Long Island Family Law and Mediation Blog
Litigation isn’t the only way to approach divorce in New York. In fact, many couples find that they prefer alternative dispute resolution options – particularly if they’re trying to avoid stressful courtroom appearances, or maintain amicable relationships for the sake of their children.
For residents of Putnam county, divorce mediation can be a convenient, collaborative way to make decisions at the end of a marriage. I’ve even seen situations where this process can save couples time, money, and heartache. The New York courts themselves even advocate for mediation – provided the circumstances are right. The only problem is finding the right mediator.
New York is home to at least hundreds of divorce mediators, all from different backgrounds and walks of life – but only a handful of those are local to Putnam county, and not every mediator you meet with is guaranteed to be the best option for your specific situation.
The good news is that virtual mediation offers a flexible alternative to working with a local professional – allowing couples to choose the support that resonates with them – regardless of location. Here’s why Putnam County residents might choose me as their virtual mediator.
Virtual Divorce Mediation in Putnam County
Bordered by Dutchess County, Connecticut, Westchester County, and the Hudson river, Putnam county is one of the most affluent counties in America, and among the most beautiful. Known for attractions like the Boscobel House and Gardens, and the incredible Lake Mahopac, this location attracts families and visitors from all over the country, and around the world.
But no county, regardless of its beauty and diversity, is immune to issues like divorce. When a marriage breaks down, Putnam county residents need to decide how they want to move forward. In the past, if they chose to pursue mediation, most couples would be limited to local professionals – or those within driving distance – limiting their options.
Fortunately, the legal landscape has shifted since the pandemic, enabling more flexibility and freedom for residents. Today, divorce mediators, and professionals like myself can offer virtual mediation sessions, hosted on channels like Zoom, to couples all throughout New York and Long Island.
Through these virtual sessions, couples can engage in comfortable, open and objective discussions about their future, without having to leave the comfort of their own homes. For many, it’s a simpler, less stressful way to make the next step towards a new era in their lives.
Divorce Mediation Support from an Experienced Attorney
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing the ideal divorce mediator. Divorce mediation professionals come from a range of backgrounds, and have a variety of different skills. For some couples, a local source of support may be the ideal option. However many parties find themselves searching further afield for something specific.
Ever since I began offering virtual divorce mediation services, building on the options I already offer for collaborative law, consultation, and standard litigation support, I’ve found that clients outside of my local area (Suffolk County) have approached me for various reasons. Some say that my personality helps to put them at ease, others appreciate my flexible approach.
One of the biggest things that sets me apart from other mediation professionals, however, is my history in family law. For more than two and a half decades now, I’ve been a bar-certified lawyer in New York, working on a wide range of cases ranging from separation agreements, to divorce, child custody cases, and even orders of protection.
I found a passion for family law while working with the Suffolk County Assigned Panel, early in my career – which eventually encouraged me to open by own office first in Suffolk County then in Nassau County, Long Island. Since then, I’ve been building on my services, exploring a wide range of options for clients with diverse needs.
Mediation emerged as an excellent opportunity for me to offer couples, first in Suffolk and Nassau County, access to an effective form of alternative dispute resolution. After seeing for myself how beneficial the process could be, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to begin offering virtual mediation sessions to couples in Putnam County and beyond, extending my services, and knowledge to anyone who might choose me as their mediator.
Putnam County Divorce Mediation Sessions Tailored to You
My unique blend of knowledge and skills means I’ve been able to address the various needs of different couples in a range of scenarios.
For instance, my experience in the family law landscape, dealing with both complex, and simple cases, means I can bring first-hand insights to evaluative mediation sessions. My knowledge of case law, and my background means I can often give my clients a unique view of how agreements and arguments might be viewed by the New York courts.
I’ve found that this objective, authentic guidance can often help couples to overcome hurdles throughout the mediation process, and make decisions that lead to positive outcomes for everyone involved. My experience working in various environments has also allowed me to develop numerous other skills relevant to mediation sessions.
I’ve learned how to guide couples through interest-based negotiation techniques, using patience, understanding, and friendly insights to help each party identify their priorities, understand their concerns, and hammer out complex issues. I’m committed to ensuring both parties feel respected and heard – throughout the entire journey.
Additionally, I’ve discovered communication strategies that help me to objectively drive discussions towards positive outcomes. Facilitative mediation techniques, for instance, like open-ended questions, help to clarify issues and encourage open, honest dialogue.
Whether I’m working with a couple face-to-face, or through a series of virtual sessions, I can use all of these techniques to customize the experience to their specific needs.
Flexible, Convenient and Simple Divorce Mediation
Every divorce is different. Some rely on litigation and the constant guidance of the court, others might require the input of various professionals and experts, and some can be handled through alternative dispute resolution strategies, like divorce mediation.
I believe the most important decision a couple can make, once they’ve chosen to explore mediation, is selecting a mediator they feel comfortable with, and confident in. Before, this wasn’t an easy process, as geographical limitations did create restrictions. Now, however, virtual mediation gives Putnam County residents the freedom to choose the mediator that appeals most to them.
If you believe that you would benefit from the support of a mediator with deep experience in family law, a friendly attitude, and a flexible approach, I might be the professional you’ve been searching for. If you’d like to learn more about virtual mediation services, my office is here to answer any questions you might have.
You can get in touch via the contact form on this website, or contact us over the phone to arrange an initial free consultation (up to 30 minutes) with yourself and your partner. I look forward to helping you take a positive step towards a brighter tomorrow.