FAMILY LAW

New Jersey Family Law & Divorce Mediation Lawyer

wooden family with gavel and attorney

Mediation is very common in New Jersey divorce cases because it allows couples to resolve their issues out of court, possibly saving time, money, and stress in the process.

Mediation is one type of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), which is a method that involves finding out-of-court solutions to family law issues. New Jersey courts require parties in certain legal proceedings – including some divorce cases – to undergo mediation or other forms of ADR. Some couples and families also rely on mediation to resolve their disputes voluntarily.

How Mediation Works in Family Law and Divorce Cases

couple speaking with attorney

Mediation is an informal process involving a qualified, neutral third party who helps families and couples resolve their disputes in ways that are acceptable to all sides. Importantly, a mediator is not a decision-maker. They simply guide other parties toward solutions by helping them explore their options and manage negotiations civilly.

Mediation sessions usually occur at pre-arranged sites convenient to both parties. During mediation, the mediator usually meets privately with each party to get their individual takes on the issues at hand, then proceeds from there to facilitate conversations and negotiations. The mediator’s goal is to find a solution that is beneficial and agreeable to both parties. If the parties reach a compromise, they can enter it as a binding and enforceable agreement in court. If not, both parties are free to pursue litigation.

From our clients

Lydia

You are an incredible advocate.

You fought like hell and were ready to deal with thick and thin in a very conflicted environment.

You put in the hours and then some.

You truly care for your clients, and their well being.

You hung in there till the end and made sure every T was crossed and every condition was thoroughly thought through, considered, explained and documented.

You went the extra mile every step of the way personally, emotionally and professionally.

You were fair and reasonable in your billing.

Best of all, I came to respect and admire you.

TH

I would highly recommend Lydia to any family, friends, & co-workers. I would recommend Lydia is she’s tough as nails, she brings her A-game in service of her clients from beginning to end, and Lydia genuinely cares for the wellbeing of her clients and defends them with integrity, passion and honor alike.  Trust your Instincts, Ask plenty of Questions, If you want a reliable, and hard working, passionate lawyer look no further than Lydia Fabbro Keephart. You will not be disappointed.

TO

I have and will continue to recommend Lydia to whomever can benefit from the services she offers. She is an expert in her field, a true “ally” in every sense of the word.  She is empathetic, and no non-sense. Time is and always was of the essence as I am a very busy physician. Her efficiency and dedication to detail were and are priceless. To this day, some of the best money I’ve spent was retaining Lydia as my attorney. Lydia was always available. She responded to emails at random hours of the day/night and she was able to accommodate my unpredictable and dynamic schedule. I found comfort in knowing that Lydia was by the book. She has a high moral and standards code. No matter how difficult the situation; it’s always important to play by the rules. I really appreciate someone who embodies integrity. I am forever grateful to Lydia and her firm; they helped me transition through a very difficult time. I came out on the other side better, and stronger than ever.

AJ

In the matter of my painful divorce after decades of marriage, Lydia not only looked out for my legal interests in a fierce, dedicated way, but she helped teach me the life lessons I need to survive as a strong, happy divorcee.  I will never forget her and I recommend her to anyone who needs to fight for their rights and life after the shock of having your foundation crumble.  You can move on with joy when you have good counsel.

CP

As an international client I thoroughly researched matrimonial attorneys prior to choosing John Hartmann at Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman. Mr. Hartmann is excellent in judging matters beforehand and a Master in following through. The firm exceeded my expectations in handling my divorce and post judgement actions, which took place in New Jersey. I would recommend them without hesitation.

AW

I found John Hartmann, Esq. and the law firm of Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman to be extremely professional and well organized. Their knowledge of the landscape of the divorce process was truly impressive. John and his team listen intently, understand the situation and offer practical counsel.

JM

When my wife shocked me with papers for a divorce, I checked with colleagues and learned that I could never find better representation than John Hartmann and his team of family lawyers. My Ex spent far more money on her lawyer than I did and got nothing more than John told me to offer on day one! I can say unequivocally that the bill I received from Pellettieri was the best money I have spent in my life and I would have gladly paid double for the results I got. John and his legal team were there for me every step of the way on a true emotional roller coaster. His reputation as the toughest, most brilliant divorce lawyer on the scene today is well earned and fully matched by his younger partners, associates, and paralegals. The Pellettieri team is second to none!

MD

Mr. Hartmann is a thorough professional with decades of experience. I just had to explain what my expectations were, and Hartmann was able to put together detailed paperwork and backed it with relevant legal references and presented the case in an irrefutable manner. Hartmann’s staff was very diligent in following up every step of the way. Overall, my experience with the Hartmann’s team was very positive and promising. I have recommended Hartmann to several of my friends over the years and would definitely recommend him to friends and family in future.

SB

I was represented by John Hartmann and Nicole Huckerby in a divorce case in which my husband believed I should pay him support even though he closed a successful company and decided he no longer wanted to work. The matter was settled with a favorable outcome for me which my husband then appealed. Not only was my PRA team successful in the trial Court but was also successful in the appeal. PRA is dedicated to obtaining the best result for their clients and as a result I have recommended many friends and colleagues to PRA.

MD

Potential Benefits from Family Law and Divorce Mediation

couple filling out paperwork with attorney

Resolving your divorce or family law dispute through mediation can have many potential benefits, including:

  • Affordability – Under Court Rule 1:40- 4(b), mediators must provide their first two hours of volunteer service, including preparation time, at no cost if ordered by the court. After the first two hours, the mediator may charge their market rate. Still, mediation is typically much more affordable than pursuing litigation through the courts.
  • Efficiency – Families who participate in mediation typically deal with their disputes more efficiently and find resolutions faster than they would by leaving everything up to the courts.
  • Confidentiality – When families resolve their disputes in mediation, their personal information remains confidential. Mediators do not disclose confidential details without express permission from all parties, so the only information that becomes public after mediation is whether the parties reached a resolution.

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Published Opinions

5

Attorneys Dedicated to High Net Worth & Complex Divorces

95%+

Cases Settled Directly or Through Mediation

Knowing what to expect from a particular family law judge is vital. In counties in which we frequently practice, we can reasonably anticipate, based upon years of experience before a specific judge, what outcome can likely be expected on important issues such as custody and parenting time, child support, alimony and division of marital assets. 

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How Our Attorneys Help People in Family Law and Divorce Mediation

couple reviewing document with attorney

When you work with the team at Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman, you can count on us to help you through your family law or divorce mediation by:

  • Explaining the rules and procedures for mediation
  • Preparing you for the process of mediation
  • Reviewing potential settlement options with you
  • Identifying missing details or potential issues in mediation
  • Preparing formal paperwork once you reach a resolution

Contact Us Today to Discuss Family Law and Divorce Mediation

If you have questions about mediation or wish to discuss your case with a family law attorney, contact Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman for a confidential initial consultation. We understand that each case is unique, and we pride ourselves on providing insightful representation, compassion, and respect to every client we work with. Find out why so many others in our community have turned to us in their time of need.