Divorce can be stressful, but for many couples in Ithaca, mediation offers a more collaborative, less adversarial way to separate. Rather than battling in court, spouses can work with a neutral mediator to reach agreements on key issues such as property division, child custody, and support arrangements.
While mediation can save time, reduce legal expenses, and keep matters private, it’s important to remember that the mediator’s role is not to represent either spouse’s individual legal interests. That means you could agree to terms that aren’t in your best interest simply because you didn’t have a lawyer review them.
That’s where working with an attorney outside the mediation process comes in — and where The Law Office of Charles H. Kee can help.
How Divorce Mediation Works in New York
In New York, divorce mediation is a voluntary process in which both spouses meet with a neutral mediator to work out the terms of their divorce. The mediator guides discussions but does not provide legal advice to either party.
Mediation typically involves:
- Initial Meeting – The mediator explains the process and gathers background information.
- Negotiation Sessions – Both spouses discuss and compromise on issues like property division, custody, and support.
- Draft Agreement – The mediator writes a proposed settlement outlining what was agreed upon.
- Finalization – The agreement is filed with the court as part of the divorce paperwork.
Because the mediator must remain neutral, it’s up to each spouse to make sure their rights are protected before signing.
Why You Should Have a Lawyer Review Your Mediation Agreement
Even if mediation goes smoothly, once your agreement is signed and accepted by the court, it becomes legally binding. Without an independent legal review, you might unknowingly agree to terms that:
- Fail to account for all marital assets or debts
- Provide insufficient financial support or overly burdensome obligations
- Contain vague or unenforceable custody arrangements
- Overlook important tax implications or future contingencies
By having a lawyer outside of the mediation process review your agreement, you can ensure:
- Fairness – Your rights and financial interests are protected.
- Compliance – The agreement meets all legal requirements under New York law.
- Clarity – The terms are clearly written and enforceable.
- Future Protection – The agreement anticipates potential disputes or life changes.
The Law Office of Charles H. Kee — Your Legal Safeguard
While we don’t conduct mediation ourselves, we help clients review mediation agreements before they are finalized to make sure they’re fair, complete, and enforceable. We provide:
- Detailed agreement analysis to identify potential issues
- Clear explanations of your rights and obligations under New York law
- Negotiation guidance if changes should be requested before signing
This final step can save you from costly mistakes and disputes down the road.
Final Thoughts
Mediation can be a valuable way to resolve a divorce amicably, but it’s not a substitute for legal advice. Protecting your individual interests requires an independent legal review before you commit to any agreement.
If you’re going through mediation in Ithaca or Tompkins County, The Law Office of Charles H. Kee can help you make sure your final agreement is both fair and legally sound.
Call us today at (800) 954-5724 to schedule a confidential review of your mediation agreement before you finalize your divorce.