Mediation

A peaceful, cost-effective path to resolving family disputes.

Divorce and family disputes don’t always have to lead to lengthy, expensive court battles. Mediation offers a private, collaborative way to resolve conflict—saving time, money, and emotional stress.

At The Schreck Law Group, our experienced New York family law attorneys offer skilled mediation services to help clients reach fair, lasting agreements on matters like divorce, custody, child support, and more.

📞 Contact us today to learn how mediation can help you move forward with confidence and clarity.

💡 What Is Mediation in New York?

Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where a neutral third-party mediator helps separating couples resolve legal issues outside of court.

You—not a judge—stay in control of the decisions. Mediation is often used to address:

✔️ Divorce & separation settlements
✔️ Spousal support (alimony)
✔️ Child custody & parenting time
✔️ Child support agreements
✔️ Prenuptial/postnuptial agreements
✔️ Family disputes (e.g., co-parenting or blended family issues)

In many custody cases, New York courts encourage or require mediation before trial.

⚖️ Benefits of Mediation vs. Litigation

Mediation

Litigation

✅ Lower cost

❌ Higher legal fees

✅ Faster process

❌ Can take months or years

✅ Private & confidential

❌ Public court records

✅ Control over outcomes

❌ Judge makes the decisions

✅ Less stressful

❌ Often adversarial

Mediation is ideal when both parties are willing to cooperate and compromise—even if emotions are high.

🔍 How Mediation Works in New York

Step 1: Choose a Mediator

Select a trained and neutral family law mediator (many are also attorneys) to guide the discussion.

Step 2: Identify the Issues

The mediator helps the couple define what needs to be resolved:

• Division of marital property

• Child custody & parenting schedules

• Child support or spousal maintenance

• Debts and assets

Step 3: Discussion & Negotiation

Each party shares concerns and priorities. The mediator helps find common ground and propose fair compromises.

Step 4: Draft the Agreement

Once an agreement is reached, the mediator prepares a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). It can be reviewed by attorneys and submitted to the court for approval.

📜 Is Mediation Legally Binding?

Yes—once signed and approved by the court, a mediation agreement becomes a binding court order, enforceable like any other legal judgment.

❌ When Mediation May Not Be Appropriate

Mediation is not suitable in every situation. It may not work well if there is:

🚫 Domestic violence or threats
🚫 Significant power imbalance
🚫 Refusal to compromise
🚫 Hidden or undisclosed assets

In these cases, traditional litigation may be necessary to protect one or both parties.

🧾 How to Prepare for Mediation

Preparation leads to better outcomes. Before your mediation session:

✔️ Gather documents – Bank records, tax returns, deeds, debts
✔️ List priorities – Know your must-haves vs. what you’re willing to negotiate
✔️ Stay open-minded – Compromise is key to successful mediation
✔️ Get legal advice – A family law attorney can explain your rights before or during mediation

👩‍⚖️ Why Choose The Schreck Law Group for Mediation?

We offer more than just mediation—we offer legal clarity, compassionate guidance, and practical solutions.

Our Mediation Services Include:

✔️ Customized Strategy – We tailor the process to your unique needs and family dynamics
✔️ Skilled Facilitation – We promote respectful dialogue, even in high-conflict situations
✔️ Legal Oversight – Our attorneys ensure your agreement is complete, enforceable, and aligned with New York law
✔️ Efficient Results – Avoid long court delays and move forward with peace of mind

📞 Ready to Explore Mediation?

Mediation gives you the opportunity to control your outcome, preserve relationships, and protect your financial and emotional well-being.

Whether you’re navigating divorce, child custody, or financial issues, The Schreck Law Group can help you resolve disputes with dignity and direction.

🔗 Schedule a consultation now
💡 Have questions? Visit our FAQ page or browse our Insights for more information.