Mediation: A Better Way To Resolve Family Law Disputes
Traditional litigation may not be the right choice for everyone. Mediation offers many families an affordable and efficient alternative. Laurie A. Bernstein is an established Essex County, New Jersey, family law attorney who zealously advocates on behalf of clients not only at trial, but also in alternative dispute resolution processes.
Find out if mediation could be a beneficial choice for you. Contact The Law Office of Laurie A. Bernstein, P.C., at 973-567-3591 to discuss your case with an attorney.
A Skilled Advocate And A Neutral Mediator
Conflicts between parties in a family law matter can be resolved and transactions concluded in a nonadversarial and cost-efficient manner with the right mediator at the helm.
For more than four decades, Ms. Bernstein has honed her strategic, tactical and legal skills to enable her to assist parties in reaching amicable resolutions to their cases through the mediation process as a mediator.
When serving as a mediator, Ms. Bernstein’s years of courtroom experience and superior negotiation skills have enabled her to assist parties in attempting to achieve their goals through the mediation process by putting their needs first and not the dispute. In her mediation practice, she refocuses the parties to work collaboratively and not in an adversarial manner. Her talent for analyzing issues and her use of creative solutions to help parties devise a road map for their future means they avoid the expense and turmoil of litigation.
Throughout the process, Ms. Bernstein works with parties to reach amicable resolutions that meet everyone’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions On Family Law Mediation
Family law mediation is an effective and constructive method for resolving disputes within families, especially during challenging times such as divorce or separation. Here are some of the questions Ms. Bernstein hears most frequently from her clients regarding family law mediation:
How does family law mediation work in New Jersey?
Family law mediation involves having a third-party neutral, or mediator, facilitate discussions between parties to reach mutually acceptable agreements. The steps usually involve:
- An initial consultation to assess suitability for mediation
- Joint sessions where parties discuss issues with the mediator’s guidance
- Identifying and prioritizing issues to be resolved
- Generating options for resolution
- Negotiating and reaching agreements on each issue
- Drafting a final agreement
- Review and signing of the agreement by both parties
Once agreements have been made, they can be submitted to the court for approval and incorporation into the final court order.
How much does mediation cost?
In New Jersey, mediators on the court roster will provide services at no cost for the first two hours.
Once the initial two hours of mediation have concluded, the costs for further sessions are borne by the parties involved.
During the mediation process, the mediator will notify the participants when the two-hour threshold has been reached. At that point, either party has the option to terminate the mediation. Should the mediation extend beyond the complimentary two hours, the court will determine the allocation of costs to cover the mediator’s fees.
How do you find a mediator?
The easiest way to find a family law mediator is through referrals. Other options include:
- Court roster: The New Jersey courts maintain a roster of qualified mediators who specialize in family law.
- County bar associations: Local bar associations often have directories of mediators in different practice areas, including family law.
- Marriage counselors: Your counselor or therapist may be able to refer you to someone with whom they’ve had positive experiences or who comes recommended by colleagues in the field.
The attorney at The Law Office of Laurie A. Bernstein, P.C., has extensive mediation experience that she can use to facilitate a better mediation process.
Contact An Essex County Family Law Mediator
To schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Essex County mediation attorney serving the central and northern counties of New Jersey, contact The Law Office of Laurie A. Bernstein, P.C., at 973-567-3591 or online.