New Jersey Alternative Dispute Resolution Lawyers

Experienced Family Law Attorneys Help Couples Explore Alternative Dispute Resolution Options in New Jersey

Even in the most hotly contested divorces, there are good reasons to avoid going to trial to reach a final divorce settlement. Trial is expensive, time-consuming, and can be traumatic for all parties involved—especially children. Perhaps more importantly, many divorcing couples have a vested interest in maintaining a relatively friendly relationship even after the dust has settled.

At Team Law, we are here to use our substantial experience to make sure you have all of the information you need to decide how to proceed with resolving your family law matters. Divorce, your children, your finances—these issues are as personal as they come. There is no right answer to reaching an agreement.  

Our lawyers at Team Law are here to provide creative and collaborative solutions to help you accomplish your goals.  Maybe you and your spouse need help agreeing on a comprehensive divorce settlement. Maybe you only need help resolving a single hot-button issue—like child custody. We are here to help find the right solution for your family.

To learn more about alternative dispute resolution options and how they might help in your specific case, contact Team Law today. We offer a confidential consultation with an experienced family law attorney so that you can speak openly about your case, get to know us, and learn more about how we can help.

Exploring Alternative Dispute Resolution Options

There is never a one-size-fits-all approach to resolving an important dispute.  Some of the most common alternative dispute resolution options include:

• Mediation. In the mediation process, a neutral third-party is retained to help you and your spouse communicate more meaningfully and effectively.  The mediator does not necessarily tell you how to resolve the dispute–in other words, when you emerge from mediation, there is not a binding order that resolves your conflict.  For many, the process is simply effective in guiding you toward an acceptable solution.

• Arbitration. Arbitration can be binding or non-binding.  In most family situations, the arbitrator will listen to both sides of the story and facilitate negotiation and discussion.  Similarly to mediation, the arbitrator may make suggestions that you might have overlooked.  However, in most cases you and your spouse will agree at the outset that the arbitrator’s decision will be legally binding–meaning that you will emerge from arbitration with a legal and binding resolution.

• Collaborative divorce. The collaborative divorce process is simply a means for resolving conflicts prior to divorce without judicial intervention.  The attorneys representing both spouses will be present.  Professionals such as financial experts, child wellness specialists and even therapists can be brought in to help resolve contested issues.

Even when emotions are heightened and family is at stake, engaging a third party can help you successfully resolve your issues.  To learn more about alternative dispute resolution options and how they can help in your New Jersey family law matter, contact Team Law for a confidential consultation today.

Exploring the Benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution

Exploring alternative dispute resolution as a solution for your family can be advantageous for a number of reasons.  Importantly, many options exist to fit your situation and risk tolerance.  If you are uncomfortable with a third-party making a binding decision in your case, mediation might be a better fit.  If you want to ensure your issues are resolved so that you can more forward more quickly, binding arbitration might suit your needs.

Some of the primary benefits of alternative dispute resolution include:

• Cost-effectiveness when compared with a formal trial
• ADR is more likely to help you reach a compromise that both parties can live with
• ADR often helps divorcing spouses and former spouses maintain a respectful relationship for the sake of their children
• ADR protects children, in that it is generally less aggressive and traumatic than a courtroom trial
• Speed–ADR can help you resolve your issues without the need for setting hearing dates with the court over time
• With the help of a neutral third-party, ADR can help both parties understand what is really important, both to them and the other party

For many couples, alternative dispute resolution helps identify options that you may not have thought of on your own.  Issues like child custody and asset division can be resolved in countless different ways.  Like all negotiations, it is often a give and take—with the goal of reaching a solution that protects the entire family.

At Team Law, our lawyers pride ourselves on being skilled problem solvers.  We will work to explore creative and innovative solutions to the unique problems your family is facing.  To learn more, contact Team Law today.

Speak with an Experienced Family Law Attorney to Explore New Jersey Alternative Dispute Resolution Options Today

Courts generally favor the alternative dispute resolution process as a valuable alternative to judicial intervention.  Not only are the parties more likely to reach a fair compromise on their own, but that compromise is likely to more accurately reflect the needs of all parties involved.  

Regardless of where you are in the process of resolving a dispute, it never hurts to talk to someone with experience in handling these matters. Our lawyers are able to act as the mediator in a dispute between you and your spouse.  We can also advise you individually and help you through the process.

If you are considering ADR as an option, call or contact Team Law today.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Alternative Dispute Resolution