Resolve The Conflict

Why Mediation?

You should always try to resolve things between you and the other party. Working things out with the other party is extremely difficult at times, but always the best option because it is cost effective and increases communication. However, mediation with a 3rd party is one of the choices you have when resolving a conflict. Here are some of the reasons why you would use an unbiased 3rd party to help you through your difficult time.

You Never Go to Court
Less Costly than Litigation
Control stays with you instead of with the judge, lawyer or arbitrator
Less adversarial
Communication increases between the 2 parties
Resolve conflict with dignity and integrity
Increased ability to stay friendly with other party
You and the other party problem solve together with the mediator(s)
Confidentiality and not public
Usually a quicker process, but you decide how quick or how long it will take

What Can I Mediate?

You may have a conflict and dispute and wondering what you can mediate. Here is a list of some of the things you will be able to mediate if you have a conflict or disagreement and need a 3rd party to help you come to an agreement:

Divorce
Separations
Prenuptials
Postnuptials
Post Divorce Conflicts
Parent and Children Conflicts
Parent and School Disputes
Small Business Conflicts
Elder Adult Decisions

Mediation vs. Litigation

When divorcing, there are only two options you have, either Mediation or Litigation. Both will usually get you to your goal, but they are completely different approaches.

Divorce Mediated

ESTIMATED COST – $3,000 – $4,000

Shortened process
Less expensive
You never go to court
Clients have final say
Less stressful
Mediators represent the family
Increased Communications during sessions and outside of sessions
All discussions are private
Problem solving with everyone

Divorce Litigated

ESTIMATED COST – $40,000

Lengthy process
Expensive
Battling Lawyers in Courts
Judge has final say
Stressful experience
Lawyers represent each client
Increases conflict between you and your spouse causing decreased communication
Any problem solving is one-sided or just with attorneys
Courtroom is public

Uncontested vs. Contested

You may have hear the terms Contested and Uncontested. When a divorce is contested, that means the parties cannot agree and have chosen to litigate the divorce. When a divorce is uncontested, that means the parties have agreed to divorce and have agreed to all the terms of the divorce. When processing an uncontested divorce, the parties do not need to go to court. When using a mediator, the mediator will help you resolve all your conflicts and then submit paperwork as an uncontested divorce. A divorce is considered a lawsuit, which defines breaking a contract. The less conflict the better.

What is the Process?

The process of mediation is structured with a goal. Our mediation sessions include a divorce coach, managing emotions. Here are the steps you would take to resolve a conflict through mediation:

Contact us and give us your name and other details
We send out an intake form for you to fill out and send back to us. This saves us time and you money.
Schedule an appointment to meet with us. We have flexible times and dates and work nights and weekends as well as days, so that we can provide a time that is convenient to you and you don’t have to take time away from work.
Mediation Session. We meet together with you and the other party and the first thing we discuss are the major issues. We continue to discuss the issues and work to find common ground and creatively work to solve the problems with multiple different solutions. At the end of the session if everything is resolved, great. Sometimes we hand out homework for each of you to do that would include checking values of assets or getting more detailed information, etc. At this point we can setup another session with you or take a break and you contact us when you are ready again to meet and discuss things. There are no court calendars, it’s when you are ready to return.
Legal Work. After all of the conflicts have been resolved, then we can prepare an MOU (Memo Of Understanding) or we can go straight to a stipulation agreement. A stipulation agreement is the document that describes in legal ease all of the agreements made between the 2 parties. This document needs to be signed and notarized by both parties. Once this document is signed, we can file with the county clerk’s office if you wish, however some people hold an original each and do not file anything with the courts.
Divorce Papers. If the goal you have is a divorce, then divorce papers would have to be created and then signed and notarized by both parties. These are formalized documents specific to each state. We prepare those documents and attach the stipulation agreement with the divorce papers when we file with the courts

Parenting Plans

A parenting plan is a written agreement that has all the information and details about the living arrangements for the child/parent time with the children Family time can also be discussed, such as Friday night pizza.

The parenting plan helps avoid future conflicts because the responsibilities for the children are clearly written, so there are no questions. Parent plan is part of the agreement. Consider holidays, weekdays, vacation.
Plans are designed as either Split time, Shared time, or alternate days.

A Parenting Plan can contain the following information:

Parenting Time
Decision Making
Transportation and Exchanges
Annual Vacations and School Breaks
A Dispute Resolution Process
Schools Attended and Access to Records
Contact Information, Relocation and Foreign Travel
Social Activities and School Functions
Overnights
Significant Others Introduced

Mediation Services Long Island : Divorce is a challenging life transition that often involves complex emotions and legal intricacies. For couples seeking a more amicable and cost-effective alternative to traditional litigation, Long Island Mediation Services offer a constructive solution. With a focus on open communication and mutual understanding, mediation provides a platform for couples to negotiate their divorce terms in a supportive and neutral environment.

What are Long Island Mediation Services?

Long Island Mediation Services are professional mediation practices tailored to the unique needs of couples in the Long Island area. These services are designed to facilitate constructive discussions and negotiations between spouses, with the ultimate goal of reaching a mutually agreeable divorce settlement. Mediators are trained professionals who remain impartial, guiding the conversation while ensuring both parties have an equal opportunity to voice their concerns.

Benefits of Mediation Services on Long Island

Reduced Conflict: Mediation fosters open communication and encourages a collaborative approach. This minimizes hostility and promotes a more respectful and civil separation process.

Cost-Effective: Compared to traditional litigation, mediation is often more affordable. By working together in a mediated setting, couples can save on court fees, attorney costs, and other legal expenses.

Faster Resolution: Mediation tends to be more expeditious than a court battle. Without the backlog of the judicial system, couples can resolve their issues more swiftly, allowing them to move forward with their lives.

Customized Solutions: Mediation allows couples to tailor their agreements to meet their unique circumstances and preferences. This flexibility ensures that the final settlement is better suited to their individual needs.

Preservation of Relationships: Especially important when children are involved, mediation helps maintain a healthy co-parenting relationship. By fostering cooperation, parents can create a more stable and supportive environment for their children.

The Mediation Process

Initial Consultation: Couples meet with a qualified mediator to discuss their situation, ensuring that mediation is a suitable option for them.

Sessions: The mediator facilitates discussions between the spouses, addressing issues such as property division, child custody, and support. The process is guided by the mediator’s expertise and ensures both parties’ concerns are heard.

Agreement Drafting: Once an agreement is reached, the mediator assists in drafting a legally binding document that outlines the terms of the divorce settlement.

Legal Review and Finalization: Each party may choose to have their respective attorneys review the agreement before finalizing the divorce.

Long Island Mediation Services provide a supportive and constructive alternative for couples navigating the complexities of divorce. By prioritizing open communication and mutual respect, mediation helps couples reach a more satisfactory resolution, allowing them to move forward with their lives.