New York Divorce Mediation

Divorce does not always have to mean prolonged conflict, mounting legal fees and decisions imposed by a court.

Through divorce mediation, couples work with a neutral mediator to identify the issues that must be resolved, exchange necessary information and develop an agreement that reflects their family’s circumstances.

At Roytberg Traum Law and Mediation, P.C.—the Good Law Firm—our attorney-mediators bring more than 30 years of family-law and dispute-resolution experience to the mediation process. We help couples address the legal, financial and parenting questions involved in separation and divorce with clarity, dignity and practical guidance.

We offer divorce mediation in person in Forest Hills, Manhattan and Nassau County, as well as through secure online meetings on Zoom or other online platforms.

To discuss whether mediation may be appropriate for your family, schedule a consultation, text 917-374-7475 or call 212-582-5757. https://www.goodlawfirm.com/attorney/schedule-appointment/

Mediation for Parents

Parents often choose mediation because it allows them to make decisions about their children themselves instead of asking a judge to decide.

A carefully developed parenting agreement may address:

– Regular parenting schedules
– Holidays and school vacations
– Education and extracurricular activities
– Medical and therapeutic decisions
– Transportation and communication
– Travel and relocation
– Introduction of new partners
– Methods for resolving future disagreements

The goal is not simply to complete the divorce. It is to establish practical arrangements that can support the children and reduce avoidable conflict between the parents.

High-Asset and Complex Divorce Mediation

Mediation is not limited to simple divorces.

With appropriate financial disclosure and professional support, mediation may be used to address real estate, closely held businesses, professional practices, executive compensation, retirement assets, separate-property claims and other sophisticated financial questions. We have decades of experience  in addressing division of real estate, cooperative apartments, vacation homes, investment properties and complex family portfolios.

Each spouse may also work with an independent lawyer, accountant, valuation professional or financial advisor while continuing to negotiate within the mediation process.

Russian-Speaking and Cross-Cultural Divorce Mediation

Alla Roytberg and Lara Traum are fluent in English and Russian and have extensive experience assisting immigrant, international and cross-cultural families.

Cultural expectations, language differences, religious traditions, property in other countries and relationships with extended family can strongly affect a separation. These considerations should be understood rather than treated as incidental.

Russian-language mediation and consultations are available when appropriate.

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Our approach combines legal experience with a commitment to helping families resolve conflict calmly, thoughtfully and efficiently.

At the Good Law Firm, we call this broader approach Life Cycle Law: helping individuals and families address legal needs in the context of their relationships, property, children and changing stages of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can one mediator work with both spouses?

Yes. A neutral mediator may facilitate discussions between both spouses. The mediator does not represent either spouse individually and cannot favor one participant over the other.

Can we mediate if we disagree about important issues?

Yes. Couples do not need to agree about everything before beginning. Resolving disagreements is one of the purposes of mediation. Both spouses must nevertheless be willing to participate in good faith.

Can we mediate if one of us already filed for divorce?

Often, yes. Mediation may take place before or after a court case is started, although the particular circumstances and procedural deadlines should be reviewed.

Are online mediation sessions available?

Yes. We offer online mediation for couples who prefer remote meetings or cannot conveniently attend the same office. In fact, most of our clients prefer mediation on Zoom or other online platforms.

Is mediation confidential?

Mediation is generally conducted as a private process, subject to the parties’ mediation agreement and applicable law. We explain the applicable confidentiality provisions before substantive mediation begins.

Can mediation address a jointly owned home or co-op?

Yes. The parties may consider a sale, transfer, refinancing, continued ownership or another arrangement. Alla Roytberg’s residential real estate experience can be particularly helpful in identifying the practical issues that require consideration, while maintaining the neutrality required of a mediator.

What happens if mediation does not resolve every issue?

Even when a complete agreement is not reached, mediation may narrow the disagreements. The parties can then consider negotiation through separate attorneys, collaborative law or litigation for the remaining issues.

Schedule a Divorce-Mediation Consultation

If you are considering separation or divorce, an initial conversation can help you understand whether mediation is a suitable option.  Roytberg Traum Law and Mediation, P.C. offers in-person and online appointments. Our offices serve clients in Forest Hills, Queens; Manhattan; and Nassau County. To contact us call our office at 212-582-5757, text Alla Roytberg at 917-374-7475 or schedule a consultation by clicking here. 
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Mediation Services

What Is Divorce Mediation?


