Bergen County Divorce Mediation Lawyer

Nutley Office
187 Washington Ave, Suite 2F
Nutley, NJ 07110

Montclair Office
28 Valley Road, Suite 1
Montclair, NJ 07042

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Divorce Mediation Attorney in Bergen County, NJ

Ending a marriage can be hard on all parties involved. After years or decades of being together, built-up tensions can make simple arguments escalate into lengthy, costly litigation. A Bergen County divorce mediation lawyer can facilitate productive conversations between you and your spouse and can help avoid legal action.

About Shore 2 Shore Mediation

Our team at Shore 2 Shore Mediation has decades of combined experience aiding couples in Hackensack, Bergen County, and across Northern New Jersey with their divorce mediation cases. Managing Attorney Brad Micklin is an approved mediator under New Jersey Court Rule 1:40. He also serves as the Honorary Chairman of the State of New Jersey’s Business Council. 

What Is Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation is a process in which an attorney acts as a neutral third party who oversees conversations to keep them on topic and productive. With a statewide divorce rate of 2.2 per 1,000, one of the country’s lowest four states for first-time and remarried couples’ divorce rate, it still happens. With Bergen County’s 977,206 residents, divorce mediation can avoid drawn-out litigation at the Bergen County Justice Center, located at 10 Main Street, in Hackensack.

How Divorce Mediation Cases Work in New Jersey

Divorce mediation cases are flexible proceedings that differ on a case-by-case basis but follow a similar process. General guidelines for how divorce mediation cases work in New Jersey are listed below:

• Initiation. Mediation cases can be initiated at any point in a divorce. They may begin before filing, during an active divorce case, through a judge’s recommendation, or after litigation has already been filed as a final attempt to avoid a trial.
• Choosing a mediator. The first step to mediation is choosing the mediator. New Jersey divorce mediation law requires the chosen attorney to receive training and be court-approved under Court Rule 1:40 by the New Jersey Superior Courts. Schedule an initial consultation to assess potential lawyers for legal qualification, proven track record with similar cases, and demonstrable impartiality.
• Creating financial records. Before negotiations can begin, both parties must create a complete financial record. This involves collecting a total inventory of both marital and separate property, bank accounts, investments, life insurance policies, tax returns, and income sources. Effective mediation requires transparency between spouses.
• Establishing a framework. The first meetings with your mediator are dedicated to establishing the key issues in the separation. This can include general elements like property division or alimony, and specific points such as who gets what in the final agreement.
• Negotiations. Conversations about what each other wants are the main element in divorce mediation. These negotiations vary in length and intensity, with some situations requiring pauses until people can relax. The leading principles for discussions are communication, cooperation, and compromise. Collaboration is necessary for productive mediation.
• Creating an agreement. The penultimate step of divorce mediation is putting all elements of the agreement in writing. Before signing, both parties should carefully review the document with separate attorneys. 
• Submission to the court. The final step of mediation is court approval. Mediation agreements are private contracts that are not legally binding until a judge has reviewed them. Once the courts have endorsed the arrangement, the terms become enforceable, and mediation is over.

Common Divorce Mediation Mistakes to Avoid

Divorce mediation can be a sensitive process, with many New Jersey residents making similar mistakes at each stage. Common errors to avoid are listed below:

• Being combative just for the sake of “winning.”
• Failing to prepare financial documents.
• Getting overly emotional in discussions.
• Having unclear and confusing communication.
• Trying to make the mediator make final decisions.
• Acting stubbornly on minor issues.
• Agreeing to proposals without proper review.

FAQs

When Should You Speak With a Divorce Mediation Attorney?

You should speak with a divorce mediation attorney as early as possible in your marriage dissolution. The more time legal counsel has with your case can directly impact your chances to avoid litigation and court orders. Mediation can be a helpful tool at any point in divorce proceedings, whether it’s before filing paperwork, when communication breaks down between you and your spouse, your finances are complicated, or before signing a final agreement. 

How Much Does a Divorce Mediation Lawyer Cost in New Jersey?

How much your New Jersey divorce mediation lawyer costs depends on many variables, such as the complexity of the case and the level spouses cooperate. Cases involving arguments over one or two low-value items are typically cheaper than disagreements around real estate or financial accounts. In your initial consultation, your attorney can provide an estimate of your final legal bill using the specifics of your situation.  

What Is the Difference Between Divorce and Divorce Mediation Lawyers?

Divorce and divorce mediation lawyers may sound similar but have key differences in their roles in divorce proceedings. A divorce attorney focuses on representing only one party and advocating their interests. Divorce mediation attorneys act as an unbiased third party and focus on helping spouses resolve issues through open and honest conversations. 

In What Situations Should You Not Pursue Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation is a flexible and helpful process for many couples, but several situations may make it unwise. Scenarios where you may not want to go through mediation include marriages with a history of domestic violence, a major power imbalance in the relationship, or when one party refuses to cooperate. During your initial consultation, one of our attorneys can discuss your case and evaluate whether mediation could be beneficial.

Hire a Divorce Mediation Lawyer

Ending a marriage is never easy. Hire a divorce mediation lawyer to help you and your spouse navigate the process. Your Bergen County divorce mediation attorney can prevent expensive litigation and ease tensions. Shore 2 Shore Mediation can work to resolve disagreements, offer a third-party perspective with decades of mediating experience, and draft and file all necessary case documents. 

Speak With a Bergen County Divorce Mediation Lawyer Today

Brad Micklin and the team at Shore 2 Shore Mediation have years of experience handling high-tension and complex divorce matters. We can guide conversations as a neutral party and can find a deal that works for you and your spouse. 

Reach out and book your free initial consultation, where we can discuss challenges you face and strategies for resolving any disagreements. You may also visit our Nutley offices, located on Washington Avenue just north of Park Avenue, west of exit 9 of NJ-21, and east of Yanticaw Park.