Mediation is How to Get a Divorce in NJ

As the owner and lead mediator of a New Jersey divorce mediation practice I can tell you based on the calls I receive that there is much confusion out there as to the best way to proceed with your divorce.   For some New Jersey couples who call us at Equitable Mediation Services aren’t even sure what we do or that divorce mediation is the best way to get a divorce in NJ.  Then there are those who call and are aware that divorce mediation is an option but think that a NJ divorce mediator (like an attorney) can be an advocate for one party or that party can come speak with me individually so I can learn more about their case (untrue).  Last we have those who have educated themselves about the divorce mediation process and understand that divorce mediation is a true collaborative divorce process in which both parties work together to come to an agreement that works for each of them and their children, when applicable.  But no matter where you stand on the education spectrum, the fact that you are reading this article tells me that you may be an excellent candidate for divorce mediation.   You see, the one thing that each of the clients of Equitable Mediation Services has in common is a willingness to bypass the adversarial legal system and use a NJ divorce mediator like myself to help them peacefully and amicably work through the four major tenants of their divorce: (1) parenting plans (2) equitable distribution of marital assets and liabilities (3) child support and (4) spousal support formerly known as alimony.

Now does that mean mediation is the path forward for all couples on how to get a divorce in NJ?  Sadly, no.  There will always be that one or two percent of the people who no matter how much you explain to them that their result in mediation is going to be superior to that of a result dragged through the adversarial legal system and watered down by warring lawyers taking sides and entrenching in their positions, will want to take their chances and go to court.  I guess it must be nice to have such a life that allows them to spend unlimited amounts of money and time to get a result that is less superior than to one that was mediated but alas, that is not my decision to make for them.  But if you’re like most couples seeking a divorce in NJ and want a say in determining your future, the please feel free to contact me and I will do my best to help you and your spouse come to agreements on each of the four main areas of divorce listed above and draft a Memorandum of Understanding that represents your goals and wishes for your future.  Not those of your attorneys, not those of a judge and not those of the courts. After all, it is your divorce, isn’t it?

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Joseph Dillon is a Professional Accredited Divorce Mediator in NJ and the owner of Equitable Mediation Services a New Jersey divorce mediation practice serving Somerset, Mercer, Middlesex, Essex, Morris, Monmouth and Hunterdon counties including the towns of Edison, Parsippany, East Brunswick, West Orange, Bridgewater, South Brunswick, Hillsborough, Livingston, Randolph, Maplewood, West Windsor, Summit, Plainsboro, Millburn, Morristown, Montgomery, Madison, Readington, Branchburg, Warren, Princeton, Metuchen, Lawrenceville, Pennington, Short Hills, Bernards, Bedminster, Colts Neck, Holmdel, Roseland, Montclair and surrounding areas.