What’s Right for Me?
In some ways, this is the most difficult question to answer. There is no right way to reach an agreement; there is only the right way for you. Above all else, you should feel comfortable and get the amount of support you want and need.
Ultimately, deciding which process is the best fit for your family will require discussion with your Attorney. Here is a brief guide to help you think about how the options may work for you:
| I feel this statement is correct: | Mediation | Collaborative | Negotiation |
| I want to put my children’s needs and interests first. | x | x | x |
| I want to reach an agreement without increasing the anger between me and my spouse. | x | x | x |
| I want to reach a divorce agreement privately, not in a courtroom. | x | x | x |
| I want to keep control, and not have a judge decide the timing or the terms of my divorce. | x | x | x |
| I feel completely comfortable speaking for myself and don’t need someone to advocate for me. | x | x | x |
| I am not always able to speak up for myself when I’m with my spouse. | x | x | |
| I know all about my family’s finances and have had a role in managing our family’s income and assets. | x | x | x |
| I’m not very knowledgeable about financial matters generally. | x | x | |
| I don’t trust my spouse to be honest about financial matters. | n/a | n/a | x |
| I want an attorney sitting at my side while I’m negotiating an agreement. | x | x | |
| I’d prefer my attorney to negotiate for me, and don’t want to have direct contact with my spouse. | x |
Suzanne M. Jorgensen
Piff-Tomaro Professional Building
1704 Maxwell Drive
Suite 202
Wall, NJ 07719
P: 732 556 0530
F: 732 556 0531
Email: suzanne@SMJFamilyLaw.com
Call or email
to schedule a free consultation.