Divorce mediation is a cost-effective and time saving process to utilize in what is an emotional and often contentious proceeding between parties. The mediation process can be utilized whether or not the parties are in the process of divorcing, contemplating divorce, or examining issues which remain or have arisen after their divorce.
For individuals considering divorce / family law mediation, it is essential they understand that the State of New Jersey does not require licensing or any type of certification for someone to become a mediator in private practice. Because of this, there are many mediators offering their services who lack the requisite background and specific knowledge of the important legal issues you are facing. When in this situation, it is important to select an experienced family law attorney and one who has been “approved to act as a mediator” by the New Jersey Supreme Court. To meet the Court standard for such qualification, a mediator must have completed a minimum of 40 hours in a Court-approved mediation course, possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, and have five years of professional experience in the field of expertise in which they are to conduct mediations.
Whether the issue is custody, time-sharing, alimony, child support, the distribution of property, investments or retirement accounts, or any other issue encountered in a divorce, a mediator who has the specialized training and experience is best equipped to assist the parties in resolving their differences. Some individuals find mediation to also be beneficial before they get married when they need to discuss and negotiate pre-nuptial agreements.
In my over thirty years of practicing divorce and family law, I have successfully mediated hundreds of matters to conclusion. I am a Court-approved mediator who urges litigants to consider the mediation process. One additional advantage to mediation with Lindabury is that we have experienced attorneys in the areas of tax, real estate and wills and estates who can provide information should the matter involve legal questions in any of these areas. For more information, please read the Divorce Mediation page on Lindabury’s website or contact me at (908) 233-6800.