Table of Contents

• Understanding Mediator Role and Authority
• What Divorce Mediators CAN Do
• What Divorce Mediators CANNOT Do
• Legal Information vs. Legal Advice
• Mediator Neutrality Requirement
• Conflict of Interest in Mediation
• Mediator as Document Preparer
• Waiving Conflict of Interest
• Issues That CAN Be Mediated
• Issues That CANNOT Be Mediated
• Custody and Parenting Time Mediation
• Financial Issues in Mediation
• Property Division Through Mediation
• Child Support and Alimony Mediation
• Creative Solutions in Mediation
• Future Enforcement and Modification
• Why Attorney Review Matters
• Jersey City Mediation Considerations
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Professional Mediation Services

What Divorce Mediators CAN Do

Understanding mediator’s proper role clarifies what services you can expect during mediation.

Mediators ARE Permitted To:

• Facilitate negotiation: Structure discussions, ensure both parties heard, keep conversations productive, manage conflict constructively
• Provide legal information: Explain New Jersey divorce law generally, describe how courts typically decide issues, outline legal factors judges consider
• Reality test positions: Help parties evaluate whether positions are realistic given law and likely court outcomes, without telling them what to do
• Generate settlement options: Suggest creative solutions parties haven’t considered, brainstorm possibilities, present alternatives
• Draft settlement documents: Prepare written Memorandum of Understanding or Marital Settlement Agreement documenting parties’ agreement
• Provide process guidance: Explain mediation procedures, set ground rules, manage logistics of sessions
• Request financial disclosure: Require parties provide complete financial information necessary for informed negotiation
• Use caucuses: Meet separately with each party when productive for negotiation
• Recommend experts: Suggest using appraisers, accountants, or other professionals when needed for valuation or financial analysis
• Encourage attorney consultation: Recommend parties consult independent attorneys for legal advice

Key Point: Mediators can provide neutral facilitation, general legal information, process structure, and document drafting services. They cannot cross line into representing either party or giving legal advice about what specific person should do.

Give Legal Advice

Mediator cannot advise either party what they should do, whether settlement is in their best interest, what decision they should make, or predict what judge would decide in their case. This is legal advice reserved for attorney representing that person. Mediator can explain law generally and typical outcomes, but cannot apply law to your specific situation and tell you what to do.

Represent Either Party

Mediator is not your attorney and does not represent you. Mediator works for both parties equally (or neither, depending on perspective). Mediator has no fiduciary duty to protect your interests – you’re responsible for protecting yourself through informed negotiation and attorney consultation.

Advocate for Either Position

Mediator cannot take sides, argue for one party’s position, or pressure either party to accept specific terms. Must remain neutral even if mediator personally believes one position is more fair or reasonable than other.

Make Decisions for Parties

Mediator cannot impose settlement or decide disputed issues. All decisions must be made by parties themselves. Mediator facilitates, but parties control outcomes.

Guarantee Fairness of Settlement

Mediator can ensure fair process (both parties heard, no coercion, complete disclosure), but cannot guarantee fair outcome. If you agree to unfair terms, mediator cannot stop you (though should warn you to consult attorney before agreeing to extremely one-sided settlement).

Protect You From Bad Decisions

You’re responsible for your own decisions. Mediator can point out potential problems or suggest you consult attorney, but ultimately you decide what to agree to and mediator cannot prevent you from making poor choices.

Practice Law Without License

If mediator is not attorney, they cannot engage in activities constituting practice of law – giving legal advice, representing parties in court, drafting complex legal documents requiring legal judgment. Non-attorney mediators can facilitate mediation and help parties reach agreement, but legal document preparation should be done by attorney or under attorney supervision.

Disclose Confidential Information

What parties say in mediation is confidential. Mediator cannot disclose this information to third parties or testify about mediation communications if case goes to litigation (except threats of violence, child abuse, or other mandatory reporting situations).

Wife’s position: “I want $2,500/month alimony for 5 years.”

Husband’s position: “I’ll pay $1,200/month for 2 years maximum.”

Improper mediator response (legal advice): “Wife, you should definitely hold out for more. Given your 10-year marriage and income difference, judge would probably award you $2,000/month for 4 years. Don’t accept husband’s offer.”

