Long Island Family Law and Mediation Blog
Divorce is always a complex process, but sometimes having a certain level of control over how you approach the journey can make it a lot simpler to manage. For some couples, traditional litigation procedures may be the best, and most effective way to sever the ties created by a marriage.
However, many Chautauqua County couples can also benefit from alternative dispute resolution methods, like mediation. For years, divorce mediation has stood as an attractive solution to couples that want to streamline the divorce process, and avoid unnecessary stress.
Used correctly, it can even help some couples maintain amicable relationships at the end of their marriage, which can be a priority for those with children. When suitable, I often recommend mediation as an option for my clients, though I continue to work as a litigation attorney too.
I’ve seen plenty of evidence, as a divorce mediation lawyer, that meditation can make divorce proceedings less stressful, and more convenient for clients. The biggest challenge many clients have faced in the past, however, has been finding the right mediator for their needs.
Virtual Divorce Mediation in Chautauqua County
Situated on the westernmost point of New York state, Chautauqua County is a beautiful, historical region, home to more than 127,000 residents. It’s a significant place, believed to be the lone surviving remnant of the Erie language.
This region, just like any County in New York, is home to countless different couples and family dynamics, all with their own challenges, goals, and priorities to consider when it comes to navigating the divorce process. Unfortunately, while divorce mediators can come in many forms, and from various backgrounds, the number of options for Chautauqua County clients has been limited in the past.
The main reason for this is that traditional mediation sessions have often been held on a face-to-face basis, in comfortable offices where mediators can engage in in-depth conversations with clients. This meant couples were often limited to choosing mediators close to their home location, if they wanted to avoid long commutes and expensive fuel costs.
However, since the pandemic, the legal landscape has evolved, allowing mediators to connect with clients anywhere in their jurisdiction, using video conferencing platforms like Zoom. Mediators like me can now even e-file documents with the New York courts, meaning I can offer virtual mediation sessions to clients regardless of their location.
A Mediator with a Unique Perspective and Expertise
While some couples may still prefer to choose a local Chautauqua County mediator for their case, many of my clients from throughout Long Island and New York say they choose my virtual mediation services for a few key reasons. One of the unique advantages I can offer couples from Chautauqua County, is the experience that comes from a long background in family law.
While mediators don’t necessarily need to be lawyers or attorneys to offer their services, a knowledge of family law proceedings is often crucial. As an attorney with more than two decades of experience, I’ve developed an in-depth understanding of how the court rooms work in New York, how decisions are made, and the types of challenges my clients may face.
Soon after I was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1999, I’ve had a chance to work on the front lines of countless cases involving everything from equitable distribution agreements to child custody and parenting time arrangements. This experience means I can share unique perspectives with my clients throughout the mediation journey.
I can help couples understand how their decisions might be viewed from the perspectives of the courts, and guide them through the things they’ll need to consider. I can present these insights from an objective, yet professional viewpoint, which often helps to streamline the mediation process.
Flexible and Intuitive Virtual Mediation
Alongside my experience in the divorce and family law landscape, one other factor that sets me apart from other mediators, is my approach to serving my clients. I began offering mediation session to couples alongside standard litigation services soon after opening my own family law practice, following a transformative experience working with the Suffolk County Assigned Panel.
It was during this work that I discovered my passion for family law, and began honing my attention on clients in need of tailored support with cases ranging from divorce and separation agreements to orders of protection. For several years, I explored new ways to support my wide clientele, and discovered mediation as a valuable option for a wide range of couples.
Offering mediation services has given me an opportunity to support clients that want to minimize the amount of time they spend in court rooms and reduce the stress of litigation. To ensure I can help every Chautauqua County couple achieve the best outcomes, I’ve undergone extensive training, honing a range of techniques to facilitate effective sessions.
For instance, thanks to my experience as a family lawyer, I can use evaluative mediation strategies to share my insights with clients throughout mediation discussions, helping them to determine when agreements might be viewed unfavorably or favorably by the courts.
To help ensure both clients feel heard and respected during mediation proceedings, I use interest-based negotiation strategies, giving both clients the opportunity to express their priorities and voice their opinions. Additionally, with facilitative mediation techniques, like open-ended questioning, I can help to ensure each party understands the reasoning behind the other side’s concerns and decisions.
Flexible Mediation for Chautauqua County Couples
The ability to offer virtual mediation sessions to clients throughout Long Island and New York has allowed me to expand my services to a range of couples, even those who prefer to avoid longer commutes to my office in Jericho County. Whether couples choose to work with me on a face-to-face basis, or through virtual mediums, I offer the same consistent level of support and guidance.
For Chautauqua County residents, my virtual mediation services deliver an opportunity to access a unique professional who can guide them through the divorce process, from the comfort of their own home. If you believe that virtual mediation might be the right option for you and your partner, reach out to my office with any questions you might have.
You can contact us through the form on this website, or over the phone to arrange an initial consultation for yourself and your partner at a time that suits you. We look forward to helping you successfully navigate the divorce mediation process.