Why Choose Divorce Mediation
Long Island Divorce Mediation believes in helping couples dissolve their marriage in a positive and cordial manner even when there is rancor. The result of mediation is a fair and equitable agreement that both parties can support. We understand many couples maintain a life-long relationship, especially if they have children. A primary goal of mediation is to establish the groundwork for positive communication in a post-divorce relationship.

Background
I mediated for 9 yrs. as President of my academic union.As Chair of a Campus Child Care Center I mediated issues between parents and staff.I trained at the NY Center for Family and Divorce Mediation and the Queens Mediation Center and then worked as a mediator in an ADR setting.I`ve had a private practice for 5 years.I am on the Board of Directors of the NYState Council on Divorce Mediation and am an Association for Conflict Resolution Advanced Practitioner as well as accredited by NYSCDM and FDMCGNY

What does the mediator do?
The mediator is a neutral person who helps the parties come to a settlement. Mediators use their skills to channel emotions during the mediation meetings, and help both parties to focus and move forward. Mediators ask clients to focus on the most important issues (such as the well-being of the children) and also points out hidden issues which the couple must resolve. The mediator facilitates the couple coming to an agreement. This agreement is then summarized in a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU"). An attorney then converts the MOU into a legal Separation Agreement. It is usually recommended that each party have a separate mediation-friendly attorney to review the Separation Agreement. The review attorney`s role is not to `rubber stamp` the agreement, but to read it on behalf of his/her client. At that point, one of the attorneys files the separation agreement with the courts.

Fees
Fees are $200/hour and are paid at each mediation session. There is an additional $600 charge for preparing the Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU). While there is no guarantee about time, the typical mediation where children are involved costs about $1,300 including the MOU. Preparation of legal documents and filing of separation and divorce papers are done by attorneys, who bill separately. We have a list of Mediation Friendly reasonably priced attorneys who are familiar with the mediation process. .