The difference between mediation and hiring a divorce attorney is significant. In summary, a divorce attorney can file and obtain a divorce in New York, while a mediator cannot.
Mediation involves hiring a mediator to meet with both parties (usually simultaneously) during which the mediator attempts to bring the parties to a compromise. The mediator, can only assist the parties into signing a legal separation agreement – which is no longer the standard prerequisite in New York to obtaining a divorce. The mediator cannot give legal advice to the parties or inform them of their respective legal rights. The parties are therefore uninformed of their actual legal rights or entitlements. Oftentimes, the parties make deals that are not in their best interest and those deals are usually unchangeable.
A divorce is usually resolved with an attorney representing each party. If you and your spouse are not in agreement, the attorney can protect and/or enforce your rights by moving your matter into the court system, requesting the court to force your spouse to do something you are entitled to; but, that your spouse is refusing to do otherwise.
Overall, the mediation process is not cost effective or time saving. In fact, mediation typically costs three to six times more than a divorce attorney and takes substantially longer for results than simply hiring a divorce attorney for all your matrimonial needs.
New York Divorce Law is complicated so you should meet with an experienced divorce lawyer - even if you think your divorce will be easy or straightforward. The Underwood Law Firm is one of the few firms in the Syracuse area that offers free consultations on Divorce & Family Law so that everyone has an opportunity to speak with an experienced attorney about their case.
We have the experience to help guide you on your divorce. Our team will help you get the results you deserve.*
The Underwood Law Firm handles all aspects of family law including child custody, child support, separation, adoption and divorce cases in the following areas: Syracuse, Utica, Albany, Watertown, Oswego, Binghamton; Onondaga County and Madison County, including the towns, cities and villages of: Fayetteville, Manlius, DeWitt, Morrisville, Cicero, Liverpool, East Syracuse, Syracuse, Baldwinsville, Camillus, Clay, Fabius, Elbridge, Geddes, Jordan, Lafayette, Lysander, Marcellus, Minoa, North Syracuse, Otisco, Pompey, Salina, Skaneateles, Spafford, Tully, Van Buren, Eaton, Cazenovia, Canastota, Brewerton, Solvay, Central Square, Cato, Chittenango, Oneida and many other areas.
*Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
