White Plains Divorce Mediation Attorney
Mediation is an alternative way of getting a divorce in New York State. It is a family- centered process where an impartial third party meets with the parties to help them reach a fair and informed agreement for the terms of their separation, divorce or post-divorce dispute.
At the Law Offices of Nicholas P. Barone, we are familiar with all aspects of divorce and the impact it can have on you and your children, which is why we encourage mediation as an alternative to traditional divorce through litigation. Contact us to schedule an appointment. I am a Family Law attorney who can help you get a legal separation or divorce without going to Court.
Yonkers Mediated Parenting Plan Lawyer
Mediation utilizes a mediator who is impartial in order to negotiate a settlement of all aspects of the divorce, including child custody and visitation (or "parenting time"), child support, a fair and equitable distribution of marital assets, fair property valuation and maintenance ("alimony").
Mediation primarily assumes that the relationship of the two parties is fairly balanced - which often is not the case in a divorce proceeding. Often, while going through a divorce, the parties are suspicious of each other, especially regarding finances - how much money was made, where it is located and if assets are hidden. Mediation should only be used by people who are fully aware of the marital assets and who trust each other. They should be able to communicate with each other in a reasonable manner, rather than one party dominating the other. If one party is domineering, the parties are not good candidates for mediation.
Mediation is different from a traditional divorce in that in a traditional divorce parties rely on lawyers to define their needs and expectations, based upon the lawyers' understanding of the law. A divorce is usually adversarial with both parties taking the position advocated by their lawyers.
On the other hand, mediation is a process where the parties themselves are in control and make their own decisions. Mediation will reduce the tension and trauma of divorce, thus helping the couple to achieve a sense of peace after the emotional and financial stress of ending their marriage. The mediator helps the couple to work together on the best way to separate, and reduces antagonistic feelings so that the parties can adjust to the separation or divorce and look ahead to the future.
As a mediator, I do not represent either party. Rather, I assist the parties in identifying what it is that they want. I do not advise on matters of law, so the parties are at liberty to each engage an attorney outside of the mediation process to explain the legal issues to them.
Mediation will assist in:
- Promoting communication and cooperation; and
- Allowing both parties to retain control over decisions affecting their lives; and Addressing the needs of everyone involved; and
- Assisting the children in realizing that their parents are working together for their interests and future;
- Focusing on the future in a positive manner.
Mediation takes less time than litigation and costs significantly less than litigation.
Contact Us For Questions About Using Mediation to Resolve Disputes Over Property Division in Divorce
Contact us online or call 914-517-3610 to arrange for a confidential consultation with a knowledgeable, caring Yonkers lawyer who can help you obtain a mediated parenting plan.
My office is located five minutes from the Westchester County Courthouse and just off Main Street in White Plains, New York. There is parking behind my office. I provide family law services to clients in all cities and towns in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties, including White Plains, Yonkers, New Rochelle, Peekskill.