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Matrimonial Early Settlement Program (MESP)
Robert N. Wilentz Court Complex
Room 1053, 10th Floor
212 Washington Street
Newark, N.J. 07102
973-693-6708; (fax)
973-693-6674
Hours:Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
What is MESP?
This a program where experienced matrimonial lawyers, volunteer their time, to help people getting divorced to settle their financial issues. These attorneys who volunteer their time are called panelists.
How Does MESP work?
When a divorce complaint is filed, the case is assigned to a judge.
The judge will review the case, with each of the parties’ attorneys and decide if the case should be sent to the program. Once the case is sent to the program, the attorneys, representing the parties getting divorced, will be given a date to appear with their clients, before the panelists.
The goal is to help settle the financial issues such as alimony, child support, dividing of property or any other issues involving money.
Who are the panelists?
The Early Settlement Panelists are experienced lawyers who mainly do family law cases.. These men and women volunteer their time to participate in the program and receive absolutely no compensation for their efforts. Their goal is a simple one: To help to fairly settle the issues between the parties at the lowest possible cost (both emotional and financial).
What is the process?
Once a divorce complaint is filed the case is assigned to a judge.
The judge will hold a Case Management Conference. He will decide if the case should go to the program. If it is, the attorneys are sent to get an Early Settlement Panel date.
A Court Order will be sent to your attorney with the time and date of the hearing.
Each party’s attorney will be required to send Case information Statements and financial reports to the panelists. The panelists review this information prior to the hearing date.
On the day of the conference, the attorneys and their clients come to court. A Judge will give instructions to everyone and each case will be sent to a conference room. First, both the attorneys will discuss the case with the panelists and then the parties will go into the conference room with their attorneys, to hear the recommendation of the panelists. The parties are free to accept the recommendation or reject it.
The parties do not have to accept the recommendation unless they are guided by their counsel and agree to accept the recommendation.
If the parties accept the panel’s recommendation and come to an agreement about the finances, the settlement will be placed on the record that same day before a judge, unless the attorneys need time to prepare a written agreement.
If the parties do not accept the recommendation of the MESP, the case will go back to the judge and, if time allows, the judge may conduct a conference. If this is not possible or required, a trial date will be assigned.
Where can I get more information about MESPs?
Information about the MESP may be obtained at the above address and telephone number from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Monday through Friday.