The divorce mediator is a professional in matrimonial matters but must remain neutral in order to facilitate a conversation between the parties and help them create their own separation/divorce agreement. In this capacity, the mediator cannot take sides or give advice to either party. However, there are times during the mediation process when parties may need advice from other professionals.
The mediator will provide information such as:
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What the child support calculations are in New York State
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The differences between marital and separate property
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Possible tax consequences to investigate before making final decisions on divisions of assets
For specific advice to one or the other party or for help on other questions outside of his field, the mediator will be more than happy to refer the parties to appropriate professionals before, during or at the end of the process. Some of these professionals include but are not limited to:
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Attorneys for legal advice
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Financial advisors to supplement the work done in mediation in reallocation of financial assets as well as investing the assets, taking into account the present and future needs of each party
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Tax advisors who will calculate the tax consequences of sale or transfer of some properties
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Forensic accountants to evaluate businesses, establish value of intellectual property or professional degrees obtained during the marriage
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Child psychologists to help the children navigate the difficult transitions during their parents’ divorce
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Individual therapists for emotional support to either party
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Family therapists
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Coaches who may give support during the mediation process, and in the reorganization of life post divorce
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Real estate agents who can evaluate presently owned property, and help sell, purchase or rent property
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Interior designers who can help families remaining in the same house or moving to a new place, redesign space, or deal with renovations both large and small
While you are navigating these difficult times, do not hesitate to ask your mediator for recommendations of professionals that you may wish to contact for advice. In my next few blogs, I will interview some of these professionals to give you an idea of how they can be of help.
Do you know a friend or colleague whom you feel would find this article relevant? Please feel free to forward this article to them.
If you have any questions or concerns about Mediation,
or would like to schedule a no fee mediation consultation ,
please don’t hesitate to contact me today!
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Jennifer Safian
divorce and family mediation
upper east side of manhattan (nyc)
new york, ny
(917) 881 5206
jpsafian@gmail.com
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Enormously helpful, informative, and insightful blog for divorcing clients! Looking forward to reading lots more about each suggestion!
I am a strong believer that as part of mediation, each party should at least consult with an attorney separately to insure that they are protected and understand their rights. It should make for a fairer mediation process; perhaps even permitting an exchange of information to help all concerned.
Your clients are extremely fortunate that you are a mediator with such a wealth of resources readily available and that you are attentive enough to their needs to recommend the appropriate referrals as soon as the need arises. Sharing the valuable information in this article is so important for all divorcing individuals, you are providing a phenomenal service.
Excellent advice for couples going through the divorce process!
In today’s world things can get complicated very quickly so having good professionals to help you sort things out makes life much easier.
While I agree with you that sometimes other professionals are needed, this is not always the case. I have mediated several divorces where everything has been resolved in our mediation sessions and there has been no need for any other professionals to become involved.