When considering divorce, clients are usually familiar with going to court
and fighting. More and more clients are learning there are peaceful options
for divorce. These days, during consultations, clients ask me whether
they should “litigate” or “mediate.”
Sometimes, after answering their questions, I ask, “Do you want revenge
or a more peaceful approach?” Believe it or not, there are spouses
who want revenge. They only see “red”, and nothing is going
to change that. But for those open to a non-adversarial option, there
is a more positive and peaceful solution – it’s mediation.
Both paths, litigation and mediation lead to a divorce, but the intention
and the process are very different.
Litigation
Under the traditional system, imported from England originally, couples
went to court to obtain a divorce.
Each spouse hires his or her own "advocate," and they engage
in what is normally an adversarial process. The steps can include negotiation
between the attorneys. If or when this is not working, there is always
the threat of
"going to court," where a judge will make decisions about all
the issues, including custody and visitation, child support, spousal support,
and the division of property.
The court process is particularly daunting. It includes serving a summons
and complaint, an answer, and exchanging financial information and documents.
This exchange is called "discovery," and it is, in fact, a way to find
out the facts about the parties' finances. It can include subpoenas
served on banks, businesses and third parties. It may also include applications
made to the court for various types of relief, such as temporary child
and spousal support, interim custody, and counsel fees.
Once you get locked into the system, it is extremely hard to find your
way out. It is expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally draining. Ultimately,
it may be the only vehicle for warring couples of a certain ilk. In some
cases, I call this the vehicle used to “punish”. This path
is often attractive to spouses who want revenge, enjoy conflict, and seek
to maintain control over the other spouse.
Mediation
This path to divorce involves working with an unbiased mediator, usually
a lawyer, whose function it is to assist a couple in a peaceful process,
to make decisions together at and arrive at an agreement that is fair
to both. For people who have never experienced it, mediation is surprisingly
and stunningly effective. It is quick, inexpensive, and not
adversarial. It is a three-part process, consisting of the negotiations,
the preparation of an agreement, and preparation and submission of the
divorce documents to a judge for signature.
In the last decade, mediation has become the popular choice of many divorcing
couples, especially millennials. In fact, during the pandemic, while the
courts were closed, couples were calling and asking me questions about
mediation.
After living through the pandemic, and for some spouses in abusive relationships,
continuing to struggle in an unhappy marriage is no longer an option.
I have actually had intense phone consultations with spouses trying to
determine which path will be best. I have guided many of them on how to
safely discuss divorce, and how to introduce mediation as a positive,
less expensive alternative to going to court.
If you are thinking of divorcing and would like to discuss litigation or
mediation, call me. We can discuss the details of your marriage and select
the best path for you.
My consultations, which are free, are informative and comprehensive.
All our
FREE 1 HOUR CONSULTATIONS are conducted virtually to reduce risk.
We still have a few appointments available for this week.
I look forward to helping you.
Stay healthy and safe!
Warm regards,
Lois
Call New York Divorce Lawyer Lois M. Brenner, Esq. to schedule your free
consultation. 212.734.1551.