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The Law Offices of Alan L. Finkel.
The Law Offices of Alan L. Finkel.

Divorce & Family Law Lawyer in Babylon, NY

The process of divorce can be tumultuous and complicated, it can also be an open door to the next season in your life. The Law Offices of Alan L. Finkel has been a trusted source for thoughtful and compassionate legal representation in family law matters for over 35 years. We are pleased to offer our services to families and individuals in Babylon, NY and continue our practice of advocating and fighting for members of our community.

What Is Divorce Mediation?

Mediation can be an excellent alternative to court proceedings for many people seeking divorce. The mediation process is accomplished by both spouses and/or their family law attorneys meeting with a third party, the “mediator”, to discuss and flesh out the terms and details of the divorce.

Mediation is usually much less expensive and time consuming than court proceedings. These particular factors are what make mediation such an attractive option for many people. When seeking a divorce via court proceedings, scheduling becomes an added stressor as it becomes necessary to schedule based on the court calendar, as well as working around the scheduling needs of both parties and their attorneys. This in and of itself will draw out the length of any divorce.

Additionally, many couples find that reaching a divorce settlement through mediation provides a better environment to work out the issues in a divorce. As divorce can be an emotionally taxing process on its own, preventing the added stress of financial and scheduling issues can result in an easier and swifter conclusion, providing a faster avenue for people to move on to the next phase of their lives.

Our office is very experienced in both representing individual clients who are going through the mediation process, as well as offering mediation services. If you have questions about the mediation process and would like to see if it might be a good fit for you, please don’t hesitate to contact The Law Office of Alan L. Finkel for a complimentary 30-minute consultation today.

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My Divorce Mediation in Babylon, NY Didn’t Work, What Now?

In the event that mediation fails because you and your spouse are not able to agree to the terms of your settlement, you always have the option to take the matter to court. In many cases, your time spent in mediation will still be to your benefit, as it will have provided you with an opportunity to settle many issues already, outside of the courtroom.

Additionally, if first-time mediation does not result in a successful outcome, it may be advisable to speak with a family lawyer about trying mediation again, before resorting to court proceedings. In some cases, it is only necessary to make an additional effort under different circumstances to be able to come to an agreement on the terms of your divorce in mediation.

If you have attempted a round of mediation already, but we’re not able to come to a settlement, consider contacting The Law Offices of Alan L. Finkel for a complimentary 30-minute consultation.

We have over 35 years of experience in helping couples through any stage of mediation and divorce, and we would be happy to speak with you about your situation to find a solution that will work for you.

How Do I Start The Divorce Process in Babylon, NY?

You may file for divorce at any point during your marriage, given you meet the requirements as are laid out by New York state law regarding the dissolution of marriage.

These requirements first dictate that you or your spouse have lived in New York for at least one year before filing for divorce. If you meet the residency requirement, then you must also show reason for asking for divorce. There are seven grounds for divorce recognized by the state of New York:

  • The relationship has been in a state of breakdown for at least six months. (This is usually called a no-fault divorce.)
  • Adultery occurred during the marriage.
  • Cruel and inhumane treatment occurred, such that it is not safe to continue being in the relationship.
  • A spouse has been imprisoned for three consecutive years or more since the marriage began.
  • A spouse has been abandoned for at least one year during the marriage.
  • Legal separation has been filed, and spouses have lived apart for at least one year.
  • A judgment separation has been drawn up by the court, and spouses have lived apart for at least one year.

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Every divorce recognizes one of these issues as the grounds for filing. Should you meet these requirements, you may file for divorce at any point, either before, during, or after mediation, or without seeking mediation at all.

If you are seeking a divorce, or have recently been served with divorce papers in Babylon, NY, you may be seeking the legal counsel of a trusted family law firm. Contact The Law Office of Alan L. Finkel for a complimentary 30-minute consultation today.

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