Skillful White Plains Lawyers Use Mediation to Resolve Conflicts

Westchester County firm helps divorcing spouses avoid costly litigation

Divorce is already difficult so couples considering ending their marriage often seek ways to reduce the time, cost and aggravation associated with the litigation process. When disagreements over dissolution terms can be resolved outside the courtroom, everyone usually benefits. The family lawyers at Carton & Rosoff PC in White Plains are committed to using methods such as mediation and collaborative divorce whenever possible to relieve the burden on clients. We are experienced in all types of alternative dispute resolution proceedings and can often help bridge the gap on matters such as alimony, custody and property division even when serious conflicts exist.

Advocates work to resolve dissolution terms before a neutral third party

Whether ordered by the court or initiated by the parties, mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process where a qualified, neutral third party helps couples negotiate their divorce terms outside of court. Using this method offers several possible advantages, such as:

• Cost savings — By avoiding litigation procedures and concentrating on the specific issues where the spouses disagree, couples can save money by working to reach consensus. The mediator is able to advise parties how a court might rule on certain conflicts under New York law so that money isn’t wasted on unnecessary conflicts.
• Privacy — Hashing out personal issues in open court can add more stress to an already difficult situation. Through mediation, you can work at your own pace, maintain your privacy and strive to reach a conclusion that both parties will support going forward.
• Well-being of the parties — Litigation is an inherently adversarial process, but mediation gives spouses a better chance to avoid the animosity often associated with a litigated separation or divorce. When warranted, financial and mental health professionals can provide guidance in a nonconfrontational manner.

Often, mediation leads to a binding agreement that forms the basis of a divorce order that can be formalized without the parties having to endure a contested trial. Working with an experienced mediator (usually an attorney) gives parties the ability to consider creative solutions that might not present themselves in court.

Experienced attorneys outline the collaborative divorce process

Collaborative divorce is a method of marriage dissolution where each spouse has an attorney and everyone teams up to resolve relevant issues. By sharing information and relying on professionals such as accountants and therapists where needed, the parties and attorneys pursue consensus on property division, custody, child support and alimony. At the outset of the proceeding, the parties and their attorneys execute a document where they agree to share information freely and cooperate in order to tackle differences that might exist. If this solution does not result in an agreement, the spouses can pursue a divorce through traditional litigation.

Contact a knowledgeable Westchester County attorney about family law mediation

Carton & Rosoff PC provides knowledgeable counsel to New York clients regarding the use of mediation to resolve divorce terms and other family law disputes. From our office in White Plains, we serve individuals in Westchester, Rockland, Dutchess and Putnam counties as well as New York City. To make an appointment for an initial consultation, please call 914-949-6700 or contact us online.