In the months following the coronavirus pandemic, New Jersey has seen a significant increase in mediation cases, as opposed to litigated divorces. Though there may be several reasons for this, one of the most obvious is that largely, courts have remained closed. Furthermore, however, since many spouses have been locked down with one another all this time, they are looking for ways to keep conflict low, and even if they are resorting to divorce, they still wish to do so civilly, especially if children are also involved. Please continue reading and speak with our New Jersey divorce mediators to learn more about divorce mediation and whether it may be a good option for you. Here are some of the questions you may have regarding the mediation process:
Why would a couple consider divorce mediation over litigation?
There are several benefits of choosing mediation over litigation, including the following:
- Civility: A divorce mediator is an unbiased third-party that both you and your spouse appoint to help you sort out your divorce agreement through a productive and civil conversation.
- Commitment: Because both you and your spouse are agreeing to go through this process together, there is a level of commitment to making it work. Since you are both volunteering to show up, there is less of a chance that you will be so at odds with one another. This also makes the outcome easier for many spouses to accept.
- Privacy: Mediation is conducted outside of the courtroom setting, which not only makes for a less dramatic process, but also helps protect your privacy. While litigation becomes part of the public record, mediation does not.
- Cost-effectiveness: This is perhaps the number one reason spouses choose mediation over litigation. Simply put, in most cases, mediation will save you time, money, and stress.
What happens once my spouse and I reach a mediation agreement?
Once you and your spouse have reached an agreement regarding all divorce-related issues, your divorce mediator will then create a Memorandum of Understanding. This document finalizes the resolution of your divorce-related matters. From here, you will take the Memorandum to your attorney who will draft a Matrimonial Settlement Agreement. Once you sign the document, you and your spouse will proceed to court as an uncontested case, and, finally, you will obtain a Final Judgment of Divorce. If you have any additional questions or you believe mediation is right for you, simply give us a call today. We are here to help.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW JERSEY FIRM
If you require strong legal representation for matters of divorce and family law in New Jersey, contact The Law Offices of Paone, Zaleski & Murphy to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys today.
