For couples who want to terminate their marriage in a collaborative rather than adversarial way, divorce mediation is a viable alternative to litigation. It allows couples to reach their own terms and achieve a mutually satisfying settlement. It is far less expensive and time consuming than negotiations in which each party is represented by an attorney.
Divorces are overwhelming and involve complex issues. We understand how painful and daunting unraveling a marriage can be. Our job is to work with you to resolve issues, so that a final divorce settlement can be reached. Issues resolved in divorce mediation include:
- Equitable distribution of marital assets; i.e., the sale of a home, other real estate holdings, stock portfolios, etc.
- Equitable distribution of credit card debts, loans, mortgages. etc.
- Monthly and annual budgets
- Childcare issues, such as parenting schedules, school tuition, medical bills, etc.
- Maintenance and Child Support
- Medical Insurance
- Pensions and IRA’s
- Personal property
- Tax Planning
How Does Mediation Result in a Divorce Settlement?
Once the couple agrees that all matters have been resolved to both parties’ satisfaction, the mediator will write up a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). We recommend each person have a lawyer review this document, and changes can be made at that time. (Family and Marital Mediation Services will be happy to provide referrals from our roster of attorneys). The final MOA will be given to a neutral attorney who will draft it into a Stipulation of Settlement to be filed with the court. The court will then issue a Decree of Divorce.
For a free consultation contact:
Hal at hgessner@manhattanmediators.