Program for Mediation of Economic
Aspects of Family Law Cases
The program for economic mediation is in place
in all counties. The emphasis of the
program is to resolve the economic issues in the case, such as equitable
distribution of marital property and support.
Cases are referred by the court
to mediation if the case is not settled after the Matrimonial Early Settlement
Panel (MESP) is held. However, the parties may request and be referred to
mediation at any time prior to the MESP.
Some benefits of mediation include confidentiality of the proceedings, and the opportunity for the parties to create their own mutually acceptable agreement and take an active role in resolving their own
disputes. Additionally, and
in most instances, mediation saves the parties time and money.
The mediators on the rosters include both
attorney-mediators who focus substantially on family law and other experienced
professionals in the financial or mental health fields. All mediators on the
roster have completed 40 hours of mediation training. Under Court Rule 1:40-
4(b) the mediator contributes the first two hours, including preparation
time, at no cost to the parties
Should you wish to obtain further information,
including a brochure on the program, please contact the Family Division
in one of the counties or the Administrative Office of the Courts, Family
Practice Division, P.O. Box 983, Trenton, NJ 08625, (609) 984-4228. |
