New Jersey Divorce Mediation Services
Cherry Hill matrimonial lawyer, Richard C. Klein, Esq., and our staff of New Jersey divorce lawyers provide the full range of family law legal services, including Mediation. Also called Alternative Dispute Resolution, mediation involves a collaborative effort on the part of both spouses or same-sex partners, facilitated through a mediator, to amicably resolve all issues pertaining to their divorce or dissolution, such as custody, parenting time, asset allocation, and child support. Our New Jersey mediation attorneys assist our clients throughout the process and increase the likelihood that all disputes will be resolved fairly and equitably between the parties.
The Divorce Mediation Process
The goal for a successful mediation is to identify, consider, and resolve the practical and legal issues that arise from a divorce or dissolution of a civil union. The parties must evaluate all the circumstances that a court might consider in resolving the marital issues and then develop their own resolutions and agreements, tailored to their own family’s particular needs and desires. The process requires that both spouses or same-sex partners actively and equally participate in reaching an agreement on the issues. Mediation is effective when both parties make a serious effort to keep the face-to-face conversations positive and productive.
However, mediation is not for everyone. It is usually only effective when both parties can focus on the issues rather than their emotions; when both parties are on speaking terms, and if both are willing to take responsibility for creating and honoring their separation agreement. Ideally there should also not be a significant power or financial imbalance in the marriage. In mediation, in order to avoid one partner taking advantage of the other, complete disclosure of financial information is encouraged, and necessary. Therefore, various independent professionals may be employed to help gain the information necessary to make fair and equitable decisions and to ensure the appropriate allocation of the marital assets.
The Benefits of Divorce Mediation
For some couples the benefits of divorce mediation may be significant:
- In most cases, it is far less expensive than traditional divorce procedures.
- It reduces the level of conflict, stress and anxiety.
- In the vast majority of cases, divorce through mediation is faster.
- Both spouses have greater control of the process and solution to relevant issues.
- Mediation tends to be easier on any children that may be involved.
The Role of New Jersey Divorce Mediation Lawyers
It is important to remember that mediation is not a substitute for the services of a qualified divorce attorney. Although many professional mediators are lawyers, the mediator in your case cannot give you or your spouse legal advice. You should seek independent legal advice and consult with your own attorney throughout the mediation process, not simply at the end. It is very important that you have counsel with whom you can ask questions, since it’s not the mediator’s job to explain the law to you. Your New Jersey divorce or dissolution lawyers should review any written agreements before you sign them to ensure that they fairly meet your needs and expectations.
Representing clients throughout New Jersey, including Mt. Laurel, Moorestown, Haddonfield, Cherry Hill, Medford and Voorhees, Richard C. Klein and his staff of New Jersey mediation lawyers have extensive experience in New Jersey alternative resolution procedures, providing legal assistance to many spouses and same-sex partners during their mediation process. Mr. Klein is recognized as a well-respected South Jersey mediation authority. With offices conveniently located throughout New Jersey, our divorce and dissolution lawyers are available to provide expert mediation assistance no matter where you reside in the State, including Camden, Burlington, Monmouth, Middlesex, Mercer, Hunterdon, Somerset, Gloucester, Ocean, Atlantic and Salem counties. Before you enter into mediation with your estranged spouse or same-sex partner, contact our offices to discuss how Mr. Klein or one of our other New Jersey divorce lawyers can assist you in the mediation process.
Richard C. Klein, ESQ.
Woodland Falls Corporate Center
220 East Lake Drive
Suite 102
Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08002
Toll Free: 888-763-4490 | Telephone: 856-779-8700 | Fax: 856-779-8716