Imagine getting separated or divorced without destroying your children, yourself, your spouse, or your savings

FREE CONSULTATION

I offer a free consultation to explain the benefits of mediation for addressing a marriage in a state of transition, and to answer any questions or concerns you may have about the process and how it can work for you and your family.

ABOUT JUNE JACOBSON:

June Jacobson, J.D., M.S.W. is an experienced family and divorce mediator and trainer of mediators. In addition, she is an attorney, admitted to the New York State bar in 1980, and a psychotherapist and certified social worker since 1987.

As an attorney, June is knowledgeable about the New York State laws and practice that govern all aspects of the process of separation and divorce. Because she is an attorney, June can draft an agreement reached in mediation into a legally binding Marital Settlement Agreement, and can also draft and file all of the other documents necessary to finalize your divorce.

Because of her experience as a psychotherapist and certified social worker, June is able to create a safe and supportive environment in which separating spouses can explore and express their needs and concerns at a time of great stress and upheaval. She understands the emotional, psychological, and financial aspects of separation and divorce, and their impact on all members of the family. She is able to guide spouses in parenting their children during a difficult period of transition, and to help them develop the communication skills that will serve them and their children in the years ahead.

June has trained at the Institute for Dispute Resolution of the Seton Hall University Law School, the Center for Family and Divorce Mediation, the Center for Mediation in Law, and the Mediation Training Institute. She has appeared on national television as an expert on the legal and psychological implications of parenthood.

June is President of the Family and Divorce Mediation Council of Greater N.Y. and a member of the Nominating Committee of the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation, the Academy of Family Mediators, Association of the Bar of the City of N.Y., and National Association of Social Workers.

Divorce Mediation, is it for you?

Separation and divorce are among the most painful and disruptive experiences an individual and family can face, touching deeply on all aspects of the life of the family. If you're thinking of separating, or if you already have, there are many decisions that you and your spouse must face as you move from this time of crisis to the next phase of your lives.

Until recently, all matters concerning separation and divorce were handled by attorneys, one for each of the parties. Now there's a better way: divorce mediation. More and more people are finding that mediation costs far less, is faster, and -- most importantly -- prevents a separation or divorce from turning into an ugly battle that leaves everyone in the family feeling victimized and scarred.

Through mediation, you and your spouse will be able to reach a fair agreement on the issues that affect your futures, including: parenting arrangements (sometimes called custody and visitation), child support and spousal maintenance (alimony), identification and distribution of your marital property and debts, financial planning, and other issues.

Mediation is a dignified process that can enable you and your spouse to have the final say in your lives, with a minimum of the bitterness and war that often accompany traditional divorces.

Will I need my own lawyer?

You will not need your own lawyer to reach your mediated agreement, although you are free to consult with one at any time if you wish. Because she is also an attorney, June can draft your mediated agreement into a legally binding document, and can also prepare and file all of the documents necessary to finalize your divorce.

Both spouses will be encouraged to seek legal review of the agreement by an independent attorney before signing. If you desire, you will be given a list of attorneys who are familiar with and supportive of the mediation process for this purpose.

My spouse and I can barely talk to each other! How can we mediate?

Mediation is not just for couples who already know how to cooperate with one another. All that's required is a willingness to look for a fair way to settle the issues that must be decided. Many people find that mediation helps them to communicate better than they did during their marriage, and that's important -- especially if you have children and will continue to be parents together long after your marriage has ended. But even if you part as "best enemies," you'll have had the chance to have your needs and desires discussed, and to reach an agreement that you both can live with in all the years ahead.

How much does mediation cost and how long will it take?

Mediated agreements usually cost substantially less than traditionally litigated divorces. That's because you, not your lawyers, are doing the negotiating, and because you're paying one mediator instead of two attorneys to help you. Mediators charge an hourly fee that can be shared by you and your spouse in a way that you both agree is fair. No retainer fee is required.

Mediation sessions are usually scheduled one or two weeks apart and last one or two hours. While a completed agreement can take as few as two hours, the average length of time required is six to twelve hours, depending on the individual needs and circumstances of the parties. Unlike the adversarial process, which often results in delays which are beyond your control, the pace of mediation is set by the participants at a pace that is comfortable for them.

Why choose mediation?

While its primary goal is to resolve differences and produce an agreement, mediation also:

• benefits the entire family, especially the children, by reducing conflict
• avoids the high costs and frustrating delays of litigation
• promotes communication and cooperation
• allows you to control the decisions that affect your life
• is confidential, avoiding public disclosure of personal problems
• has a high satisfaction and compliance rate.

Address:

156 Fifth Ave. (at 20th St.)
Suite 916
New York, NY 10010
(212)242-0806

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New York divorce attorney and mediator