Though I’m both a family law attorney and divorce mediator, I frequently recommend divorce mediation to couples for various reasons. It can help reduce the stress involved in the divorce journey, and even allow individuals to preserve amicable relationships with their former partners.
However, though divorce mediation is now common in New York, Long Island, and throughout the US, finding the right mediator hasn’t always been simple. Many Schenectady County residents, for instance, have long been restricted to local mediators, because mediations were traditionally hosted face-to-face. Fortunately, this is starting to change.
Since the pandemic, my Law and Mediation Office has implemented new processes that allow mediators like me to offer virtual mediation options to Schenectady County residents, and couples all over New York. Here’s your guide to the benefits of virtual mediation.
The Transformation of Virtual Divorce Mediation in Schenectady County
The historical region of Schenectady County in New York may not be as large as some other counties, but it’s brimming with cultural significance. Home to more than 158,000 people, the location’s name comes from the Mohawk people, who cultivated maize along the Mohawk river.
Today, Schenectady County is a place where anyone can find stunning architecture, incredible natural landscapes, and impressive tourist attractions. However, like any region, it’s also home to a range of couples and families, all with their own dynamics and challenges to overcome.
For the residents of Schenectady County that decide they need to end their marriage, divorce mediation has long stood as a valuable option for dispute resolution. Unfortunately, as mentioned above, the face-to-face nature of traditional sessions meant many couples were limited in their options of who to work with, based on their location.
Now, digital transformation in the legal sector means that mediators like me can offer Schenectady County couples the option to participate in sessions from the comfort of their own home, using channels like Zoom. Documents can even be e-filed with the courts, reducing the need for extensive travel and face-to-face interactions.
A Unique Approach to Divorce Mediation
The rise of virtual divorce mediation in Schenectady County ensures that couples can choose the right mediator for them based on their specific needs. They can assess different mediators based on their backgrounds, the techniques they use, and their expertise.
For many clients throughout Long Island and New York, I represent the ideal fit for their requirements. Not only am I familiar with various regions of New York, but my background in the legal landscape gives me a unique perspective I can bring to each session.
Although mediators don’t need to be lawyers or attorneys to support couples during a divorce process, my in-depth knowledge as a family lawyer has proven valuable to my clients. Years of experience guiding clients through cases involving equitable distribution, parenting time, child custody, and more means can provide useful insights to my clients.
Since I was initially admitted to the State Bar of New York in 1999, I’ve worked in various court room settings, on countless cases. Over the years, I’ve honed my focus on the unique nuances of family law, launching my own practice, following my transformative work with the Suffolk County Assigned Panel earlier in my career.
This unique knowledge and experience could identify me as an excellent source of support for many clients looking for behind-the-scenes knowledge and guidance. I can help couples understand how the courts make decisions about complex topics, and objectively guide them towards agreements more likely to be deemed fair by the court judges.
Delivering Exceptional Mediation Experiences
Since I decided to begin offering mediation services, alongside my standard services as a family law attorney, I’ve worked hard to ensure that every client and couple receives the best possible experience. Whether I’m serving Schenectady County residents virtually, or meeting with clients face-to-face, I prioritize the satisfaction and comfort of my clients.
For Schenectady County couples who choose virtual mediation, I can offer a convenient way to manage the divorce experience. We can work together to set a schedule for sessions that suit the needs of both parties in the couple. Throughout the journey, I’ll also implement various techniques and methodologies to facilitate more effective discussions and positive outcomes.
For instance, I might draw on my experience as a divorce attorney and family lawyer with evaluative mediation techniques, showing clients how their agreements are likely to be seen by the courts, to reduce the risk of unnecessary disruptions in court proceedings.
Often, I also find that facilitative mediation strategies, such as open-ended questioning, can help to keep conversations moving smoothly, helping individuals to uncover the reasons behind their priorities, objections, and concerns. Plus, interest-based negotiation strategies might be used to help ensure that both parties have equal opportunities to feel heard during discussions.
This combination of strategies ensures I can deliver experiences where everyone feels respected, understood, and comfortable, throughout the mediation process.
Straightforward Mediation for Schenectady County Couples
Though divorce mediation is often a less stressful and time-consuming process than litigation for many couples, there are challenges to overcome. Having an experienced and trained mediator that is also an experienced divorce and family law attorney can come in handy.
Couples should feel comfortable and confident with both their mediator, and the mediation process. Now that I have the opportunity to offer virtual divorce mediation services, I can offer Schenectady County residents another way to explore the benefits of mediation for themselves, without the need for long travel times and commutes.
If you’re looking for a flexible and convenient mediation experience, delivered by a friendly professional with experience in the family law industry, I could offer the ideal service for you.
You can contact my office to arrange an initial consultation with yourself and your partner at a time that suits you, either using the contact form on this website, or by calling us on (516) 333-6555.