Mediation vs. Arbitration Mediation is oftentimes confused with arbitration. In mediation, a mediator acts as a neutral third party to help the parties reach an amicable resolution. Put simply, a mediator helps facilitate a conversation between the parties. A mediator is not a judge or a jury and does not make a decision for the parties. However, in some instances, …
Using Mediation as a Dispute Resolution Forum
Mediation is a great option for people that want to take an active role in resolving their conflicts, rather than leaving it up to a third party like a judge. In mediation, both parties work with the assistance of a neutral evaluator of their choosing to develop a solution that appeals to everyone. Mediation has its advantages, many of which …
The 4-Step Divorce Mediation Process
It’s as easy as 1,2,3… 4! Okay, okay, divorce mediation isn’t always so “easy” but this document that I created demonstrates the 4 step process. Initial Consultation – this is where an initial consultation agreement and confidentiality agreement is signed and the mediation process is discussed Mediation Period – this could take a bit depending on the complexity of the …
New Jersey Agriculture Mediation Program Handbook
I have been on the New Jersey Agriculture Mediation Program Roster for the two years offered through the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. The program is free to agriculture producers. The program recently published a handbook that can be found online here. The handbook does a nice job explaining the types of disputes that can be mediated through the agriculture …
Looking to Start or Build a Family/Divorce Mediation Practice?
I have loved my family and divorce mediation part of my practice over the last few years. In particular, I strongly believe in the divorce mediation process. I recently met Justine Borer, a well-established family and divorce mediator in New York City, and she recommended her seminar titled “Practical Tips for Family and Divorce Mediators.” Although focused on the …
Mediating the Divorce Involving Livestock and Pets
I recently co-authored an article on divorce mediation with companion and farm animals along with Debra Vey Voda-Hamilton that was published in the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation‘s quarterly publication. You can find the history of The Report online here. I posted the article on my JD Supra page. I am a trained divorce mediator and am …
Mediator for the New York State Agriculture Mediation Program (NYSAMP)
Since completing the mediation apprenticeship program with the New York Peace Institute, my Community Dispute Resolution Center (“CDRC”) in Manhattan and Brooklyn, I have been admitted to the roster of mediators for the New York State Agriculture Mediation Program (“NYSAMP”). NYSAMP works with the CDRC’s in each country throughout New York to provide free mediation services for the New York …
Completion of Community Mediation Apprenticeship
As I noted in this post, I have been participating in the New York Peace Institute’s Community Mediation Apprenticeship Program. I started my journey in December 2011 by completing the 40-Hour Basic Mediation Training. I then started the 13 – week classroom portion of the apprenticeship in January 2012. New York Peace Institute has strict standards for its apprenticeship program …
The Collaborative Divorce – The Right Fit For You?
Collaborative law is an alternative to a lengthy, expensive, and adversarial litigation process. Couples, with the assistance of their attorneys (and sometimes other professionals), make joint decisions regarding the dissolution of their marriage. In order for the collaborative process to work, both the husband and wife must agree to work effectively together to reach goals that satisfy both parties. Trust …
Three Years and the Fun Keeps Coming…
Happy Third Year Anniversary to this blog! Seems like just yesterday I was writing this second year anniversary post. Time flies when you are having fun! It’s been an exciting third year of this blog. Here are a few highlights: 1. This law blog (“blawg”) made the American Bar Association’s (“ABA”) Top 100 Blawg list. Nominations for 2012 are right …
Completed NY Child Custody & Visitation Mediation Training
This weekend I completed New York child custody and visitation mediation training in Queens at Community Mediation Services, Inc. It was a complementary training to my divorce mediation training this winter with the New York Peace Institute. I am continually impressed by the quality of the education at our Community Dispute Resolution Centers (“CDRC”) in the state of New York. …
New Jersey Agriculture Mediation Roster
I am very happy to announce that I was recently added to the mediation roster with the New Jersey State Agriculture Development Committee (“SADC”). The mediation is free for agriculture producers. The program hears Right to Farm and other U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) disputes (e.g., agriculture credit, conservation programs). You can find more information about the program here. The …