Spouses moving forward with a divorce or separation may be at opposite ends of the table during mediation, but the process is not adversarial.
That’s what Alison B. Weinroth, Esq., likes best about it.
“In mediation, they get to control the ultimate outcome,” Weinroth says of the parties involved. “It might not be everything they want, but they can control what it looks like. I always say a good divorce should be when two people walk away and they say it was OK. They’re not cheering, they’re not crying—somewhere in the middle is a happy medium for everybody.”
Weinroth brought more than 25 years of experience to Smedley Law Group, P.C. when she joined the firm three years ago. The Woodbury-based practice specializes in all things family law—divorce, custody, parenting schedules, adoption and, basically, anything that can crop up during these matters.
“At Smedley Law Group, P.C., we’re there to hold your hand, to understand your concerns and guide you through a very challenging time,” Weinroth says. “And we’re there to get you the best result possible for your situation.”
Weinroth specializes in mediation—and she has an excellent track record. The spouses from her first mediation, in fact, are still happily married after deciding to stay together after using Weinroth’s services. Naturally, that’s not the norm, but it speaks volumes to Weinroth’s negotiation skills.
What is mediation?
In mediation, an independent third party, such as Weinroth, helps two individuals resolve their differences and issues in a way they are both comfortable with.
“I help them facilitate the best decision for their new version of a family,” Weinroth says.
In the seasoned lawyer’s view, mediation helps spouses control what their picture is going to look like at the end—and they are making the decisions. During litigation in court, a judge is making those decisions instead, and that judge is guided by the law.
“Typically in court, a judge does not get to know you and your family,” Weinroth says. “But in mediation, you can express that. You can express what upsets you and what bothers you, and you can be involved in the outcome.”
When at the mediation table, Weinroth knows the importance of addressing every detail that could cause an issue down the road and finding creative, compassionate solutions to remedy each one. Over her 25 years of experience, Weinroth has seen little details like a favorite teddy bear blow up into a $25,000 matter.
“I can say, listen, I’ve seen this happen before. Let’s cut it off so it doesn’t happen, because here’s what it’s going to lead to,” she explains.
And while not a single detail is overlooked during mediation (except, of course, those details parties don’t want to address), it’s not a service that is going to cost nearly as much as litigation in a courtroom.
“Two spouses can share in the cost of a mediator,” Weinroth says.
Moving forward
When a couple is interested in mediation, Weinroth starts with a brief Zoom meeting to introduce herself to the parties and share her thoughts about mediation. She answers questions and addresses concerns, and it gives her a chance to determine what is most important in each parties’ mind.
From here, a two-hour mediation session is scheduled, and while the meeting may end sooner than the two-hour mark or linger longer, Weinroth has found most parties do well with the two hours.
Mediation is tailored to each spouse. Some parties come in and have resolved most issues except how to approach the division of the family home. Others aren’t sure how to figure out child support or alimony. Some haven’t figured out much more than knowing they want to pursue a divorce.
“Both parties are working together, and I want them to both be empowered, to understand the process and have a say in how it works,” Weinroth says.
Weinroth handled mediation in the courts for family law early in her career, and as the product of divorced parents, it was something she was always interested in. While her own parents got along before, during and after their divorce, she heard plenty of horror stories of couples who handled things differently. She saw it as a space where she could help.
“Going through divorce and custody issues isn’t fun for anybody. Not even for me. But we hope that at the end we put you in a better space emotionally and financially to live your best life,” Weinroth says. “I’m passionate about not just family law, but really about mediation. It allows the parties to be involved. I’m there to help you through the process, to help you understand it and be knowledgeable. This isn’t your friend’s divorce or your coworker’s divorce—this is your divorce. And I think mediation allows you to be part of it.”
Smedley Law Group, P.C.
Woodbury
(856) 251-0800
SmedleyLawGroup.com
