A Manhattan Divorce Mediation Lawyer Talks About Mediating or Litigating Your Divorce in NY

One of the most common questions I get asked by potential clients is if they should mediate or litigate their divorce.  Both options provide a different path to divorce and what is right for one person may not be right for the next person.  The point is to have a thorough understanding of what your divorce goals are and which option will drive those goals.  As a Manhattan divorce mediation lawyer with years of experience assisting couples divorce, I am equipped to guide my clients on the best option for them. 

 

 

What is Divorce Mediation?

 

Divorce Mediation is a divorce process that allows divorcing couples to resolve issues related to child custody and support, and other divorce matters with the assistance of a neutral third-party mediator. Some of the advantages of divorce mediation are that it is usually quicker than litigation, more cost-effective, more collaborative, and less stressful.

 

What is Divorce Litigation? 

 

Divorce litigation involves the court process, and a judge has the control to make decisions impacting your divorce.  This process can be more adversarial, stressful, and costlier than mediation, and sometimes it can also turn into a lengthy divorce. 

 

If your goal is to have a quick divorce and low-stress divorce, then it would be best to avoid litigation.   However, at times litigation is necessary when you have an uncooperative spouse who refuses to come to an agreement on divorce matters.

 

A Couple of Factors to Consider Before Deciding if Mediation or Litigation is Right for You

 

Do you have a good relationship with your spouse?  If you do, then you may be able to mediate your divorce.  On the other hand, if it is challenging to communicate with your spouse, then litigation may be more ideal.

 

What is involved in your divorce?  Consider factors such as children, multiple assets, splitting up a family business, and other complicated matters.  If you have many things that need to be sorted out during your divorce, litigation may be required to handle complex matters, however, in some instances collaborative divorce is an available option.

 

Do you want a quick divorce?  If one of your primary goals is to get out of the marriage as soon as possible so you can move on with your life, then you may want to consider mediation.

 

Are your finances tight?  A lengthy divorce in court can drag on for months or years and the longer it takes, the more expensive it will be to divorce.  If your finances are tight and you want a more cost-effective option for divorce, then divorce mediation may be worth exploring.

 

Are you and your spouse willing to compromise?  If the answer is no, then you may consider litigation, although you can attempt to seek the assistance of a Manhattan mediation attorney first to see if they can intervene and assist with coming to agreements on difficult aspects.  If a New York mediation lawyer can help with compromising, you may be able to forego litigation.

 

Still Confused About Which Option is Right for You?

 

Consult with Sabra Law Group today to speak to a Manhattan divorce mediation lawyer and understand the impact of each option and get your questions answered about the divorce process in New York.  Call Sabra Law Group today at (646) 472-7971.