Amidst the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, society has changed and is continuing to do so. With "social distancing" recommendations and limitations on mass gatherings, various legal processes are being affected, including those involving family law matters.
As you may be experiencing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, courthouses in New York are pushing non-emergency matters into late May or June.
Because of this, various issues are impacted, including:
- Caring for children during COVID-19
- Divorce
- Custody
- Visitation
- Asset division
- Equitable Distribution
- Management of expenses while your matter is pending
Many of these are urgent matters that cannot wait for months to be resolved in court. Fortunately, there is a quicker, more effective alternative to the courtroom: mediation.
What Is Mediation?
Mediation is a process by which both parties involved in a family law matter come together and discuss issues and work to find a solution. Because these types of cases can often be stressful and emotional, a neutral third-party (a mediator) is also at the meeting. Their role is to help you and your spouse (or your child's other parent) to talk through areas of contention, discuss both your needs and wants, and resolve your family law matter.
The mediator does not make decisions for you or your spouse. Instead, they open up communication, keep your discussions on track, and offer possible solutions that may be agreeable to both parties. Understanding that the issue you and your spouse are involved in may have a contentious background, the mediator ensures that your conversation remains focused on the problem you're trying to solve.
What If I'm Already Involved in a Family Law Court Process?
You can retain mediation services even if you are engaged with legal counsel and amidst active court proceedings, provided that both litigants agree.
How Cohen Forman Barone Can Help
Because we are currently living in uncharted territory, with many of us limiting contact with others, it might seem challenging for you to resolve your family law matter promptly. At Cohen Forman Barone, we are mindful of current health and safety concerns. That is why we offer remote mediation services in New York City and the surrounding areas that can be done through our video conferencing platform.
Attorney Carla A. Barone and her staff are ready and prepared to help. Carla offers her compassion, insight, and over 20 years of divorce litigation experience to help mediate to resolve the issues surrounding your matrimonial conflict quickly and cost-effectively.
To discover how alternative dispute resolution can be effective, especially now, please call us at (212) 577-9314 or contact us online for a free consultation.