What is the Difference Between Marriage Counseling and Divorce Mediation?
Divorce mediation is not marriage counseling.
Marriage counseling or couples therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps couples recognize and resolve conflicts and improve their relationships. Through marriage counseling,you can make thoughtful decisions about rebuilding your relationship or come to the realization that it is best to go separate ways. If the decision is to separate and divorce, divorce mediation provides a structured process where a neutral, trained, mediator helps you identify the issues that need to be covered in your separation agreement.
What Happens During Mediation?
We provide you with a private and safe environment to resolve difficult issues inherent in the dissolution of a marriage or domestic partnership, including the division of assets and debts, parenting arrangements, child support and spousal maintenance.
You control the pace and the content of the mediation. We, as professional mediators, ensure that your discussion and negotiation are constructive, fair, and focused on your needs. A neutral attorney in our group is available to finalize your legal documents.
We provide you with resources to help you make better decisions, e.g. research- based information on children's needs when their parents live apart. Other resources are available if you need them.
What Points Are Decided?
- Division of assets and debts
- Parenting arrangements
- Child support
- Spousal maintenance (alimony)
- Ways to avoid future problems
How Much Does It Cost?
Divorce mediation saves you money. Typically, it costs one-tenth (1/10)
to one-twentieth (1/20) of the cost of a litigated divorce with lawyers
in court. Divorce mediation is not a lengthy process. Only time in
mediation sessions and the preparation of your Memorandum of
Understanding are charged on an hourly basis. There is no up-front
retainer and no additional cost for administrative work, phone calls
and e-mails. Please call our office for our fee schedule.
Will I Need An Attorney?
At the conclusion of the mediation, the mediator prepares for you a Memorandum of Understanding which lists the outcomes of your negotiations. It is not a legal document, is not signed, but the negotiated terms will eventually be incorporated into your legal documents. We recommend that you have your own attorney review this Memorandum of Understanding prior to the drafting of your legal documents.
For an uncontested divorce, THE HUDSON VALLEY MEDIATORS offer a streamlined and cost effective option where a neutral attorney (retained by both of you) is available to prepare and file all legal documents.
How Long Does It Take?
It depends on the complexity of your situation. On average, a couple reaches agreement in about 6 to 8 hours. Based on your preference, weekly or bi-weekly sessions can be scheduled, each approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours in length.
What Are The Benefits of Divorce Mediation?
Divorce mediation
- allows you and your spouse to collaborate in creating an equitable settlement that takes both of your needs into consideration
- takes less time, so you can move on with your life
- is less costly, compared to a litigated divorce
- benefits the children by reducing conflict
- avoids public disclosure of financial and personal matters because negotiations take place in a private and confidential environment
- promotes communication and cooperation that are essential for effective co-parenting after the divorce
Come and meet us. Ask us questions.
Schedule a free consultation.
845-338-9638
