Long Island Family Law and Mediation Blog
For couples all across New York, and Long Island, divorce mediation services have emerged as a valuable, effective alternative to traditional litigation processes.
Although any divorce can be complicated to navigate, particularly when it involves complex decisions about parenting time, equitable distribution, and maintenance, I’ve found that divorce mediation can streamline the journey for many clients. It can reduce the need for individuals to regularly appear in court to argue their case, reduce the stress of the divorce experience, and even help to preserve positive relationships between partners going their separate ways.
In Jefferson County, New York, divorce mediation has long stood as an appealing option to many couples – yet the nature of traditional mediation processes, usually dependant on face-to-face, in-person interactions has limited the number of mediators clients could choose to work with in the past.
Now that family law attorneys and certified mediators like me can offer access to digital mediation sessions, hosted through platforms like Zoom, Jefferson County residents have more freedom than ever before. They can choose any mediator they want to work with – regardless of their location.
Here’s why you might consider choosing me as your virtual divorce mediator.
Virtual Divorce Mediation in Jefferson County
Located on the northern border of New York state, Jefferson County is one of the most historical locations in the region. Not only is it named after Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, but it’s home to the iconic Fort Drum, and Boldt castle.
With more than 116,000 residents as of the 2020 census, Jefferson County is brimming with a mix of different families and people from a wide range of backgrounds. Over 55% of the county’s population consists of married couples living together. While many of these couples will have successful, long-lasting relationships, there are plenty that may find themselves entrenched in the divorce process at some point during their lives.
For couples in search of a low-stress and streamlined way to start the next chapter in their lives, divorce mediation is a valuable option. There are dozens of trained mediators available to work with in Jefferson County, but not all of these “conveniently located” professionals will be right for every couple. This has presented a problem for some clients in the past since my office, geographically, is located in Nassau County New York.
After all, mediation sessions were traditionally always hosted face-to-face in dedicated office environments. If couples wanted to work with a divorce mediator from a different region (like me), they would have to weigh the pros and cons of potentially long journeys to and from an office space.
Now, however, the rise of intuitive e-filing systems for court documents, and platforms like Zoom that enable flexible, face-to-face video conferencing, is changing all that. Today, Jefferson County residents have the absolute freedom to choose any mediator that meets their needs, without having to worry about long and expensive travelling requirements.
An Experienced Family Lawyer and Divorce Mediator
Even though I’ve been limited in my ability to offer face-to-face mediation sessions to Jefferson County residents in the past, many couples have expressed a desire to work with me for numerous regions. My previous clients regularly commend my focus on delivering a bespoke, friendly service, regardless of the complexity of their case.
However, perhaps the most significant reason many couples choose me as their divorce mediator, is the unique experience I have in the legal landscape. While all divorce mediators need a knowledge of family law and how decisions are made in New York, they don’t need a background as an attorney.
Mediators approach their roles from a range of backgrounds, often working in therapeutic services, financial services, and other backgrounds. I began offering mediation services as a complement to my services as an experienced New York divorce and family law attorney.
Since I was admitted to the New York Bar in 1999, I have developed extensive experience in family law, supporting clients in cases related to equitable distribution, separation agreements, custody claims, parenting rights, child support, challenging indicated cases, family offense petitions and more.
This hands-on experience dealing with some of the most complicated aspects of the divorce process in litigated and negotiated cases gives me a unique advantage over other mediators. I understand the challenges that my clients face when they’re moving through difficult divorce proceedings, and can help them to better grasp how decisions are made in the court rooms.
This helps me act as an objective and knowledgeable guide through every stage of the divorce mediation process, ensuring couples make decisions and pen agreements that accelerate the path to a mutually beneficial resolution for both parties.
Offering a Bespoke Divorce Mediation Experience
Offering mediation services, alongside my standard services as a family law attorney, was a natural step for me as I progressed through my career. After discovering a passion and affinity for family law during my work with the Assigned Panel in Suffolk County which I was on during the early part of my career after establishing my own practice, I quickly decided to start taking on private clients and in 2008 moved the location of my firm to Nassau County. I currently am serving clients throughout Jericho, Nassau and Suffolk County Long Island, Queens, New York City and beyond, in various locales of New York State.
In 2012, thirteen years after being admitted to the New York State Bar, and onwards, I was focused on finding ways to better serve the varied needs of the clients I encountered. Mediation, as a proven and effective strategy for alternative dispute resolution, emerged as a valuable way to help more of my clients manage the divorce journey.
I began offering mediation services (after extensive training) to my clients in Jericho, Nassau County and Suffolk County several years ago, building on my skills over time. I use my background in the family law landscape to assist clients with evaluative mediation strategies, helping couples to understand how the courts work, and how decisions are made about everything from maintenance to parenting time rules.
I draw on my communication skills to introduce facilitative mediation techniques into discussions, helping to objectively drive the flow of valuable conversations. Open-ended questioning can even help couples to understand the core reasons behind conflicts and arguments.
Plus, with interest-based negotiation techniques, I always ensure that every client has an equal opportunity to express themselves and share their priorities. This ensures that both parties, whether they’re working with me over a virtual platform like Zoom, or in-person, feels they are getting the same level of fair treatment, support, and respect.
Flexible Digital Divorce Mediation in Jefferson County
Over the years, I’ve discovered that divorce mediation services can be an effective, and valuable alternative to traditional litigation. While mediation may not be the right option for every couple, I believe that every client should have the freedom to consider mediation as an option, and choose the mediator that’s right for their needs – regardless of their location.
Now that I can connect with clients all over the New York and Long Island region through channels like Zoom, I can deliver flexible mediation services to Jefferson County residents with ease. Any couple can choose to work with me as their mediator, without having to travel the distance to my office in Suffolk County.
If you believe that divorce mediation might be the right option for you, and you want to learn more about the virtual support I can offer, contact my office today. You can arrange an initial consultation with your partner, by Zoom or in office, and learn everything you need to know about the mediation process.
I look forward to helping you simplify and streamline your divorce journey.