A divorce is a stressful time for the entire family. In Ocean County divorce mediation, couples must make many difficult decisions such as child custody and parenting time, property division, and alimony. Many people find it helpful to have a divorce lawyer by their side to help guide them through the process. An experienced Ocean County Divorce Resolution lawyer will understand your unique situation and provide you with the legal representation you need to reach a favorable resolution.
Our lawyers have all resided in the area and are intimately familiar with the court system in Ocean County. Divorce mediation is often the preferred method of resolving a marital dispute in New Jersey. This method is generally less expensive and quicker than a traditional litigation proceeding. Ocean County divorce mediation allows for a more amicable and collaborative approach to resolving disputes, which can be beneficial for all parties involved.
How Does the Process Begin?
In all divorce cases, the first step is filing a complaint with the court. One of our attorneys can assist with filing the complaint on your behalf, as well as serve it on your spouse. The defendant will then have the opportunity to file an answer or counterclaim for divorce. Ocean County divorce mediation may be an option at this stage, as it encourages both parties to work together to find solutions. Our office can also assist with filing the Case Information Statement (CIS) which provides significant financial information that will be used by the Court when deciding how to divide your assets.
It is important to keep in mind that there are strict deadlines to file, serve and respond to divorce-related documents. If you miss a deadline, your case may be dismissed. This is why we recommend that you hire a divorce attorney as soon as possible. Including Ocean County divorce mediation in your strategy can help streamline the process and reduce the risk of missed deadlines.
If your spouse and you are unable to come to an agreement on any major issues, including the division of your assets, you will need to go to trial. During a trial, each party will be allowed to testify and present evidence. Ocean County divorce mediation can be a viable alternative to avoid the stress and costs associated with a trial. The Judge will then make a final decision on the division of your property and other issues. A trial can be very costly, emotionally draining, and take a long time to complete. Our office does not typically recommend a trial unless there are no other alternatives.
Bed and Board Divorce
Sometimes, a couple may be ready for a divorce, but not sure they want to be officially married. The Family Law Judge can order a legal separation. This gives the parties a chance to work out their differences in the same setting as they would if they were going through a full divorce. If the parties are able to agree on all aspects of their case, such as child custody and support, property division, and alimony, the judge can convert the legal separation into an absolute divorce. Ocean County divorce mediation can also assist in these scenarios, helping parties reach an agreement that could lead to an absolute divorce. However, the parties cannot remarry until they obtain a real divorce.
In New Jersey, as well as many other states, Ocean County divorce mediation is often considered an alternative to traditional litigation. This is true for both the divorce process itself as well as divorce-related matters such as child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. The goal of the entire process is to reach an agreement that will allow the parties to complete their divorce and move on with their lives. In order to do so, spouses need to compromise, cooperate, and come up with creative solutions that work for all.
The court may refer a case to Ocean County divorce mediation at any time, whether the parties are in the midst of a divorce or are already well into the process. Attorneys and their clients are encouraged to consult with independent legal counsel throughout the mediation process, especially if there is a question of whether or not a particular course of action might be contrary to the client’s legal rights. Ocean County divorce mediation offers a collaborative environment where parties can openly discuss their issues.
During the mediation process, both parties are invited to present their sides of the story to the mediator. Ocean County divorce mediation facilitates a neutral setting where the mediator will then try to help both sides come up with solutions that work for everyone involved. This process can be a long and drawn-out one, so it is important that both spouses remain focused on the end result. If it is clear that an agreement cannot be reached, then the case will have to go to trial.
The benefits of Ocean County divorce mediation are many, but the main advantage is that it can be significantly less expensive than a full-blown divorce in the courts. In addition, Ocean County divorce mediation usually involves fewer emotional and psychological impacts for all involved, fostering a more amicable resolution.
It is also much quicker. While trials can last years, mediation typically takes only a few sessions to reach an agreement. The process can also be more private than a trial, which can be beneficial in cases involving children or sensitive issues. Ocean County divorce mediation also offers the discretion and confidentiality that many couples prefer.
A final benefit of mediation is that it can be more empowering for both spouses, especially in cases with children. In Ocean County divorce mediation, in a neutral setting, spouses can discuss their needs and negotiate in ways that would not be possible or acceptable in a traditional trial. The ability to create their own agreements allows the participants to be more likely to comply with them than agreements that are imposed by the court.
Divorce is often emotionally difficult and costly, particularly when there are children involved. Many people find that settling divorce issues in Ocean County divorce mediation can reduce the amount of fighting and legal fees. In addition, spouses can choose their own mediator and work out a solution that is best for them and their family. This is known as a negotiated settlement or a settlement agreement. In some cases, the judge may order a couple to mediate their custody or property issues. In other cases, couples will opt to pursue mediation on their own. In either case, our Ocean County Mediation Lawyers can provide the services needed to reach a mediated resolution that is in the best interests of the entire family.
The purpose of Ocean County divorce mediation is to resolve all marital issues outside of the courtroom, including the distribution of assets and debts, child custody, alimony, and support. It is important that both parties enter the Ocean County divorce mediation process willing to compromise and work together for the benefit of their children and themselves. If one party is not willing to do this, the case will have to be litigated in court, which can cause significant delays and increase costs.
Generally, a divorce mediation lasts anywhere from one to three sessions. During these sessions in Ocean County divorce mediation, the mediator helps the couple identify and analyze the issues, brainstorm solutions, and reach an agreement. It is helpful if both parties have their own attorney present for the mediation to provide legal advice and support throughout the process. Attorneys also help keep negotiations focused and productive by addressing the facts of the case and negotiating on behalf of their clients.
Once an agreement is reached in Ocean County divorce mediation, the mediator drafts a document that reflects any agreed-upon terms. The couple signs this document which becomes part of their final Judgment of Divorce. It is helpful for both parties to have their attorneys review the final agreement before signing.
If your case is referred to mediation by the court or you opt for Ocean County divorce mediation on your own, we can help you find and hire an experienced divorce mediator. Our mediators are experienced in all aspects of divorce and have undergone 40 hours of intensive training, with a focus on family law issues. Our lawyers can assist with the financial issues in a divorce, such as equitable division and alimony, and are also experienced in the custody aspects of a divorce, including child support and custody.
Our goal in Ocean County divorce mediation is to ensure that the process is as efficient and civil as possible. In order to do this, both parties must be willing to communicate in a constructive manner and negotiate with the help of an experienced mediator. We understand that this is a sensitive time in your life, which is why we are dedicated to providing the compassionate and effective representation necessary to resolve any issue you may face. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team of NJ divorce attorneys.
Straffi & Straffi Attorneys at Law
670 Commons Way, Toms River, NJ 08755, United States
(732) 341-3800