Let’s Talk About The Benefits Of Mediation
As the New Jersey courts have become increasingly backlogged with divorce and other family law-related cases, the courts have placed greater emphasis on mediation, arbitration and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). ADR strategies take some of the pressure off the courts while affording couples an opportunity to sort out their divorce issues on their own.
The Courts Want You To Settle Your Case — We Can Help
At the law office of Patricia Ronayne, Esquire, P.C., our team has kept up with the shift toward ADR. We have years of experience mediating these issues and look to impart the value of ADR on our clients. Although there are numerous benefits to mediation and arbitration, we are still well-equipped to litigate if your interests can be better represented in court.
Whether you’re just starting to consider getting divorced or you have been planning to separate for a while and are gathering information, we can help you get the facts, make sense of your options, and guide you through so you can start living your life.
To help you get started, take a moment to review some of the benefits of mediation and ADR methods:
- You are in control: By working with your soon-to-be former spouse, the two of you can reach amicable agreements on how to divide property and assets, care for your children and pretty much resolve all other divorce-related matters. Mediation allows you to determine the outcome of your divorce; not the courts.
- Saving time means saving money: Divorce litigation can get expensive very quickly. Furthermore, the courts are incredibly backlogged. In some cases, litigation can take anywhere between one to five years. By resolving some or all your divorce issues through mediation, you can avoid the backlogged courts and get through your divorce quickly and quietly.
- Keep your private life private: In mediation, there is no formal discovery process. Furthermore, the issues you discuss remain private as there is no public record — something will exist if you choose to litigate.
- Creative solutions: A judge doesn’t know you, your spouse, your kids or the details of your life. However, that same judge has the power to make decisions regarding your divorce and essentially, how your future will play out. Through mediation, you can get creative and reach agreements that work for all parties.
- You don’t need to resolve every issue: Perhaps you and your partner can only agree on a few specific issues through mediation. That’s okay. It’s better to resolve a few matters outside the courts if possible. In some cases, if you can agree on a few simple matters, the ball starts rolling and you and your spouse can compromise on some of the tougher issues.
- The decision is nonbinding: In mediation, you are not bound by the determinations of a judge or mediator. You can revisit issues or if the mediation process is not working for you, we can outline an alternative course of action.
- Protect your kids: Divorces involving children can be particularly difficult. By mediating your divorce, you can spare your kids the potential bitterness and acrimony that they may be exposed to during a trial.
- You can mediate child custody: In the past, parents were unable to mediate their child custody arrangements. However, things have changed and parents can now reach amicable agreements on how to divide custody and develop a mutually agreeable parenting time schedule.
- Fewer post-decree modifications: Once the ink has dried on your divorce documents, that doesn’t mean you will never have to think about it again. For example, couples with young children may need to revise their custody and support arrangements as the kids grow older and their needs change. In most cases, couples who reach creative, personalized solutions through mediation require fewer post-judgment modifications.
Of course, each divorce, custody dispute or other family law matter is different. By working closely with our team of lawyers, you will have an opportunity to determine the best course of action for you and your family. If you have questions, we encourage you to call us, speak with an attorney and learn how we can help.
Over 25 Years Of Experience Serving Families Throughout New Jersey
Call 856-291-0335 to schedule a consultation at our office in Mount Laurel. We routinely work with clients throughout South Jersey in Gloucester, Burlington and Camden counties.