Understanding Different Types of Divorce

Some couples choose to try to negotiate the terms of their divorce outside of court without each party hiring their own lawyer.  Instead, they sit down together with a neutral third party mediator for a number of sessions in the mediator’s office.  The mediator is trained to guide the parties through the issues that need to be addressed and resolved in order to prepare a final settlement agreement. Petroske Riezenman & Meyers has two certified Divorce Mediators on staff, Danielle N. Murray and Katelyn A. FitzMorris, who are also experienced divorce attorneys.  Our mediators can work with you to identify the issues in your case, explore and explain your options, and craft a settlement that works best for your family.

Read below to learn more about divorce mediation or call to speak to one of our experienced divorce attorneys for a free and confidential consultation. Our firm serves Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island with the knowledge, experience and trust to give you the best advice.

Suffolk County Matrimonial Mediation Program

Clients in Suffolk County have another avenue for divorce mediation, which is separate from the private out-of-court process described above.  In response to an overburdened court calendar, Suffolk County has created an in-house Matrimonial Mediation Program for pending contested divorce cases.  After your divorce is assigned to a judge, it is screened for referral to the program.  If the case is referred, both parties are required to attend the first mediation session, which is held in the courthouse.  Unlike the private out-of-court mediation process, in the court’s Matrimonial Mediation Program, the parties are encouraged to have their respective attorneys accompany them to the mediation, so they may continue to benefit from the advice of counsel.  The case then continues on a dual track of litigation and mediation, until the case is either settled or ready for trial.  Either party may opt out of the program after the first session.