What is a divorce mediation?

Divorce Mediation is a form of alternate dispute resolution in which the spouses jointly engage a neutral third-party (the Mediator) to navigate conversations toward resolution of all aspects of the divorce. Mediation can be utilized to resolve custody, support, equitable division of assets and all other details contained in a Marital Settlement Agreement.

Is mediation cheaper than a regular divorce?

Generally, yes, but there is no guarantee. The mediation lasts as long as it takes to reach a resolution, or until one or both parties backs out. Mediation is voluntary, so either party can quit the process at any time. The length of the mediation depends on the complexity of the issues and the willingness of the parties to compromise.

What do you charge for mediation?

I take a retainer which is based on the expected complexity of the case, and I bill by the hour. The longer it takes; the more time is billed from the initial retainer. This gives both sides an added incentive to work toward an amicable compromise.

What advantage do you offer over another mediator?

I have over two decades of experience in Family Law, which use to help the parties reach a fair and amicable resolution. If the parties get stuck, I will often suggest multiple ways to proceed so that the parties can discuss them and decide together what works best. Also, if the parties are on the verge of agreeing to something that may cause problems in the future, I will point out the problem and help them find a fair solution.

What happens at the end of the mediation?

If the parties are able to reach an agreement, I will either write the settlement agreement, or the parties can each retain their own attorneys to write the agreement. Once the settlement agreement is signed, the parties are able to obtain a judgment of divorce upon submission of the uncontested divorce paperwork.

Do I need to hire my own attorney?

Either party may hire an attorney at any stage of the proceedings to assist them. The attorney may stay in the background, simply assisting the party before or after each session, or in some cases, each party brings their own attorney to the mediation sessions.

Are there any other advantages to mediation?

Mediation gives the parties the chance to work cooperatively in a non-adversarial environment. When it works well and the parties are able to reach a series of compromises, they learn to communication and compromise with each other, even when they disagree. Most parties will continue to have interactions with the other long after the divorce is final. Mediation establishes a method of communication that is less likely to lead to future strife and litigation.

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New Jersey Divorce Mediation Attorney

End Your Marriage Amicably with Our NJ Divorce Mediator

Growing in popularity for its effectiveness and flexibility, divorce mediation is a viable option for many couples who are seeking to end their marriage. Divorce can be a difficult process, made more difficult by complicated court proceedings that last longer than is necessary, whereas both parties may want the divorce to end as quickly as possible so they can move on with their lives. Divorce mediation can allow for a timely and cost-effective end to your marriage.

In divorce mediation, you and your spouse will be able to communicate effectively by taking advantage of a process that is more conversation than conflict. Issues can be discussed, and resolutions can be decided on with the help of a neutral mediator who can facilitate this kind of atmosphere. If this is the route that you would like to take in dissolving your marriage, we encourage you to get in touch with an attorney at Konzelmann Law to act as your mediator or to advise you through the mediation process.

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Are you interested in divorce mediation? Contact the law office of

Konzelmann Law today to discuss your options, 201.771.6868

What Issues Will Be Decided in Divorce Mediation?

In order for you and your spouse to negotiate the provisions of your marital settlement agreement, a divorce mediator will be needed. You may be wondering why a mediator is required in these situations if the divorce is uncontested. Just because a divorce is uncontested doesn't mean that both parties are going to initially agree on every factor.

Over the course of several mediation sessions, the couple will decide:

How time with the children will be split up
How the marital property will be divided
How the couple’s debt will be divided
How much child support will be paid (if any)
How much alimony will be paid (if any)

If the couple is unable to agree on any of these factors or come to an amicable resolution, the divorce may become contested—meaning that these issues will need to be decided by a family law judge. For this reason, mediation is only recommended for couples who are willing to compromise and work together during the divorce process.

Role of the Mediator

The mediator’s role is to assist and guide each party towards a resolution to a family law or divorce matter. The mediator does not decide the outcome, nor do they take sides. They are neutral and unbiased, while creating an environment that is confidential and safe.

Some of the responsibilities of the mediator include:

Avoiding conflict of interests and declining mediation services if he or she cannot remain impartial
Making reasonable inquiries to determine potential conflicts
Maintaining confidentiality at all times
Asking additional questions that can help lead each party to amicable resolutions

Our mediator will offer creative solutions to your case, so that each side can come out feeling victorious. Call today for more information, we look forward to hearing from you.

How to Prepare for Mediation

Mediation can be very successful for those who make the effort. Coming prepared to your session, whether it be for divorce or a family matter, is essential to resolving your issues outside the courtroom.

