Syracuse Mediation Lawyer

Divorce can be an extremely difficult process to go through.  Because emotions are running high, making mutual decisions with your former spouse can be challenging.   Thankfully, mediation allows divorcing spouses to work together with an unbiased, trained professional to discuss and resolve the aspects of their divorce.  Mediation is not always a reasonable option for divorcing couples.  It is, however, an avenue that parties should consider before diving into litigation.

If you and your partner decide to mediation the terms of the end of your marriage, consider enlisting the guidance of an experienced divorce attorney-mediator.  A Syracuse mediation attorney can facilitate this process and help ensure that the terms of your divorce are suitable and fair.

What May Mediation Resolve?

The mediation process will address all of the challenging aspects of a divorce.  By the end of a successful mediation, the couple will be able to file their documents with the court and officially part ways.  Mediation can help couples resolve the following matters:

• Division of marital assets
• Spousal support
• Custody agreements
• Child support

Parties unable to agree on these areas through mediation often spend months or years in court.  A Syracuse mediation attorney can help facilitate discussions and agreements that will address both parties’ needs.

No-Fault Divorce and Mediation

In New York, couples can file for either a “no-fault” or fault-based divorce.  Fault-based divorces are typically pursued because of allegations such as adultery, abandonment, cruel and inhumane treatment, or false imprisonment.  Mediation may not be the correct resolution if one or both parties wish to file for a fault-based divorce.

Syracuse mediation attorneys commonly help negotiate terms for “no-fault” divorces that come with little controversy.  In most scenarios, there is no advantage to filing a fault-based claim.  A party accusing the other of adultery will have to prove the infidelity in a court of law.

How Long Does Mediation Take?

Mediation will often take multiple sessions, especially if there are complicated issues at play.  For instance, a mediation process involving a couple that does not own or home or have children may be quick and straightforward.  In contrast, couples with significant marital assets and young children may require more time to reach satisfactory agreements.

The couple’s ability to compromise will also impact the amount of time needed to complete the mediation process.  If both parties are prepared to take part in the mediation, it should run smoothly.  Even if both parties work well together, it is wise to have a Syracuse mediation attorney review all documents to confirm that neither party is surrendering any rights or property to which they are entitled.

Dividing Property in Syracuse

In New York, property division intends to be equitable rather than strictly equal.  Before determining which partner will obtain what assets, they must decide which property is individual and which is shared.  Mediation could serve to facilitate this process, and a local attorney can help establish ownership of any outstanding property.

Manage Your Divorce with a Syracuse Mediation Attorney

If you believe you may be able to pursue a cooperative divorce process, contact a Syracuse mediation lawyer to learn more about your options.  Once you and your spouse agree on the aspects of your divorce, an attorney from our firm can review these terms and ensure they protect your best interests.  Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation.