Divorce mediation is a voluntary process entered into with the full consent and participation of both parties in a divorce. In mediation, the divorcing spouses meet with a neutral third party, the mediator, and with their help, work through the issues you need in order to end a marriage as amicably and cost effectively as possible.
There are multiple benefits to divorce mediation especially when issues such as division of assets, spousal support, child support and most critically child custody are involved. Primarily it allows those going through a divorce to maintain effective communication after the divorce for the sake of children. In addition it can begin the emotional healing process in ways that a contentious divorce simply cannot.
However in order to enjoy these benefits there is a crucial factor that needs to be recognized. That is that both parties must enter into the process with honesty, positivity and sincerely seeking an amicable solution.
Of course, a successful mediation will require not only cooperation, communication, and commitment from the participants, it will also require the knowledge and guidance of an experienced Morristown divorce mediator.
Chester NJ Divorce Mediators Role in the Mediation Process
In Chester, Morris County and Morristown, as in the rest of New Jersey, divorce mediation usually consists of a series of meetings between a neutral mediator and the divorcing spouses. The spouses can elect to have their attorneys present during the mediation sessions if they choose.
The primary difference between mediation and other forms of dispute resolution, such as courtroom litigation, is that mediation permits the spouses to have direct control the outcome. The role of a mediator is not to take sides or issue a verdict unlike a judge or arbitrator, whose role is to hear arguments from both sides and decide on a resolution. In essence the mediator acts as a facilitator for negotiation between the two spouses, giving structure to the conversation and aiding them in identifying issues, priorities and possible solutions. If an agreement cannot be reached through mediation, the option of going to court to have any contested issues settled by a judge still remains.
Furthermore the mediating attorney provides the divorcing couple assistance in formulating ideas that can eventually lead to agreements that will endure. An open and free exchange of information allows both spouses to negotiate with each other with confidence. Being that both spouses are working with the same information, it usually takes far less time to negotiate a resolution that makes sense to both.
Mediation Attorneys Help Resolve Divorce in Morris County
Like people, all marriages are different and each presents its own challenges in the mediation process. Experience is critical at such an important and delicate time. Understanding, empathy, fairness and efficiency are all improved with experience. Also with experience comes a much more in-depth understanding of the complications of marital finances.
However, above all the mediator must be neutral. It is this neutrality that gives the mediator credibility in his or her decisions and allows the acceptance necessary to bring the process to its best possible resolution. In essence the mediation process is designed as way to lay down the most effective roadmap for the future of the entire family.
Contact Our Morristown Mediation Lawyers Today
The divorce mediation lawyers of Laufer, Dalena, Cadicina, Jensen & Bradley have extensive experience using mediation within divorce and family law disputes throughout Morris County towns such as Morristown, Chester, Chatham, Morris Township, Mendham, Harding, Morris Plains, and across all of Northern New Jersey. We take pride in offering alternative conflict resolution methods such as mediation and arbitration to better serve local parents and their children. Many firms offer mediation as a token, but do not truly take the time to use ADR to its fullest potential. If you are interested in working with a family law firm which will guide you through the mediation process from beginning to end, look no further.
To discuss the potential to use mediation within your divorce, please contact us online or through our Morristown, NJ offices today by calling 973-975-4043 for a free and confidential consultation.