Divorce Mediation

Divorce Mediation

Divorce Mediation

Divorce mediation is an alternative to litigation where divorcing spouses / partners hire a neutral third party called a "divorce mediator" who helps them reach a mutually satisfactory agreement involving division of assets and debt, and a comprehensive parenting plan, when needed.

Self Determination

Working together, you and your spouse / partner restructure your family, focusing on your needs and the best interests of your children.


The alternative is having a judge, who does not know you or your family, tell you what to do.

Positive Impact on Families

The mediation process helps couples alleviate anger and hostility often associated with separation and divorce by helping them focus on positive and effective communication.


The communication skills practiced during mediation may help reduce the trauma to your children, who tend to suffer less emotionally if their parents communicate effectively.

Saves Time & Money

Mediation is a finite process that results in a mutually acceptable agreement which allows couples to move on with their lives.


Litigation can drag on for years and can bankrupt a family. Mediation is much more affordable, and mediated divorces are typically resolved within 1 year.

Steps in Divorce Mediation

The divorce mediation process is a structured series of steps that begins with helping you determine whether mediation is right for you, and continues through the preparation of legal documents.

Free Consultation

Jonas Family Law offers a free consultation to discuss the mediation process, the divorce process in NY State,  whether divorce mediation is right for you.

Mediation Sessions

We conduct private divorce mediation sessions in a comfortable, non-confrontational environment.

Reach Agreement

Through collaboration, communication and cooperation, the mediator helps both parties reach a mutually satisfactory agreement. Documents are prepared to record the "Separation Agreement", which is later incorporated into the judgement of divorce.

Consult your Attorney

A divorce mediator is neutral third party that does not "take sides". We can describe the general parameters of matrimonial law but cannot give you legal advice. Each party is urged to consult their own attorney and have the documents reviewed before signing the Separation Agreement.

Sign the Agreement

Both parties sign the Separation Agreement to indicate acceptance. Once signed and notarized, the document become a legally binding contract.

Receive Final Documents

Jonas Family Law prepares all necessary legal documents to effect an uncontested divorce in New York State.

Decisions Made in Divorce Mediation

Parenting Decisions

  • Residency and Legal Custody
    • Sole or Joint Physical Custody
    • Primary Residential Custody
    • Sold or Joing Legal Custody
    • Spheres of Influence
  • Access or Visitation
    • Weekends
    • Weekdays
    • Holidays and Long Weekends
    • School Recesses
    • Summer Vacations
    • Birthdays: Yours and Theirs
    • Other Special Occasions
    • Notice of Changes
    • Expenses of Missed Times
    • Telephone Calls
  • Geographic Restrictions
    • Foreign Travel
    • Relocating with Children
  • Access to Records
    • Doctors, Dentists, etc.
    • Schools and Teachers
  • Notifications of…
    • Addresses and Phone Numbers
    • Illnesses and Accidents
    • Children's Whereabouts
  • Grandparents' Visitation

Support Decisions

  • Child Support
    • Basic Child Support:
    • Amount
    • Time of Payment
    • Amount of Reduction on Emancipation or Attending College
    • Emancipation: College, Marriage, Living Away, Employment
    • Cost of Living Adjustments
    • Add-Ons:
    • Child Care Expenses
    • Unreimbursed Medical Expenses
    • College or Private School Tuition
    • Summer Camp / Activities
    • Extracurricular Activities
  • Medical – Children
    • Who Provides Insurance?
    • Who Pays Premiums?
    • Who Pays Uncovered Expenses?
    • Decisions on Elective Procedures, including Orthodontia
    • Who Files for Insurance?
    • Dental, Prescriptions, Eyeglasses, Psychotherapy Expenses?
  • Medical – Spouse / Partner
    • During Divorce?
    • After Divorce?
    • COBRA Rights and Cooperation
  • Life Insurance
    • Purpose
    • Amount
    • Type
    • Beneficiary
    • Trustee for Children
    • Duration
  • Maintenance (formerly Alimony)
    • Amount
    • Time of Payment
    • Duration: Number of Years, Remarriage, Cohabitation
    • Cost of Living Adjustment

Equitable Distribution Decisions

  • Real Estate (House or other)
    • Who Occupies Until Sale?
    • Who Pays Expenses Until Sale? Mortgage, Taxes, Utilities, Insurance, Repairs
    • Terms of Sale: Timing, Selling Price, Division of Proceeds, Tax Escrow and Tax Adjustments, Option to Buy, Expenses of Sale, Capital Gains Tax
    • Buy-Out: Price, Payment Terms
    • Mortgage: Refinance
  • Retirement Funds
    • Valuation
    • Division of Value: Lump Sum, Pay-out, Both
    • Qualified Domestic Relations Order?
  • Assets
    • Checking Accounts
    • Savings Accounts
    • Pensions and Trusts
    • Securities
  • Debts and Liabilities
    • Who is to Pay
    • Credit Cards
    • Car Loans
    • Bank Loans
    • Student Loans
    • Pension Loans
    • Life Insurance Loans
  • Business and Self-Employment Assets
    • Valuation
    • Division of Value: Lump Sum, Pay-out, Both
  • All Other Personal Property
    • Cars
    • Boats
    • Jewelry
    • Collectibles
    • Household Furniture
    • Family Photographs

Other Decisions

  • Income Taxes
    • Exemptions for Children
    • Joint or Separate Return and Division of Refunds
    • Audits of Previous Returns and Payment of Deficiency
  • Future Disputes
    • Mediation
    • Arbitration
    • Legal Fees
  • Miscellaneous
    • Grounds for Divorce: Fault or No-Fault
    • Plaintiff: Husband or Wife?
    • Timing of Divorce
    • Religious Divorce
    • Wills
  • Documentation
    • Statement of Net Worth
    • Income Tax Returns
    • Pay Stubs
    • Bank Statements
    • Pension Statements
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