Successfully Exiting a Marriage with Long Island Divorce Mediation Support

More couples deciding to end a difficult marriage are choosing alternative dispute resolution techniques like Divorce Mediation and Long Island family law specialists to help them navigate the process. In New York, couples have several non-traditional paths for marriage dissolution in addition to divorce mediation, among them a relatively new approach called Collaborative Divorce.

Divorce Mediation and Collaborative Family Law enable couples who want to terminate their marriage to work out their differences in an environment that is less structured and more relaxed. These alternative dispute resolution methods help divorcing couples on Long Island reach solutions without ever going to trial in a Nassau County or Suffolk County courtroom.

While there may not really be a “good divorce,” couples who make a commitment to control the vitriol and focus on strengthening post-marriage communication often find that adjusting to life after divorce is easier on everyone, including their children. When a marriage ends, poor communication impacts relationships inside and outside the immediate family. Friends, extended family members, creditors and employers are also directly affected.

Divorce mediation professionals seek to mitigate the negative impact by helping couples establish ground rules that encourage a tone of mutual dignity and respect even when the overarching emotions may be anger, fear and mistrust. Communication is instrumental and encouraged by attorneys who recognize the benefits of divorce mediation in Long Island marriage dissolution cases.

I. Understanding Long Island Divorce Mediation Goals

Even though the divorcing parties don’t go before a judge, it is critical that everyone understands the rules before signing a Participation Agreement. It is important to understand that a final solution is the main goal of divorce mediation. When divorcing spouses sign a Participation Agreement, they agree that should the process break down before a final agreement is reached, all lawyers and engaged professionals are precluded from transitioning from a divorce mediation model to a traditional divorce litigation model.

Lawyers and spouses must agree to be forthcoming and honest about all assets and liabilities. Before discussing spousal support and distribution of assets, each spouse must reveal budgetary needs and available income. Sharing these pieces of information is often difficult when one partner doesn’t trust the other, or when one spouse is afraid that divulging this information may open the door to burdensome demands.

Long Island divorce mediators and lawyers may recommend inviting other professionals to closed-door meeting. In mediation, a neutral accountant, child psychologists or educational consultant can help inform and educate spouses based on their experience or information gathered independently by interviewing children privately, reviewing tax and employment records or reviewing research on specific points of interest and concern. Along with specialists in divorce mediation, Long Island certified financial planner’s help individuals reach realistic agreements that ensure each new household is financially prepared to move forward.

Coaches and paraprofessionals encourage cooperation. Since the goal of divorce mediation is to reach a fair resolution for everyone, calling in a communication coach to assist with dialog may sometimes help. Coaches keep both parties focused on projecting a clear message aimed at reaching solutions and not trying to score points in the “best argument game.”

II. Successfully Exiting the Marriage

Traditional divorce litigation models, in particular contested divorces and cases involving abuse or endangerment, usually mean there are winners and losers when the judge issues the final decree of divorce.

While the idea of two warring spouses engaging in calm, productive conversations that lead to workable solutions for everyone is foreign to many people, the process saves time, money and frustration for those willing to participate.

Although it is likely neither spouse will exit the marriage with everything he or she originally expected, the negotiation process encourages a thorough exploration and dialog of important concerns in a framework that enables compromise without total surrender.

Collaborative Divorce and Divorce Mediation on Long Island typically ends with a win-win exit. Family law attorney Robert E. Hornberger, Esq. Says that by participating in divorce mediation, Long Island couples have access to proven communication techniques that help them settle their differences with open and honest communication, and not pursue confrontational legal remedies. It’s an option worth considering for your Long Island divorce.

For more information about Divorce Mediation Long Island and Divorce Mediation Nassau County Please visit: Divorce-longisland.com