If you are planning to file for a traditional litigated divorce or have already begun the court process, you may want to consider divorce mediation as an alternative. This is especially true if you would like to resolve your differences while maintaining a civilized, relationship with your partner. In fact, we believe that mediation should be your very first consideration when deciding how to separate or divorce.

In addition to reducing the emotional and financial costs of divorce, mediation can give you more control over the outcome. Decisions about custody, support and property are decided by you and your partner, not a judge who does not know your family’s needs. Family mediation also can be helpful for couples who are negotiating a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement.

 

 

  • What Issues Can Be Resolved in Mediation?
  • Depending upon the family’s circumstances, divorce mediation may address:

    – Parenting schedules and decision-making
    – Child support and children’s expenses
    – Spousal maintenance
    – Division of bank, investment and retirement accounts
    – Marital homes and other real estate
    – Businesses and professional practices
    – Debts and tax considerations
    – Health and life insurance
    – College and educational expenses
    – Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
    – The timing and terms of separation or divorce
    – Future methods for resolving disagreements

    Every family is different. The mediation process can be structured around the issues that are most important to you and your children.

How Does Divorce Mediation Work?

1. Initial consultation

We begin by explaining the mediation process and considering whether it appears suitable for your circumstances. Both spouses must be willing to participate and provide the information needed to make informed decisions.

2. Identifying the issues

The mediator helps the couple create an organized list of the parenting, financial, property and legal issues that must be resolved.

3. Gathering information

The parties identify and exchange relevant financial information, which may include tax returns, account statements, property information, budgets and retirement records.

4. Developing options

The mediator helps the parties examine possible solutions and consider their practical consequences. When specialized guidance is needed, the parties may consult independent attorneys, accountants, financial professionals, appraisers or child-development professionals.

5. Preparing an agreement

Once the couple reaches decisions, the agreed terms can be documented. Depending on the parties’ arrangement and applicable professional requirements, appropriate legal documents can then be prepared and reviewed.

6. Completing the divorce

After any appropriate independent legal review and execution of the agreement, the necessary papers may be submitted to the court to complete an uncontested divorce.

 

Do You Have More Questions

About Divorce mediation?

 

     Text Us: 917-374-7475

    Call Us: 212-582-5757

    Email:  aroytberg@goodlawfirm.com

     

     

    Do We Each Need Our Own Lawyer?

     

    A mediator must remain neutral and cannot serve as the individual advocate for either spouse.

    Each participant has the right to obtain independent legal advice. Some couples retain separate consulting attorneys throughout mediation. Others consult an independent attorney when particular questions arise or before signing the final agreement.

    We explain the distinction between neutral mediation, independent representation and legal-document preparation at the beginning of the process so that each participant understands the mediator’s role.

    How Much Does Divorce Mediation Cost?

    The total cost depends on the number and complexity of the issues, the amount of financial information involved, the degree of agreement between the spouses and the number of mediation sessions required.

    Mediation is frequently more economical than contested litigation because the parties share the mediator’s time and work toward a negotiated resolution. However, no particular cost or outcome can be guaranteed.

    Our fee structure, initial retainer and billing arrangements are explained before the mediation begins.

    How Long Does Divorce Mediation Take?

    The time required varies from family to family.

    Couples who have already gathered their financial information and agree on many major issues may progress relatively quickly. Matters involving businesses, valuable property, complicated compensation, significant disagreements or detailed parenting concerns generally require additional time.

    The spouses also control the pace. Sessions can be scheduled closely together or spaced apart to allow time to obtain records, consult advisors or consider proposals.

    Is Mediation Appropriate for Every Couple?

    Mediation can be effective when both participants are able to take part meaningfully, disclose relevant information and negotiate without coercion.

    It may not be appropriate—or may require safeguards—when there are concerns involving domestic violence, intimidation, hidden assets, serious substance misuse or an extreme imbalance in bargaining power.

    We consider process suitability carefully. When mediation is not the best option, we can explain other possibilities, including negotiated settlement, collaborative divorce, attorney consultation and court representation.