Proper mediator response (legal information + facilitation): “Let me provide some context. In New Jersey, alimony for 10-year marriage with $85,000 income differential typically falls in range of $1,500-$2,500 per month for 3-5 years, though every case is different and judges have significant discretion. Both of you are within realistic ranges, though at opposite ends. Let’s discuss: Wife, what are your financial needs and expenses that drive the $2,500 request? Husband, what makes $1,200 the amount you think is affordable? Can we explore middle ground that addresses wife’s transition needs while being manageable for husband?” This provides legal context without telling either party what to do, and facilitates negotiation toward compromise.

• Mediator treats both parties equally – gives each equal time to speak, listens to both perspectives equally, doesn’t favor either position
• Mediator doesn’t advocate for either party’s interests – may help each party articulate their position, but doesn’t argue why one position is better
• Mediator doesn’t have personal stake in outcome – isn’t affected by how settlement terms are negotiated
• Mediator reveals any potential conflicts – discloses prior relationships, financial interests, or other factors that could affect neutrality
• Mediator maintains impartiality even when personally believing one position is more reasonable – facilitates negotiation without imposing own views

Prior Relationship with One Party

Mediator previously represented one party as attorney, has business relationship with one party, is personal friend of one party’s family. These create conflict because mediator may favor party they have relationship with.

Financial Interest in Outcome

Mediator has financial stake in how settlement is structured – for example, mediator owns business that would benefit from specific settlement terms. Creates conflict because mediator’s financial interest conflicts with parties’ interests.

Related Party Representation

Mediator’s law firm represents one party’s employer or business associate, creating indirect relationship affecting neutrality.

Dual Role as Mediator and Document Preparer

Mediator who facilitates negotiation then prepares legal documents based on settlement. This is most common conflict in divorce mediation and is generally waivable (discussed in detail below).

1. Full Disclosure

Mediator explains dual role – “I facilitated your mediation as neutral third party. Now you’re asking me to prepare divorce documents based on your settlement. This creates potential conflict because I’m transitioning from neutral facilitator to document preparer. I want you to understand this dual role before proceeding.”

2. Explanation of Conflict

Mediator explains what conflict means – “As mediator, I didn’t represent either of you or give legal advice. As document preparer, I’ll draft legal documents that must be precise and complete. While I’ll prepare documents that reflect your mediated agreement fairly, I won’t be representing either of you or advising whether documents protect your interests. Each of you should have your own attorney review documents before signing.”

3. Alternative Options

Mediator presents alternatives – “You have options: (1) I can prepare documents for $475-$995 and you each have attorneys review before signing, (2) You can hire separate attorney to prepare documents for $2,000-$4,000, (3) You can each hire your own attorneys to negotiate final document language. Choice is yours.”

4. Voluntary Informed Consent

Both parties voluntarily agree to dual role after understanding conflict and alternatives. Ideally documented in writing: “We understand mediator is transitioning to document preparation role, understand this creates potential conflict, have been advised to consult independent attorneys to review documents, and voluntarily agree to this arrangement.”

5. Independent Attorney Review

Both parties should have independent attorneys review documents before signing. This protects against document preparation errors and ensures each party understands what they’re signing. Attorney review costs $250-$500 but provides essential protection.

Couple completes mediation successfully, reaching agreement on all divorce issues. Mediator explains: “Congratulations on reaching settlement. We now need to prepare formal documents – Marital Settlement Agreement, Complaint for Divorce, supporting paperwork. I can prepare these for you for $675, which is much less than hiring separate attorney. However, this creates potential conflict because I transition from neutral mediator to document preparer. I won’t be representing either of you – I’ll prepare documents that reflect your mediated agreement as accurately as possible, but I can’t advise whether they protect your individual interests.”

“You have three options: One, I prepare documents and you each have your own attorney review them before signing – this costs my $675 fee plus $250-$500 each for attorney review, total $1,175-$1,675. Two, you hire completely separate attorney to draft documents without my involvement – costs $2,500-$4,000. Three, you each get attorneys to negotiate final document language – costs $1,500-$3,000 each. Most couples choose option one – I prepare, you each review with attorneys. This saves money while ensuring you’re protected. What would you like to do?”

Both parties agree to option one. Mediator documents their consent, prepares settlement agreement and divorce documents, each party has independent attorney review for $300 each, minor revisions made based on attorney feedback, final documents signed. Total cost: $1,275 combined. Alternative (separate attorney drafting): $2,500-$4,000. Savings: $1,225-$2,725 while maintaining protection through attorney review.

