How Does the New Jersey Divorce Mediation Process Work?

readiness for divorce

Happy holidays! To our readers who are embarking on a divorce, or who are in the middle of the divorce storm, we wish you joy and peace this season. We hope that you have gotten some valuable information over the past few months from our series on using mediation to avoid divorce court backlogs.

We will be continuing this series today and into the new year. Last month we reviewed the basic divorce mediation process. Today, we are providing more details about the process, including information about caucuses, ground rules and confidentiality. Read more

The Divorce Mediation Process Step by Step

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Happy November! In this season of giving thanks, we can be grateful that the divorce mediation process is now available and accessible for so many people going through divorce. Divorce is never fun and is often one of the most difficult experiences of a person’s life. Facing litigation only makes things worse. Fortunately, mediation can help people avoid litigation. While not every divorcing couple can take advantage of mediation, most can. Read more

Issues to Address in Private Mediation

Divorcing couples sometimes wonder what kind of issues they can address in private mediation. The answer is that mediation is appropriate for any issue that you need to resolve to complete your divorce. Most couples start private mediation either before filing divorce papers or soon afterward, and most intend to resolve their entire case through mediation. Those who succeed can write up a marital settlement agreement and wrap up their divorce quickly. Those who come out of mediation with unresolved issues can take those issues to court. Read more

Court-ordered Mediation vs. Private Mediation

Welcome to another installment of our series on using mediation to avoid divorce court backlogs. Today we will discuss the differences between court-ordered mediation and private mediation.

Private mediation and court-ordered mediation have many similarities. Both processes help people resolve disputes in an informal and non-adversarial environment. In both cases, spouses typically attend mediation sessions together and negotiate with the help of a mediator. A divorce mediator is often an attorney. When acting as a mediator, however, the attorney is a neutral facilitator and does not represent either party or offer legal advice. The mediator will not make decisions for you but will help you communicate with each other and ensure that you stay on track. Read more

How Mediation Differs from Litigation

Welcome to the second topic in our new series about using mediation to avoid divorce court backlogs. Last month we started with an overview of exactly what divorce mediation is.  Today we will talk about the main differences between mediation and litigation. This information will help you understand why it makes sense for most divorcing couples to use mediation at some point during their divorce. Read more

Choosing Mediation to Avoid Divorce Court Backlogs

In recent months, backlogged divorce cases in New Jersey have clocked in at an all-time high of 5100. If you are stuck in this legal limbo, it might be time to consider “off ramping” your case into mediation. If you are just starting the divorce process, you can avoid the quagmire entirely by choosing mediation from the outset. You can even begin private mediation before either of you files for divorce. Read more

Do You Need a Divorce Coach?

Divorce Coach

Last month we talked about how couples counseling can be useful for spouses considering divorce. But what if you have already decided to divorce, and you feel overwhelmed? Should you find an individual therapist? Or could another kind of professional be more useful? While many attorneys are good listeners, attorneys do not generally have the right kind of training to provide the emotional support that is crucial for so many people going through divorce. Your attorney’s job is to protect your legal rights. But there is another alternative to traditional therapy. Today we are going to talk about divorce coaches, what they do, and how they differ from therapists and counselors. Read more

Should You Try Marriage Counseling Before Divorce Mediation?

marriage counseling

Was this month’s Valentine’s Day a wakeup call about the state of your marriage? And if so, what are your next steps? Is your first stop an attorney’s office or is it a therapist’s couch for marriage counseling?

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Preparing for Divorce in 2024

January is the month of New Year’s resolutions and a time when many people are looking for ways to renew their lives. For some, a fresh start includes moving forward with a divorce. Some people decide during the year that divorce is inevitable but wait for the close of the holiday season to finally make a move. Others see the writing on the wall after spending extended time together over the holidays. Whatever it is that has convinced you that this is the time, make sure you are truly ready before you file divorce papers. Here are a few steps to take first: Read more

May the Holidays Bring You Light and Hope

Once again, winter is here. The days have grown short, and the nights are cold. While most of us look forward to the light and cheer of the holidays, for those going through a divorce, light and cheer can feel like scarce commodities. Some people find themselves alone for the first time in years. Others have young children at home but struggle with figuring out how to afford the usual gifts and activities. If this sounds like you, remember that you are in the worst of it right now and better days are ahead. Read more