Long Island Family Law and Mediation Blog
I say this to clients a lot, wherever they may be with a New York case, but it’s still true: divorce isn’t just a legal process. It’s an emotional journey, a financial transition, and a personal turning point most people would rather not face. For many couples in Sullivan County, it’s not the worry of figuring out parenting time, or maintenance orders that causes the biggest headaches. It’s figuring out the best way to navigate the process.
The most traditional option is still to take your case to the New York courts, and ask them to decide on a fair, equitable outcome. For a lot of couples, that path still works. But many others find themselves looking for something else – something more collaborative, and less stressful.
Mediation can offer that alternative – but even that has suffered from caveats in the past. In Sullivan county, couples were often limited in the variety of mediators they had access to. Finding someone who was available, and close to home (for face to face sessions), who still aligned with their personal preferences and needs wasn’t easy.
Fortunately, there is another, more flexible way. Virtual divorce mediation, something I now offer myself, has emerged as a popular choice for many couples in search of a convenient, cost-effective, and more personalized approach to divorce. Here’s why many New York State couples choose me to guide them through this journey, one step at a time.
Divorce Mediation in Sullivan County: The Local Landscape
Sullivan County has a rhythm of its own. It’s known nationwide for its outdoor beauty, vibrant arts cultural, and deep roots in both rural tradition and second-home city getaways. It’s the kind of place where people value privacy, relationships, and a little peace and quiet.
But no region is immune to heartache, or relationship stress. Sullivan County has its share of marital strain – just like any other region. Some couples live happily ever after; others decide to go in different directions. When the time comes to consider divorce, not everyone wants litigation.
Many have turned to mediation for years now, valuing the ability to make decisions with more freedom, manage conversations outside of court rooms, and even save a little money in the process. The problem is that a successful mediation experience always depends on choosing the right mediator.
Since previously, mediation was something that happened on a face-to-face basis, that created some issues. Many couples had trouble finding a local mediator they could trust, who also had enough time in their schedule to take on new clients. Others found themselves driving hours out of the way, just to make any kind of progress.
Virtual mediation, which became more prominent during the pandemic, became an incredible opportunity for many. They didn’t have to settle for “what they could find” anymore. Instead, they could choose the mediator that was right for them, and handle the process from the comfort of their own home, without compromise.
The Freedom of Choice: Why Clients Pick Me
One of the biggest hurdles for divorcing couples in rural areas like Sullivan County has always been access to resources, professionals, and supportive services. Unlike in big cities, you can’t always just “Google a mediator near me” and find someone a block away with the right experience and availability. Now that virtual mediation has changed the game, people have more options.
Today, Sullivan County couples can work with any mediator they like, provided they have an internet connection, and they’re willing to trust the process. In my experience, virtual mediation has advanced the benefits of alternative dispute resolution even more than people might think, giving couples more comfort and confidence to speak freely, where they feel comfortable.
So, why do clients choose me, when they can pick from hundreds of alternatives? The most common answer I get is that they’re drawn to my experience. I’ve been working as an attorney for more than 20 years, primarily focusing on family law.
From my days on the Suffolk County assigned panel, through to the point where I opened my own law office in Suffolk, then Nassau County, I’ve encountered endless different couples, cases, and situations. I’ve helped people handle complex scenarios, with strained discussions about parenting time and equitable distribution.
I’ve even worked collaboratively with other professionals to help move cases forward, or acted as a consultant in certain circumstances. All of that experience gives me a unique vantage point. I don’t just know the law; I understand the real-life struggles behind the legal decisions. Parenting schedules. Financial compromise. Emotional wounds. I’ve seen it all, and I bring that wisdom into every session.
It’s that, combined with my genuine focus on making sure the process works for my clients – and their specific needs, that makes me a compelling choice to Sullivan County couples.
Tailoring the Process to Your Relationship
Every couple is different, and mediation should always reflect that. Every couple is different, and mediation should reflect that. Some people are still on friendly terms and can speak easily. While I bring my experience and knowledge to every mediation session, whether I’m hosting it online, or in-person, I ensure the journey remains adaptable.
For those who want in-depth guidance, I can offer realistic, court-informed perspectives when needed. While I don’t give legal advice in mediation, I can help you understand what might happen in court so you can make informed choices. Many couples find this approach useful, as they waste less time arguing about situations that may never be approved by the courts.
When couples are struggling to feel heard and respected, I dive into interest-based mediation techniques. This means working to uncover what each side really wants, not just in terms of parenting schedules or dollars. It’s about finding the priorities behind those requests. It creates space for honest conversation, without interruption or judgment.
When progress stalls, which it sometimes does, my training and experience means I can guide the conversation carefully, and objectively, using future-focused open-ended questions, reframing, and neutral language. I help keep the progress moving, even when emotions are high.
This multi-faceted approach means we can shift gears as needed, working towards the outcomes that matter most to each couple, and individual.
Is Virtual Divorce Mediation Right for You?
Ultimately, not every divorce is right for mediation. There are cases where even the best mediator will need to suggest switching to litigation. But for many couples in Sullivan county, looking to avoid the courtroom, preserve amicable relationships, or maintain their privacy, mediation can be a strong option. I’ve seen it work wonders for countless clients over the years.
Virtual mediation brings more freedom and versatility to the experience. It works on your schedule, adapts to your needs, and allows you to pick the partner that’s right for you, without endless travel.
If you’re navigating the early stages of divorce, or even just thinking about it, you don’t have to be restricted in your options. Whether you’re in Monticello, Wurtsboro, or nestled in the hills outside Forestburgh, virtual divorce mediation is just a phone call or video chat away.
I offer a free 30-minute consultation, where we can talk through your situation. You can decide if I’m the right fit, and we can move on from there.