Custody and Parenting Time

• Legal custody (joint vs. sole)
• Physical custody designation
• Detailed parenting time schedule (weekdays, weekends, overnights)
• Holiday and vacation schedule
• Summer schedule and school breaks
• Transportation and exchange logistics
• Communication between parents about children
• Decision-making protocols for education, health, religion
• Extracurricular activities and scheduling
• Introduction of new partners to children
• Relocation provisions
• Dispute resolution for future parenting disagreements

Child Support and Child-Related Expenses

• Child support amount (following NJ guidelines or by agreement if above guidelines)
• Payment method and schedule
• Duration and termination events
• Health insurance for children and responsibility for premiums
• Unreimbursed medical, dental, vision expenses
• Childcare costs and allocation
• Extracurricular activities costs
• School expenses, supplies, fees
• College contribution and expenses
• Life insurance to secure support
• Tax dependency exemptions

Spousal Support/Alimony

• Whether alimony will be paid
• Amount and payment schedule
• Duration and termination events
• Type (limited duration, rehabilitative, reimbursement, open durational)
• Modification provisions or non-modifiable designation
• Cohabitation and remarriage termination
• Life insurance to secure alimony
• Tax treatment (though post-2018 divorces alimony is not deductible/taxable)

Real Property

• Marital home – who keeps it, buyout terms, or sale and division
• Timeline for sale or buyout
• Responsibility for mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance pending sale
• How sale proceeds will be divided
• Other real property (vacation homes, rental properties, land)
• Responsibility for costs and liabilities

Financial Accounts and Investments

• Bank accounts division
• Investment accounts and brokerage accounts
• Retirement accounts (401k, IRA, pension) and QDRO provisions
• Stock options, RSUs, deferred compensation
• Business interests and ownership
• Cryptocurrency and digital assets

Personal Property and Debts

• Vehicles and allocation
• Household furniture and furnishings
• Personal belongings and sentimental items
• Pets (though legally property, emotionally significant)
• Debt allocation – mortgages, car loans, credit cards, student loans
• Responsibility for debts and indemnification
• Tax liabilities and refunds

Other Financial and Practical Matters

• Health insurance continuation and COBRA
• Life insurance requirements
• Tax filing status and dependency exemptions
• Attorney fees and mediation costs
• Timing and effective dates
• Name changes
• Any other financial or practical issues specific to your situation

Child Support Below Guidelines

Parents cannot agree to waive child support or set amount below New Jersey child support guidelines without court approval and showing that below-guideline amount serves child’s best interests. Child support is child’s right, not parent’s to waive. Mediation can address child support amount at or above guidelines, but cannot create agreement waiving or drastically reducing support without court oversight.

Predetermined Custody Before Best Interests Determination

While parents can negotiate and agree to custody arrangements, they cannot make binding agreements before marriage about post-divorce custody (such as prenuptial provisions about custody). Custody must be determined based on child’s best interests at time of divorce, not predetermined years earlier. During divorce, parents can mediate custody and reach agreement, but court retains jurisdiction and must approve custody arrangement as serving child’s best interests.

Illegal Provisions

Cannot agree to illegal activities, provisions violating law, or waiving non-waivable legal rights. For example, cannot agree that one party won’t report illegal activity, won’t comply with court orders, or will engage in fraud.

Provisions Encouraging Divorce

Cannot include provisions that incentivize or reward filing for divorce, such as “whoever files for divorce gets less property” or financial bonuses for divorcing. Courts won’t enforce provisions discouraging exercise of legal right to divorce.

Non-Financial Personal Behavior Regulation

Cannot include provisions regulating personal conduct unrelated to finances or children – weight limits, appearance requirements, religious practices, lifestyle choices. For example, “Wife must maintain weight below 130 pounds or alimony reduces” is unenforceable as regulating personal behavior.

Waiving Court’s Continuing Jurisdiction Over Children

Cannot agree that court has no jurisdiction to modify custody or support in future. Court always retains jurisdiction over child-related matters regardless of what agreement says. Can agree to use mediation or arbitration before court modification, but cannot eliminate court’s authority entirely.

• Manhattan work commutes affecting pickup/dropoff times – PATH schedules, traffic patterns, work hours
• Jersey City vs. Hoboken vs. other Hudson County school systems if parents live in different municipalities
• Expensive Jersey City housing meaning both parents may need to downsize or relocate, affecting distance between homes
• Urban environment with less car dependency – public transportation, walking to activities affecting logistics
• Cultural considerations for diverse Jersey City families – different parenting values, approaches to discipline, religious practices requiring negotiation and respect

Just like litigation, mediation requires full financial disclosure. Both parties must provide: tax returns (typically 3 years), pay stubs and W-2s, bank account statements, investment account statements, retirement account statements, property valuations, debt information, Case Information Statement detailing income and expenses.

