In the best interests of you and your children, you have decided to legally separate from your spouse. Thus far, the proceedings have not descended into acrimony and you would like to keep it that way if you can help it. But how do you do so? One way to divorce peacefully is to engage the services of a divorce mediator. If you need assistance determining if that is in your best interests, please read on, then contact an experienced Bohemia, NY divorce attorney to learn if divorce mediation is better than litigation in New York.
How much does it cost to conduct divorce mediation in New York?
The average cost of divorce mediation in the Empire State is between $4,000 to $8,000. That price range would include from 1 to 4 mediation sessions, the preparation of a settlement agreement and the cost to prepare and file the paperwork for a divorce. Conversely, the average cost of New York divorce litigation is about $17,100. However, it is much more complicated than that. Litigation could cost you up to $50,000 or more, especially if you have children or high net worth.
What happens during divorce mediation and what are its benefits?
Mediation occurs when you and your spouse elect a neutral person, i.e. the mediator, to discuss openly the issues involved in the divorce such as custody of the children and parenting time, child support, division and distribution of the marital property, and alimony. The sessions usually last two hours. After the initial session, the couple attends 1 to 4 one-and-a-half- to two-hour sessions in which the mediator will guide them to make their own decisions on how they wish to end their marriage.
By choosing divorce mediation instead of litigation, you increase the likelihood of a peaceful divorce. Such peaceful divorces offer the following benefits:
- Calmly discussing and deciding the terms of the divorce
- Divorcing without setting foot in court
- Keeping the costs of divorce as low as possible
How can a Suffolk County family law attorney help you?
As we have laid out, employing a divorce mediator can spare you from losing precious time and money. It can also prevent an undue rise in stress. If you think that you and your spouse can separate on more or less pleasant terms, then you should reach out to a skilled Suffolk County divorce attorney to discuss what you should do next. Our firm will inform you of your rights and responsibilities in this matter, as well as provide guidance as to the best course of conduct. Do not let yourself be unhappy. Give us a call today.
CONTACT OUR FIRM
Peter V. Mandi, Esq. is an experienced divorce and family law attorney located in Bohemia, New York. Our firm understands the impact a divorce can have on your life. If you require strong and dedicated legal representation in Long Island, New York, please do not hesitate to contact Peter V. Mandi & Associates, Inc. today.