Here are some recommendations on how you can prepare for your upcoming session:

If applicable, meet with your attorney prior to discussing anything. They will help guide you on the right path and put your best interests first.
Prepare a proposal for the opposing party so that your needs are transparent.
Be open to discussing your goals and priorities, while at the same time, open to negotiation from the other side.
If minor children are involved, suggest a parenting plan that highlights work schedules, school holidays, etc.
Prepare a list of questions/concerns for both the mediator and other party member.

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How Long Does Divorce Mediation Usually Take?

The short answer is: it depends. Each case, and every couple, is different. However, mediation usually takes a fraction of the time it would take to get through a contested divorce. In some cases, adversarial divorce proceedings can take years. Conversely, when a couple is willing to work together during mediation, it may be possible for an attorney to prepare the initial draft of their divorce agreement after three to five sessions. How long it takes is really up to the couple.

Is Divorce Mediation Required in New Jersey?

The state of New Jersey has put in place a system that requires all civil litigation to be mediated prior to going to court. This involves divorce cases as well. The intention of this change is to help reduce the backlog of people using the judiciary system. This system is called mandatory presumptive divorce mediation and highlights the importance of mediation for issues pertaining to divorce. While some cases may still make it through to court due to the complexity of the issues at hand, it will still help in the long run by alleviating the overcrowding.

Discuss Your Options with a Lawyer

At Konzelmann Law, we provide divorce mediation services that can help turn what seems to be a long and emotionally distressing time into something that is handled smoothly and quickly. We realize that both parties will not always agree, but this doesn't mean that the divorce has to move to the courtroom. Our mediation attorneys exist so that a reasonable agreement can be reached. If you think mediation is right for you, call an attorney at our firm.

Contact Konzlemann Law for a comprehensive divorce consultation at 201.771.6868

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Joan, Edgewater, NJ

Konzelmann Law has represented me for the past 3 years and I could not have managed without them. Danielle fought and ultimately won my child custody case for which I will be forever grateful. She always responds promptly to all of my questions/requests...no matter how big or small. I was extremely lucky to find wise counsel as well as someone to keep me grounded during some of the hardest times of my life. Thank you so much!

- Joan Thompson

John Marks, Fort Lee NJ

I went through a difficult and challenging divorce.
I got the help I needed at Konzelmann law. They were very helpful from the first meeting and walked me through this stressful time.

Danielle managed to settle my case in a way that I never believed would be possible.
I share joint custody with my son's mother, and I couldn't be happier and more grateful for this result!

- John Marks

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What to Expect During Divorce Mediation in New Jersey

March 12, 2019

Explore what to expect during divorce mediation in New Jersey. Learn how Konzelmann Law helps couples reach fair, lasting agreements without going to court.

What is a divorce mediation?

Divorce Mediation is a form of alternate dispute resolution in which the spouses jointly engage a neutral third-party (the Mediator) to navigate conversations toward resolution of all aspects of the divorce. Mediation can be utilized to resolve custody, support, equitable division of assets and all other details contained in a Marital Settlement Agreement.
Is mediation cheaper than a regular divorce?

Generally, yes, but there is no guarantee. The mediation lasts as long as it takes to reach a resolution, or until one or both parties backs out. Mediation is voluntary, so either party can quit the process at any time. The length of the mediation depends on the complexity of the issues and the willingness of the parties to compromise.
What do you charge for mediation?

I take a retainer which is based on the expected complexity of the case, and I bill by the hour. The longer it takes; the more time is billed from the initial retainer. This gives both sides an added incentive to work toward an amicable compromise.
What advantage do you offer over another mediator?

I have over two decades of experience in Family Law, which use to help the parties reach a fair and amicable resolution. If the parties get stuck, I will often suggest multiple ways to proceed so that the parties can discuss them and decide together what works best. Also, if the parties are on the verge of agreeing to something that may cause problems in the future, I will point out the problem and help them find a fair solution.
What happens at the end of the mediation?

If the parties are able to reach an agreement, I will either write the settlement agreement, or the parties can each retain their own attorneys to write the agreement. Once the settlement agreement is signed, the parties are able to obtain a judgment of divorce upon submission of the uncontested divorce paperwork.
Do I need to hire my own attorney?

Either party may hire an attorney at any stage of the proceedings to assist them. The attorney may stay in the background, simply assisting the party before or after each session, or in some cases, each party brings their own attorney to the mediation sessions.
Are there any other advantages to mediation?

Mediation gives the parties the chance to work cooperatively in a non-adversarial environment. When it works well and the parties are able to reach a series of compromises, they learn to communication and compromise with each other, even when they disagree. Most parties will continue to have interactions with the other long after the divorce is final. Mediation establishes a method of communication that is less likely to lead to future strife and litigation.

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