Mediator reviews disclosure for completeness, requests additional documentation if needed, helps parties understand each other’s financial situations. Without complete disclosure, mediation cannot produce fair settlement and any agreement reached may be voidable later for fraud or non-disclosure.

Mediator explains New Jersey follows equitable distribution – fair, not necessarily equal. While many divorces result in close to 50/50 split, parties can agree to any division they consider fair. Mediator provides information about factors courts consider (marriage length, income and earning capacity, contributions to marital assets, economic circumstances), but parties control how they divide property.

Separate vs. Marital Property

Mediator helps parties identify: (1) separate property (owned before marriage, inherited, received as gift), (2) marital property (acquired during marriage, appreciation on separate property in some circumstances), (3) commingled property requiring analysis.

Valuation

For significant assets, parties may need professional valuations: home appraisal ($400-$600), business valuation ($5,000-$15,000+ depending on complexity), pension valuation by actuary if needed. Mediator helps parties decide what needs professional valuation versus what they can value themselves.

Division Strategies

Mediator helps parties explore division options: (1) Asset-by-asset allocation – each party gets specific assets totaling agreed percentage, (2) Home buyout – one party keeps home and pays other their equity share, (3) Deferred sale – both stay on deed, sell later and split proceeds (often when children in school), (4) Equalizing payments – unequal asset division offset by cash payment or alimony adjustment.

Assets: Jersey City condo worth $700,000 with $250,000 equity, husband’s 401k $220,000, wife’s 401k $85,000, joint investment account $40,000, husband’s car $25,000, wife’s car $18,000. Total marital assets: $638,000.

Mediation negotiation: Wife wants to keep condo for children’s stability. Husband agrees but wants fair compensation for his equity share. Mediator helps them calculate: Wife keeps condo (value to her: $250,000 equity), husband receives full amount from his 401k ($220,000) plus 70% of investment account ($28,000) = $248,000 total. Wife receives her 401k ($85,000) plus 30% of investment account ($12,000) plus her car ($18,000) = $115,000 in liquid assets, plus condo equity $250,000 = $365,000 total. Net to wife: $365,000 (57%). Net to husband: $248,000 + his car $25,000 = $273,000 (43%).

This is slightly unequal favoring wife because: (1) she’s keeping home and assuming full mortgage responsibility, (2) she’s primary residential parent, (3) husband has higher income and earning capacity. Both agree this division is fair given their circumstances even though not precisely 50/50. Mediator documents this carefully in settlement agreement.

Completely negotiable: Unlike child support with guidelines, alimony is fully within parties’ negotiation discretion. Can agree to any amount, duration, and type or waive alimony entirely.

Mediator’s role: Explains 14 statutory factors courts consider, discusses typical alimony in similar situations (not “legal advice” but general information), helps parties understand each other’s financial needs and resources, facilitates negotiation toward amount both can accept.

Types available: Limited duration (specific term), rehabilitative (until dependent spouse becomes self-supporting), reimbursement (compensating spouse who supported other through education/training), open durational (indefinite for marriages 20+ years), or waived entirely.

Tax considerations: For post-2018 divorces, alimony not deductible for payer or taxable for recipient. This affects negotiation since payer gets no tax benefit, making alimony more expensive than under old law.

• Deferred home sale: Both parties remain on deed, home not sold until youngest child graduates high school. Mother lives there with children, father contributes to mortgage. At sale, proceeds split based on formula accounting for contributions. This keeps children in home while protecting both parents’ interests.
• Graduated alimony: Alimony starts at $2,000/month for first year, reduces to $1,500/month for second year, $1,000/month for third year as recipient spouse’s income increases. Reflects economic reality better than flat amount.
• Educational advancement provisions: If wife completes nursing degree within 3 years, alimony terminates early. Incentivizes self-sufficiency while providing support during transition.
• Business revenue sharing: Instead of valuing and dividing closely-held business, husband keeps business but wife receives 15% of net revenue for 5 years. Avoids expensive valuation while compensating wife for marital asset.
• Flexible parenting schedule: Instead of rigid every-other-weekend, parents agree to communicate each month about upcoming schedule accommodating both work calendars. Requires cooperation but works better for professional schedules.
• College savings allocation: Instead of arguing about future college costs, both contribute $500/month to 529 plan throughout childhood, eliminating future disputes about college funding.
• Shared vacation home: Instead of selling family beach house, both share it with scheduled weeks for each family. Maintains family asset and traditions while accommodating divorce.

