Family First Divorce Mediation of NJ

04/14/2023

Here are some things to consider with teenagers when designing an effective parenting plan:

- Teenagers need to explore different activities and develop relationships outside of the family. Your plan should be flexible because activities may conflict with parenting time.

- Teenagers prefer to spend time with friends. Your plan should allow your teenager to have relationships and spend time with friends.

- Teenagers get busy with activities, jobs, friends and sports as they get older. Your plan should adapt to fit your teenager's schedule.

- Teenagers want independence and control over their own schedule. Your plan should take your teenager's wishes into account.

- As teenagers get older they may want to figure out parenting time by deciding with each parent. They may be resentful if parents ignore their wishes.

- Teenagers may have conflicts with parenting time because of their busy schedule. Parents can attend athletic, performance, academic and other activities to stay involved in the teenager's life.

Parents should communicate with each other about the teenager. Parents should discuss curfews, driving, dating, etc. to make sure there is consistency. You may want a provision in your plan about how the parents will communicate.

04/11/2023

Many ask - what is the role of a divorce mediator? A mediator is a neutral third party who helps divorcing couples work through the issues in their divorce and reach a mutually agreeable settlement. A few of the most important qualities to look for in a divorce mediator are the mediator's neutrality, ability to educate on the process, the challenges and the law, and a facilitator.

03/30/2023

Easter and Passover are around the corner. It may be your first holiday after a separation or divorce. It’s a time we’re supposed to feel joyful and happy. For people who are newly separated or divorced, the holidays shine a huge spotlight on what they’ve lost – a partner or spouse, a family unit, a familiar lifestyle, or life as they knew it.

Often people don’t know the best way to cope. Here are 5 practical ways to survive the holidays when you are recently separated or divorced:

03/30/2023

Principles of Mediation:
1. Impartiality/ Neutrality: Mediators do not take sides. Rather,
mediators work on behalf of both spouses.
2. Confidentiality: Mediation is confidential. Everything
discussed in mediation will be kept private.
3. Voluntariness: Clients choose to participate in mediation.
Mediation is only effective if spouses are invested in resolving
their issues together.
4. Self-Determination: Clients make their own decisions. Unlike
litigation or arbitration, the spouses make decisions, rather
than having an attorney or judge decide on their behalf.
5. Informed Consent: The mediator will work hard to ensure the
clients can make informed decisions.
www.ffdmnj.com

03/27/2023

Many people wonder, is divorce mediation legally binding? The simple answer is yes. Divorce mediation is binding as soon as both of the divorcing spouses sign their mediated divorce agreement. If you opt for divorce mediation, the contract you and your spouse negotiate throughout your mediation sessions will be a binding agreement on the same level as a divorce order drafted by a judge.

03/24/2023

Your divorce doesn't have to be catastrophic for your children. While divorce is a loss, it can bring positive changes to a family when handled well. If you and your ex work together for the best interests of your children, your divorce can provide potential growth for everyone.

03/22/2023

About Family First Divorce Mediation:

Family First Divorce Mediation of New Jersey is among the few divorce mediation practices in New Jersey led by attorneys that is solely dedicated to divorce mediation. We will provide you with all the resources you need ...

03/21/2023

Divorce mediation can be emotional and stressful. Here are some tips to achieve a successful mediation:

Child custody involves two basic concepts: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody relates to who will make the decisions regarding the important matters in a child's life, such as education, religious upbringi...

03/17/2023

TIP: Try to make the best use of your time in mediation by doing a few exercises prior to your initial mediation meeting. Consider the following:
- What would be an ideal outcome in mediation?
- If I don't reach my ideal outcome, what would is an acceptable outcome?
- What information should I gather before mediation?
- What will my future look like if we aren't able to settle in mediation?

Entering into your mediation with a plan will optimize a successful outcome. Plan ahead with the help of family, friends, your attorney, or other professional.

03/16/2023

Mediation v. Arbitration
Both mediation and arbitration involve a neutral third party who is not a judge. In mediation, the neutral party - the mediator - helps the spouses to negotiate an agreement and has no power to make decisions. In arbitration, the neutral third party - the arbitrator -listens to the facts and then decides the case. In mediation, the spouses have control over the final divorce settlement, whereas in arbitration- like in court- a third party decides the final terms of the divorce.

www.ffdmnj.com

03/16/2023

What is the Difference Between Court-Ordered and Private Mediation?
As its name implies, court-ordered mediation is conducted under the sponsorship of a court. It usually involves only child custody and visitation issues. Rarely are financial issues addressed in court-ordered mediation. There is often no fee charged for court-ordered mediation, whereas private mediators usually charge an hourly or per-session fee. The mediator in a court-sponsored program often makes a report to the court. Private mediation is usually confidential.

www.ffdmnj.com

03/16/2023

Why Divorce Mediation?

www.ffdmnj.com
Divorce mediation is a process in which a trained mediator works with both parties in a divorce to help them come to an agreement on issues such as child custody, property division, and spousal support. Unlike a traditional divorce, which is often adversarial and litigious, divorce mediation offers a more collaborative and cooperative approach to resolving disputes. There are several benefits to using divorce mediation, including:
Reduced conflict: Divorce mediation encourages open communication and collaboration between both parties, which can help reduce conflict and tension. Mediation can also help couples find common ground and work together towards a mutually acceptable solution, rather than having a judge impose a decision that may not be satisfactory to either party.
More control: Divorce mediation gives both parties more control over the outcome of their divorce. Rather than relying on a judge to make decisions for them, both parties can work together to create an agreement that meets their individual needs and priorities.
Cost-effective: Divorce mediation is often less expensive than a traditional divorce. Because the process is collaborative, it usually takes less time and involves fewer legal fees.
Confidentiality: Unlike a courtroom, which is open to the public, divorce mediation sessions are confidential. This means that both parties can speak openly and honestly without fear of public scrutiny.
Better for children: Divorce mediation can be particularly beneficial for children. By working together to create a custody and visitation agreement that works for everyone, parents can minimize the impact of the divorce on their children. Additionally, the collaborative nature of divorce mediation can help parents maintain a positive co-parenting relationship after.