouse will have the opportunity to discuss your priorities and concerns as they relate to important issues.
If you have children, you and your spouse will discuss custody, living arrangements, and visitation schedules.
After each mediation session, your attorney will draft a memorandum of understanding (MOU) detailing the specific topics covered during the mediation session, any agreements that were reached, and what topics still need to be covered.
Ultimately, divorce mediation is a cheaper, faster, and more amicable way to dissolve a marriage.
Talk to a Rockland County, NY Divorce Lawyer Today
The Law Office of Robert S. Sunshine represents the interests of Rockland County residents who are preparing to divorce. Call our Rockland County family lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your next steps right away.