Once incorporated into Final Judgment of Divorce, your mediated settlement is court order. Violation is contempt of court. Can be enforced through: motion for contempt with potential jail time for willful violation, wage garnishment for support arrears, property liens, license suspension, attorney fee awards against violating party.

Important: Settlement must be clear and specific to be enforceable. Vague provisions like “parties will cooperate on children’s expenses” are unenforceable. Specific provisions like “father pays 60% of all extracurricular costs up to $2,000/year” are enforceable. Good mediator ensures settlement has specific enforceable language.

• Legal advice specific to you: Attorney evaluates whether settlement is in YOUR best interest based on YOUR circumstances – something mediator cannot do
• Identifies problems: Attorney spots provisions that are unclear, unenforceable, disadvantageous, or missing important protections
• Explains implications: Attorney ensures you understand what you’re agreeing to, what rights you’re waiving, what obligations you’re accepting
• Suggests improvements: Attorney recommends specific language changes, additional provisions, clarifications that protect you
• Evaluates fairness: Attorney assesses whether terms are fair given New Jersey law and likely court outcomes
• Documents informed consent: Attorney review proves you understood settlement before signing, making it harder to challenge later
• Relatively inexpensive insurance: $250-$500 attorney review potentially saves you from $50,000+ mistakes or unfair provisions

High Cost of Living Impact

Jersey City housing costs dramatically affect support negotiations. Monthly expenses for modest 2-bedroom apartment $2,500-$3,500+. This affects: alimony negotiations (how much support needed for dependent spouse to maintain reasonable standard of living), child support add-ons (higher cost of everything from childcare to activities), property division (keeping expensive home may not be financially feasible for either party alone).

Manhattan Employment Complexities

Many Jersey City residents work in Manhattan with complex compensation: base salary plus bonuses, stock options and RSUs, deferred compensation, carried interest. Mediation must address: how to value and divide unvested equity, whether bonuses count for support calculations, treatment of future vesting schedules, tax implications of equity compensation division.

PATH Commute and Parenting Schedules

Manhattan work schedules and PATH commute affect parenting time: morning exchanges complicated by early commute needs, evening pickups limited by return commute times, flexibility needed for Manhattan work demands, creative scheduling required to maximize both parents’ time with children despite work constraints.

Cultural Diversity

Jersey City’s diverse population means cultural sensitivity essential in mediation: different cultural approaches to marriage, divorce, parenting, extended family involvement, religious considerations affecting divorce terms, language considerations if English not primary language, respect for different family structures and values.

School System Considerations

If parents live in different Hudson County municipalities post-divorce: Jersey City vs. Hoboken vs. other towns have different school systems, custody designation affects school district (children attend district of primary residential parent), this impacts home values and housing decisions, may require negotiation about which parent’s address determines schooling.

If mediator can’t give legal advice, how do I know if settlement is fair?

This is exactly why independent attorney review is so important. Mediator can provide general legal information (“courts typically award alimony of 30-40% of income differential for marriages of this length”), but cannot tell YOU specifically whether proposed settlement is in YOUR best interest. That’s legal advice requiring attorney-client relationship. You protect yourself by: (1) consulting independent attorney during mediation for advice on proposals, (2) having attorney review final settlement before signing, (3) educating yourself about New Jersey divorce law, (4) using mediator’s information about typical outcomes to evaluate your settlement, (5) trusting your instincts – if settlement feels unfair, don’t sign it without attorney review.

Can I ask mediator questions about what I should do?

You can ask, but mediator cannot answer with advice about what YOU should do. You can ask: “What do courts typically do in this situation?” – mediator can answer this with general information. You cannot ask (or mediator cannot answer): “Should I accept this custody arrangement?” – that’s legal advice. “What would be fair alimony for me?” – that’s legal advice. “Would judge give me the house?” – that’s legal advice. Mediator will redirect these questions: “I can’t advise what you should do, but I can explain factors judges consider. You should discuss this with your attorney to get advice specific to your situation.” This distinction protects mediator’s neutrality and ensures you get proper legal advice from attorney.

What if I sign conflict waiver for mediator to prepare documents but later realize documents favor my spouse?

