DO I  NEED AN ATTORNEY TO MEDIATE ?

   Separation and divorce is complicated and difficult, so it is strongly recommended that an attorney be consulted during the process.  What you do not need is to pay huge retainer fees or legal costs.  However, it is sometimes helpful to use an attorney to review the tentative terms of your agreement, between mediation sessions, and it is important to have your  attorney review your final agreement prior to signing it.

IS THE AGREEMENT I REACH IN MEDIATION BINDING?

   At Divorce and Family Mediation Center, Ms. Shartrand will draft a formal Separation or Opting-Out Agreement that is final and binding under New York State Law, once it is executed by the parties.  The parties do not have an agreement, however, until they receive their proposed Separation or Opting-Out Agreement in the mail from the Center, and they have had an opportunity for the Agreement to be reviewed by the attorney of their choosing.  Once it is approved and signed by both parties, the Agreement is filed in the county where you reside, and it becomes a final and binding Agreement between the parties.

IF I HAVE ALREADY COMMENCED DIVORCE LITIGATION, CAN I STILL MEDIATE?

   Yes! You can simply ask your attorneys and the Judge for some time to attempt mediation.  The Judge may then place the litigation on hold while you attend mediation sessions.  Once mediation is successfully completed, you can finalize the remainder of the divorce.  In fact, many couples reach a point of frustration where they have spent thousands of dollars in litigation and have not resolved their conflicts.  For those couples, mediation is sometimes quite successful in helping to move the divorce process along in a more positive manner.

MEDIATION

THE BETTER ALTERNATIVE

"Mediate Don't litigate"

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(518) 786-3900