Divorce is a life-altering event that carries significant emotional, financial, and legal implications. When faced with the complexities of untangling a shared life, the immediate reaction may be to opt for traditional divorce litigation. However, there is another pathway that often goes under-considered: divorce mediation.
Mediation is less costly. It is often less stressful, and typically much less hostile. There are many reasons to consider divorce mediation on Long Island from strictly a personal level. Yet, in addition to these personal advantages, it also has legal advantages that make it preferable to litigation.
Divorce Mediation vs. Litigation – Legal Benefits
Every case is different, and as an experienced Long Island divorce lawyer that specializes in mediation, it is my role to discuss with you whether mediation is a good fit. Please contact us to discuss your case.
But many clients find that there are legal advantages avoiding litigation. These include, but are not limited to:
- Reduced Time to Agreement – Litigation can extend for months or even years, bogged down by court schedules, procedural necessities, and extended legal wrangling. Mediation can often resolve in a matter of weeks, depending on the complexity and the parties’ willingness to cooperate.
- Confidentiality – Statements made in a courtroom are considered potentially part of public record, as are the court dates themselves. As part of public record, information related to the court cases may become available to anyone that requests it, or it may be posted online. Mediation is typically not public record, allowing each party to share more openly without fear of breaching privacy.
- Flexibility – Divorce court has strict obligations that it has to enforce, with limited room for flexibility. Within mediation, flexible arrangements can be made. Both parties are able to develop customized plans that are more advantageous and comfortable for both parties.
These represent only a few of the many legal advantages of pursuing divorce mediation over litigation. Combined with the personal advantages and emotional ease, many people find that mediation is a far less costly, far more preferable approach to moving forward with a divorce.
Legally Binding and Fair: Divorce Mediation on Long Island
Divorce mediation is often preferred by clients to litigation, and the terms of the divorce that are brought on through mediation are legally binding and typically considered more fair to both parties. If you are interested in learning more about divorce mediation in NY, contact the Law Office of Gina Pellettieri, today.