Westchester County Mediation Lawyer
The process of divorce, child custody, and other family matters is highly emotional, sometimes devastating, and all too often fraught with arguing and disagreements between the two parties. But it does not have to be this way. There is a much better solution to a contested divorce fought out publicly in the courts; through mediation, parties can more calmly and quietly discuss their objectives, air their grievances, and seek solutions by finding common ground in a productive way. If mediation sounds like an option you would like to pursue in your family law matter, look no further than the Westchester County mediation lawyers at The Law Office of Robert S. Sunshine, P.C.
What is Mediation and What Can it be Used For?
Mediation involves two parties, their lawyers, and a neutral third-party as a go-between. During mediation, each spouse will sit with their attorney (often the parties sit in separate rooms) while the mediator goes back and forth between the two parties in an attempt to reach a constructive, compromised, resolution. For example, if the dispute is revolving around equitable distribution of marital assets, one party will describe, to the mediator, what they want and why they believe they are entitled to those assets. The mediator will take that information and present it in a calm manner to the other party, who then has the opportunity to respond with their goals and wishes. The mediator then takes this information back to the other party, all the while helping the two parties see from the other’s perspective and offering ways of reaching a compromise. Mediators are typically retired judges or attorneys, and are skilled negotiators trained in conflict resolution. Mediation can be used for any family dispute, including:
- Divorce
- Division of marital assets
- Spousal support
- Child custody
- Visitation
- Child support
- Separation agreements
- Prenuptial agreements
- Postnuptial agreements
Collaborative Divorce
Collaborative divorce is a newly emerging method of dissolving a marriage in a less confrontational way than divorces have traditionally been handled. If you and your partner are able to communicate and talk calmly with one another, collaborative divorce—which often involves mediation—may be a faster, less expensive, and less stressful option than a contested divorce. In a collaborative divorce, both parties sign a contract confirming their commitment to a settlement agreement. As such, neither party has the option of threatening a legal battle in the courtroom. During settlement negotiations and mediation, the parties will work together to find common ground, compromising when necessary to achieve a common goal.
A Westchester County Mediation Lawyer Can Help You Resolve Your Family Dispute in a Constructive Way
If you believe that mediation is something that would work in your situation, the first step is to reach out to a qualified Westchester County mediation attorney with experience handling mediated disputes and collaborative divorce. While you may be able to calmly talk to the other party, you still need legal representation throughout the mediation process to ensure that your goals are met. Call The Law Office of Robert S. Sunshine, P.C. today at 845-735-1300 to schedule a free consultation.
