Divorce & Family Mediation · Bergen County, New Jersey & New York
Divorce ends a marriage, and the terms of the ending are ones you will live with. Mediation is a way for the two of you to set them together.
What the process produces
Six things, and what each one covers.
A Matrimonial Settlement Agreement whose terms the two of you set. Once you have reached them, I may draft it, or prepare a term sheet for your own attorneys to draft from.
For parents, a schedule worked out against school pickups, both work calendars, and holidays, rather than a general custody formula.
Mediation is conducted between the two of you. Financial details and family circumstances are worked through privately.
A shorter marriage with mostly agreed terms may need only a session or two. Where you share children, the sessions are also practice at deciding together, which you will be doing for years.
One neutral professional, billed hourly, and in most cases the cost is shared between you. We go over rates in your consultation, before you commit to anything.
I explain what happens after signing, including the route to an uncontested divorce where that applies.
From Jessica
After years of representing clients through the divorce process, I realized that many families do not need a courtroom. They need guidance, practical solutions, and a path forward.
I mediate because some couples are best served by working together to resolve issues and reduce conflict, protect their children, and lay the foundation for a more positive future. My practice is built on the belief that legal guidance should feel both supportive and practical, giving you the confidence to move forward with peace of mind.
I take the time to understand each family's circumstances, give straightforward guidance, and help clients make difficult decisions with clarity. My style is patient and calm, and also direct, so you know what we are working toward and how I can help you get there.
I know what litigation looks like, because I still practice it. I understand that it is not the path you are choosing, and that what you want is a collaborative focus on reaching an agreement.
I have been a matrimonial attorney for thirteen years and I continue to practice. I live in Bergen County with my husband and our two daughters.
Philosophy
Many families do not need a courtroom. They need a path forward.
What we resolve
Divorce and family mediation, including parenting and custody. Your situation may involve most of this list or only a little of it.
A plan built around your children's needs and the realities of both households. More on custody mediation
Accounts, property, vehicles, business interests, and the liabilities attached to them.
Sold, retained, or transferred, and how equity and carrying costs are handled.
How deferred assets are valued and divided, and what that means for each of you later.
Whether support is appropriate, in what amount, and for how long.
How the structure of an agreement affects each of you at filing time.
I may draft the Matrimonial Settlement Agreement, or prepare a term sheet for your attorneys, and guide you on next steps. More on divorce mediation
How we get there
Up to thirty minutes to hear your situation and answer your questions, at no cost.
You each complete an intake separately, covering assets, debts, income, and, if you have them, children.
One hour at a time. Many couples take three or four sessions; simpler situations often need fewer.
Once you reach terms, I may draft the agreement or a term sheet for your attorneys, explain it, and tell you what happens next.
Fees
Introductory consultation
Up to thirty minutes to discuss your situation and decide together whether mediation is the right path for your family.
Mediation sessions
Sessions are billed hourly, and in most cases the cost is shared between spouses. One hour of preparation is billed before the first session to review both intake forms. I go over current rates and payment options during your consultation, so you know the full picture before committing to anything. Payment is accepted by check, Zelle, or wire.
Contact
The first call is complimentary and runs up to thirty minutes. Pick a time on the calendar that works for you both.