This is risk of dual role, which is why attorney review is so critical. If you waived conflict and mediator prepared documents that inadvertently favor your spouse, and you signed them without attorney review, you may be bound by unfair agreement. Your recourse: (1) Before signing, have attorney review and identify problems – this prevents issue entirely. (2) After signing, if documents contain errors or provisions you didn’t agree to in mediation, potentially challenge based on fraud or mistake. (3) If documents accurately reflect your mediated agreement but that agreement is unfair, very difficult to challenge – you voluntarily agreed. This is why you must protect yourself through attorney review BEFORE signing, not relying on mediator to protect your interests.

Can we agree in mediation to child support below guidelines?

Parties can agree to below-guideline child support, but court must approve and must find agreement serves child’s best interests. Simply agreeing in mediation isn’t sufficient – requires court hearing where judge examines reasons for deviation. Reasons courts sometimes approve: child has independent financial resources, parents provide direct support through paying expenses, child has special needs addressed through non-monetary support, parties’ combined income so high that guideline amount exceeds child’s reasonable needs. But cannot waive support entirely or agree to minimal amount just to reduce payer’s obligation. If you want below-guideline support, mediator should explain court approval needed and factors court considers. Should consult attorney about likelihood court will approve your proposed deviation.

What happens if mediator clearly favors my spouse during sessions?

Mediator must be neutral. If mediator takes sides, advocacy for one party, or treats you unfairly: (1) Raise concern during session – “I feel like you’re advocating for my spouse’s position rather than facilitating neutral discussion. Can we address this?” (2) Request private caucus to discuss concerns with mediator alone. (3) If bias continues, terminate mediation and find different mediator. (4) File complaint with mediator’s professional organization if conduct was egregious. Do not continue mediation with biased mediator – any settlement reached will be tainted by unfair process and potentially challengeable later. Mediator neutrality is fundamental requirement. If you feel mediator has taken sides, trust your instinct and protect yourself by ending that mediation.

How detailed does mediated settlement need to be?

Very detailed. Vague settlement creates enforcement problems later. Must be specific about: exact dollar amounts (not “reasonable support”), specific dates and deadlines (not “as soon as possible”), precise percentages (not “fair share”), detailed schedules (not “regular visitation”), clear responsibilities (not “parties will cooperate”), defined terms (not ambiguous language). Example – bad provision: “Husband will pay wife’s housing costs.” Good provision: “Husband will pay $2,000/month toward wife’s rent or mortgage for 24 months, paid by 1st of each month via direct deposit to wife’s account ending [number], terminating earlier if wife remarries or cohabits.” Specific language prevents disputes and is enforceable. Good mediator ensures settlement agreement has this specificity before you sign.

Can mediator help us with post-divorce issues or only during initial divorce?

Mediator can help with post-divorce issues. Many couples return to mediation years after divorce to resolve: custody modification (parenting schedule no longer working, need adjustment), support modification (change in income or circumstances), enforcement issues (one party not complying with order), new disputes (college expenses, relocation, introducing new partners). Post-divorce mediation much cheaper than litigation: filing motion for modification costs $3,000-$8,000+ in attorney fees, mediation session costs $400-$800 split between parties. Smart settlement agreements include provision requiring mediation before court motions for post-divorce disputes. This preserves cooperative approach you built during divorce mediation and saves litigation costs when inevitable adjustments needed years later.

Do both of us need to agree to every detail or can we agree to disagree on some things?

Must agree on ALL material terms for mediation to produce enforceable settlement. Cannot have settlement agreement saying “parties will determine custody schedule later” or “property division to be negotiated” – these are agreements to agree in future, not enforceable agreements. Every significant issue must be resolved: specific custody schedule, exact support amounts, precise property allocation, detailed debt responsibility. Minor details can sometimes be left flexible (“parties will communicate about children’s activity schedules”), but major terms must be definite. If you cannot agree on particular issue after good-faith mediation efforts, options: (1) continue mediating that issue, (2) table that issue temporarily and address others, (3) settle issues you agree on and litigate only the disputed issue (partial settlement), (4) end mediation and litigate everything. Most successful mediations ultimately resolve all issues through persistence and creative problem-solving.

Professional Mediation and Document Preparation Services

Expert mediation with proper conflict disclosures and attorney review recommendations

345 Divorce Services – Jersey City

Experienced mediators who understand proper boundaries
Clear conflict disclosures when providing dual services
Professional document preparation after successful mediation
Attorney review coordination available

Complete Divorce Solution

Mediation Services + Document Preparation + Attorney Review Referrals

Contact Us
Phone: 201-205-3201
Address: 121 Newark Avenue Suite 1000, Jersey City NJ 07302

Service Packages
Document Preparation: $345 | $475 | $995
Attorney Review: $250
Mediation: Custom pricing