Divorce Mediation
About Divorce Mediation
Divorce Mediation is the sensible and cost-effective approach to divorce. Take matters into your own hands through mediation. Do not leave your future or the future of your family in the hands of judges, attorneys and at the mercy of the courtroom calendar. During mediation, Elaine M. Camlet, Mediator-Attorney, acts as a neutral party helping couples and families achieve their goals, make their own decisions regarding separation and divorce and plan for their future instead of dwelling on the past.
The parties meet with Ms. Camlet, a neutral Mediator-Attorney, to discuss issues including, among other things, custody and parenting plans, support and maintenance, and division of assets. Once the parties have established a balanced and mutually beneficial arrangement, Ms. Camlet drafts their Settlement Agreement and, if necessary, finalizes the process for them by filing the necessary documentation to obtain a certified Judgment of Divorce.
Advantages of Divorce Mediation over Traditional Litigation
- Non-adversarial; Keeps conflict to a low or non-existent manner
- Children not involved; Protects children from high conflict situations
- Self-Governing on issues and time frames
- Confidential proceedings
- Cost Effective; Preserves family assets for the future
- Offers same safeguards and protections as a litigated matter
- Keeps decision-making power in the hands of the parties
- No courtrooms, No legal motions, No inflated legal fees
- No judges’ decisions regarding your future
- Most instances only 1-3 neutral professionals involved
Safeguards in Mediation
While mediation requires a cooperative spirit, the parties are still protected legally and financially by “safety nets” available throughout the process, the same safeguards available in litigated matters, without the high price. In mediation, the parties are free to retain their own attorney to consult with throughout the mediation process and/or review the Settlement Agreement when they have resolved all their issues. Depending on the circumstances, the parties may also retain therapists, financial advisors, forensic accountants, tax consultants, pension specialists and other professionals to assist in the process and provide protection for the parties while keeping them out of the court system.
The Process of Divorce Mediation – A Brief Summary
- Free Consultation with Neutral Mediator-Attorney
- 1 – 1 ½ hour Mediation Sessions (typically 3-5 sessions with Mediator-Attorney)
- Draft of Stipulation of Settlement Agreement/Separation Agreement (the “Agreement”)
- Review of Agreement by the parties & their own review attorneys/financial advisor(s) if any
- Finalize the Agreement – signed by the parties and notarized
- Parties live under the Agreement and/or File for Divorce
- Mediator-Attorney drafts Divorce Documents; signed by the parties and notarized
- Mediator-Attorney compiles the divorce packet and files with the appropriate Court
Free Divorce Mediation Consultation
We offer free half hour consultations for couples interested in learning more about divorce mediation. Please call 631.277.2161 to schedule an appointment.
For more information on divorce mediation, please visit the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation FAQ page.
Click to Contact Divorce Mediator Elaine M. Camlet, Esq. today.
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