Mediation Is Having Its Moment in New Jersey Divorce Cases

Explore the Benefits of Mediation Before Heading to Court

If you're facing a divorce, you may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of lengthy court battles and mounting legal fees. Fortunately, Mediation offers a practical alternative that can help you resolve your case efficiently and amicably, making it the preferred option for many in New Jersey seeking solutions in their divorce.

Faster Resolution

One of the biggest advantages of Mediation is its speed. In most counties, the Court Calendars are booked out months in advance. Divorce cases can take 18 months or more from filing the Complaint until Final Judgment. By choosing Mediation, you can bypass these delays and start working toward a resolution right away, saving valuable time and reducing stress for everyone involved.

Cost-Effective

Mediation is typically much less expensive than traditional litigation. The reason is a matter of simple arithmetic. When a case goes to court, parties are prompted to undertake extensive discovery about every asset and issue. Documents are exchanged, depositions taken, experts are retained, and if the parties still haven’t settled, voluminous, time-consuming trial preparations must be completed before the judge hears opening statements from counsel. Each of these steps is work that takes time for which lawyers must be paid. Mediation streamlines the process, allowing clients to focus on the issues that matter most. In some mediated cases, parties agree to waive or forego certain issues in exchange for others. When this happens, litigants avoid the costs of unnecessary discovery on those settled terms.

Customized Process

Unlike the rigid structure of court proceedings and the limitations on the types of relief a judge can order, Mediation allows parties to tailor their Settlement Agreement to their specific needs and circumstances. Whether you need to address custody and parenting plans, asset division, buyout of a home or business, Mediation allows for flexibility and creativity in crafting unique solutions that work for you and your family.

Empowers Parties to Shape Their Own Resolution

Perhaps the most meaningful benefit of Mediation is the ability for parties to directly participate in designing their own futures. When individuals are actively involved in crafting the resolution, instead of passively waiting for a Judge to decide how to divide the accounts and how much time they will have with their children, those parties are more likely to comply with its terms, reducing the likelihood of future disputes and the need to return to Court.

While it may not be the best option for every family, for many, mediation offers a faster, more affordable, and personalized approach to resolving their divorce. It empowers couples to take control of the outcome and encourages lasting agreements. If you are considering filing for divorce in New Jersey, speak to the Law Offices of Jennifer M. Cornelius, Esq. about whether Mediation is the best path forward for your family.