Mediation in Suffolk and Nassau Counties

Mediation is a sound way to help you and your spouse resolve disputed issues during a divorce. Child custody, spousal support, and the division of property can all be settled through a successful mediation, keeping you out of the courtroom and preventing financially and emotionally taxing litigation.

Divorce mediation is designed to allow an impartial attorney to work with both parties to negotiate an amicable resolution of all issues. Mediation is also a private process accomplished through a series of informal sessions at our office with Attorney Zimmer acting as the mediator.

This means your divorce issues will not be discussed in a public forum for others to hear. Mediation provides you with much more control over the resolution of the issues at hand. Instead of a judge deciding these matters, you will be working them out between you and your spouse.

The Benefits of Divorce Mediation

Litigation is an expensive and time-consuming process where your issues are publicly discussed in a court in front of a judge who will make the ultimate decisions regarding your family and your future. Using mediation to resolve your differences outside of court can save you time, money, and heartache. With mediation, you can:

• Avoid becoming embroiled in an adversarial divorce litigation process
• Take control of the decision-making process to find solutions based on your unique situation
• Avoid the time, stress, and cost of court
• Retain a cordial relationship with your spouse, which can be beneficial for your children
• Keep your private matters private

All mediation sessions are handled outside of the courtroom by a professional attorney who represents both parties impartially, providing unbiased advice and ideas on how to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Once those ideas are agreed upon by the divorcing parties, the mediator can draft a written settlement agreement that will act as your divorce stipulation.

How Long Does the Mediation Process Take?

Depending on the complexity of the issues, mediation can take as little as a few hours. In cases where complex issues are involved, the process can take significantly longer. During the mediation process, couples will resolve important issues related to child custody, spousal and child support, property division, and other complex matters.

Am I a Candidate for Mediation?

Only you and your spouse hold the answer to that question. Since mediation is a voluntary process, both parties must be willing to participate in the process and be committed to resolving their differences.

To help better determine if you are a good candidate for mediation, you and your spouse should both be able to answer “yes" to the following questions:

• Do you have the ability to compromise with your spouse to resolve our divorce issues?
• Can you keep an open mind and listen to the advice of a mediator?
• Are you able to put the needs of your child or children first?
• Is your focus on resolving difficult issues outside of court and are you not focused on "winning" at all costs?

If both you and your spouse answered "yes" to the above questions, then you are most likely a good candidate for mediation. Your next step is to call the Law Office Of Ronald S. Zimmer office for a FREE consultation.

Mediation, however, is not a viable solution for many families, as divorce proceedings can be volatile and complex. Necessary conditions to present good candidates for mediation include:

• Both spouses must agree to allow the other to communicate their needs, expectations, and wishes freely during the process
• Both spouses must agree to full financial disclosure
• Both parties must be entirely dedicated to doing everything in their power to negotiate their issues with a mediator outside of the courtroom

Is Mediation in NY Affordable?

Mediation is one of the most affordable ways to achieve a divorce. By using one impartial mediator, you do not have to appear in court, hire separate attorneys, and spend months (or even years) litigating in front of a judge in a public courtroom. Often, our office can do an entire mediation on a flat fee basis, and payment plans are available making your mediation even more affordable.

In the end, your mediated divorce will cost a fraction of a litigated divorce case, take far less time to complete, and will save your family from the emotional upheaval of a messy divorce. Additionally, you will send a message to your spouse and family that you want to put the needs of your family first by promoting a positive atmosphere through effective.

How Do I Get Started With Mediation?

All mediation starts with a frank conversation with your spouse. Our office provides a FREE consultation, which should include both spouses meeting with our attorney at the same time. At that consultation, you will learn valuable information about the mediation process and leave with all the information necessary to determine if the process is right for your situation.

Your divorce mediator is a trained matrimonial attorney and professional mediator. There are no issues too large or complex that we cannot deal with and find a mutually acceptable solution. We are highly trained and professional in this aspect of the law.