What is Divorce Mediation?
Divorce mediation is a voluntary process where divorcing couples work together with an impartial mediator to reach a mutual and informed agreement for the terms of their divorce, separation or post divorce dispute.
Mediation provides a non-adversarial setting for divorcing couples to communicate their needs and interests with each other while working towards mutually beneficial outcomes. Divorce mediation is based on the premise that the people getting divorced are in the best position to make decisions that will have long-term personal and financial consequences on their lives. At New York Mediation Partners, our role is to assist and support our clients in making these decisions.
Read about how divorce mediation works.
Why Use Mediation?
In a traditional divorce, parties rely on lawyers to define their needs and expectations based on the lawyers' understanding and application of the law. Even without going to trial, the traditional divorce process is inherently adversarial with both parties assuming positions and strategies advocated by their lawyers.
Because mediation is a non-adversarial process in which the parties, not their lawyers, are empowered to make their own decisions, mediation serves to reduce the tension and trauma associated with divorce, not increase it. Divorce mediation is a good choice if both spouses want to avoid the contentious and costly nature of the traditional adversarial process. Participants are more often satisfied with the process and outcome of a mediated, rather than a litigated settlement.
