A Different Way To Handle Family Law Disputes

Family law disputes can be some of the most emotionally challenging and contentious to handle. However, no divorce or child custody dispute is ever the same. Many New Yorkers don’t want to spend their time and money in a contentious court battle with their spouse. They want a way to solve their issues so they can move forward with their lives and minimize the emotional and mental toll their divorce takes on them.

Our job at The Pappalardo Law Group PLLC is to give divorcing spouses a different way to untangle their marriage that doesn’t leave them feeling stressed and resentful. Our emphasis on competent guidance and creative solutions helps us encourage productive dialogue between spouses. We want to see them resolve their disputes in a way that feels good for them.

One of our lead attorneys, John Pappalardo, serves as an impartial third party in divorce mediation and arbitration and can answer any questions about the process. Call him at 914-362-2979.

Utilizing ADR In A Divorce

Here are a few examples of how it can work:

• Property division: ADR can allow spouses to express their thoughts, feelings and concerns about how to divide marital assets with the help of a third party. With mediation, the third party can help keep the conversation civil and productive. With arbitration, the third party can evaluate both parties’ perspectives and conclude what could be a fair outcome.
• Child custody: ADR can allow parents to discuss custody schedules and parenting plans at length with the help of a third party. With mediation, a third party can help highlight critical disagreements between spouses and propose different solutions to discuss. With arbitration, a third party can evaluate each parent’s specific circumstances and use the information to determine a parenting schedule and plan that are within the children’s best interests.
• Child support: ADR can allow parents to determine how much each will contribute financially to raising their child. With mediation, a third party can help parents engage in productive dialogue about how much each parent will contribute and address and discuss any concerns. With arbitration, a third party evaluates each parent’s ability to contribute financially. It can determine what is fair for both parties based on the evidence provided.

These issues often become contentious, but our goal is to help you and your spouse reach an amicable agreement that prioritizes your family’s well-being. If you discover neither of these approaches works for you, we can still help you pursue other options.

In cases where a negotiated agreement cannot be reached, seeking an arbitrated settlement to your dispute may be preferable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law ADR

If you’re considering alternative dispute resolution (ADR) for your family law matter, you likely have questions about the process. Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries we receive at The Pappalardo Law Group PLLC:

Is ADR legally binding in family law cases?

The legal binding nature of ADR depends on the specific method used. In mediation, the decisions made are not legally binding unless both parties agree to formalize the agreement in a written contract. On the other hand, arbitration decisions are typically legally binding and can be enforced by the court. Our experienced attorneys at The Pappalardo Law Group PLLC can help you understand the legal implications of each ADR method and ensure that any agreements reached are properly documented and enforceable.

What are the benefits of choosing ADR over traditional litigation for divorce or child custody disputes?

ADR offers several advantages over traditional litigation. First, it is often more cost-effective and time-efficient, as it avoids lengthy court proceedings. Second, ADR provides a more private and confidential setting for resolving sensitive family matters. Third, it allows for greater flexibility and creativity in finding solutions tailored to your family’s unique needs. Finally, ADR can help reduce the emotional stress and conflict associated with divorce or child custody disputes, promoting a more amicable resolution. At The Pappalardo Law Group PLLC, our goal is to help you achieve a positive outcome through ADR while minimizing the financial and emotional toll on your family.

Our knowledgeable lawyers are here to guide you through the ADR process and answer any additional questions you may have. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you resolve your family law dispute through mediation or arbitration.

Work With Competent And Creative ADR Counsel

At The Pappalardo Law Group PLLC, we aim to help you pursue a different path for handling your divorce. With our years of experience and compassionate and creative approach to dispute resolution, we can help spouses negotiate their disputes in a way that can leave both of them feeling content.

To learn more about what we can do for you, schedule your initial consultation today by calling us at 914-362-2979 or visiting our contact form page.