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Putterman Legal

New Jersey Mediation Lawyer

Mediation Can Be a Great Way to Resolve Family Disputes

At Putterman Legal, our Atlantic County mediation lawyers have the skills and experience that you can trust. Our approach is inspired by the principles of Berner Law, emphasizing mediation, amicable resolutions, and alternative dispute resolution methods. We are committed to helping our clients find amicable, low-conflict, and cost-effective solutions whenever possible, including guiding them through the divorce mediation process and the divorce process. If you have any questions about divorce mediation, child custody mediation, the divorce mediation process, or family law mediation more generally, we are here to help. Contact us today for a fully confidential consultation with a top New Jersey family law attorney to initiate the mediation process.

Understanding Family Mediation in New Jersey

Mediation is a cooperative, non-adversarial process that is designed to help parties to a dispute find a solution. It can be a great option for family law cases (divorce, child custody, etc) because these are sensitive matters in which people often want to try to preserve relationships and avoid serious conflict. Family mediation in New Jersey is typically a voluntary and confidential process. New Jersey courts often encourage or even require mediation for certain issues, especially those involving children. Mediation offers a less adversarial, more cost-effective, and private alternative to litigation. It can reduce emotional stress and give families more control over the outcome of their case. Over the course of mediation sessions, parties benefit from confidentiality and focused settlement negotiations without court involvement. Here are some key features of family mediation in New Jersey:

  • Court-Connected Mediation for Custody Cases: Courts may encourage but will not require mediation for a divorce if the couple does not have minor children. However, New Jersey often requires parents to participate in court-connected mediation. The session is usually free and focuses on parenting arrangements rather than financial issues.
  • Mediator is Neutral and Does Not Make Decisions: The mediator does not take sides or offer legal advice. Instead, their role is to guide the conversation and help identify common ground. Parties are encouraged to consult their own attorneys before finalizing any agreement. To be clear, the mediator never makes the final decision on their own.
  • Confidential Process: What is said during mediation cannot be used later in court, unless both parties agree otherwise. The confidentiality allows for honest and open discussions. It encourages problem-solving without the fear of legal repercussions from the conversation itself. Mediation can help families preserve their privacy in sensitive situations.
  • Mediation Can Result in a Binding Agreement: Although mediation is non-binding in family cases, the outcome can absolutely be legally binding. If the parties reach consensus, their agreement can be put into writing and submitted to the court. Once approved by a judge, it becomes a binding court order.

Benefits of Mediation

Mediation offers numerous benefits for individuals and families navigating the complex and often difficult process of divorce. By choosing mediation, couples can work together with a neutral third-party mediator to resolve disputes and reach a mutually beneficial settlement. This collaborative approach to dispute resolution is particularly important in family law matters, where the well-being of children and other family members is a top priority.

One of the primary advantages of mediation is its ability to provide a comfortable and supportive environment for couples to discuss sensitive issues, such as child support, alimony, and the division of assets. Mediation also allows parties to take an active role in the divorce process, working together to find a resolution that meets their unique needs and circumstances. This approach can be especially helpful in cases where couples have complex assets or multiple properties to divide.

In addition to its practical benefits, mediation can also provide emotional support and comfort during a difficult time. By working with a compassionate and experienced mediator, couples can navigate the challenges of divorce with greater ease and understanding. Mediation can also help to preserve relationships between family members, which is essential for co-parenting and maintaining a sense of stability for children.

The Benefits of Choosing Divorce Mediation in New Jersey

New Jersey divorce mediators, such as those at our firm, specialize in providing expert guidance and support throughout the mediation process. Our team of experienced mediators is dedicated to helping couples resolve disputes in a fair, efficient, and respectful manner. We understand that every case is unique and requires a personalized approach, which is why we offer flexible scheduling and a range of mediation services to meet the needs of our clients.

By choosing mediation, couples can avoid the stress and expense of litigation, which can be a lengthy and costly process. Mediation can also provide a sense of control and empowerment, allowing parties to take an active role in shaping their future and resolving disputes in a way that works for everyone involved. Our mediation services are designed to be collaborative, compassionate, and comprehensive, providing couples with the support and guidance they need to navigate the divorce process with confidence and clarity.

In New Jersey, mediation is recognized as a valuable alternative dispute resolution process, one that can help couples resolve disputes in a fair, efficient, and respectful manner. By working with a qualified New Jersey divorce mediator, couples can find a resolution that meets their unique needs and circumstances, while also preserving relationships and promoting a sense of understanding and respect. Whether you are seeking to resolve disputes related to child support, alimony, or the division of assets, our team of experienced mediators is here to provide expert guidance and support every step of the way.

How New Jersey Family Mediation Attorney Bonnie Putterman Can Help

If you are considering mediation to resolve a family law issue in an amicable manner, you need experienced legal representation. The right counsel can help you work towards a mutually agreeable resolution that effectively protects your best interests. Our founder Bonnie Putterman is a top New Jersey mediation attorney. We have a record of client testimonials and we are committed to personalized advocacy. Among other things, our Atlantic County family mediation lawyer will:

  • Conduct a confidential, comprehensive review of your case;
  • Help you gather supporting records and prepare for mediation;
  • Represent you on your behalf during family mediation proceedings; and
  • Develop a strategy focused on obtaining the best possible outcome.

Mediation in New Jersey: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is family mediation in New Jersey?

Simply stated, family mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third party helps you and the other party resolve legal issues. You can use it to address matters like divorce, child custody, parenting time, and property division. It is a collaborative, non-adversarial setting. Open talk and honest communication are essential during the mediation process to help both parties work through sensitive issues effectively.

Is mediation required in New Jersey family law cases?

It could be in the case of minor children being involved. In many child custody cases, New Jersey courts require early mediation. The court refers the case to the Custody and Parenting Time Mediation Program before scheduling a hearing. That step gives parents a chance to find common ground and reach agreement outside of court.

Can the mediator make a decision for us?

No, absolutely not. The mediator does not have the power to decide your case. The mediator guides the discussion but leaves the final decisions to you and the other party. A key point to know about family mediation in New Jersey is that it is non-binding.

Contact Our Atlantic County Family Mediation Services Lawyer Today

At Putterman Legal, our New Jersey family law mediation attorney is a compassionate, experienced advocate for clients. If you have questions about family mediation, we can help. Contact us today for a strictly confidential, no obligation case review at (609) 625-8383. Our firm provides family mediation services in Atlantic County and throughout New Jersey.

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