Question 1

What is divorce mediation and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Divorce mediation is a voluntary, private process where a neutral mediator helps both spouses communicate and negotiate the terms of their divorce — including property division, child custody, and support. Unlike a judge, the mediator does not make decisions for you. Instead, they guide the conversation so you and your spouse can reach agreements that work for your family. Sessions are typically held in a comfortable setting, move at your pace, and are far less adversarial than courtroom proceedings.

Learn More About Our Mediation Services → /more-about-our-practice

Question 2

What is the difference between mediation and litigation?

Accepted Answer

In litigation, a judge controls the process and makes final decisions about your divorce or dispute. In mediation, you and the other party stay in control. Mediation is typically faster, significantly less expensive, and far less stressful than going to court. Mediation is often more efficient, more cost-effective, and less stressful than proceeding through the court system. It is also private — unlike court proceedings, which are generally part of the public record. For families with children, mediation can help foster cooperation and preserve working co-parenting relationships over time.

Mediation vs. Litigation — See How They Compare → /more-about-our-practice

Question 3

What is alternative dispute resolution (ADR)?

Accepted Answer

Alternative dispute resolution, or ADR, is an umbrella term for any process that resolves conflicts outside of traditional courtroom litigation. Common forms include mediation, arbitration, and collaborative law. ADR is widely used in divorce, family, business, employment, and elder law disputes. It is generally faster, more affordable, and more flexible than going to court — and it gives parties more control over the outcome.

Explore Our ADR Services → /more-about-our-practice

Question 4

What types of disputes can be resolved through mediation?

Accepted Answer

Mediation can be used to resolve a wide range of conflicts, including divorce and separation, child custody and parenting plan disputes, elder law and estate matters, employment disagreements, commercial and business disputes, and post-divorce conflicts. If two or more parties are in conflict and willing to engage in good faith, mediation is almost always worth exploring. At New York ADR, we work with individuals, families, and businesses across New York and the Tri-State Area.

See Our Full Practice Areas → /more-about-our-practice

Question 5

Is divorce mediation legally binding in New York?

Accepted Answer

Mediation itself is not legally binding, but the agreements you reach during mediation can be made legally binding. Once you and your spouse reach an agreement, an attorney drafts it into a formal Memorandum of Understanding or Settlement Agreement, which is then submitted to the court for approval. At that point, it becomes a legally enforceable court order. Working with attorney-mediators like those at New York ADR ensures your agreement is structured to hold up legally from the start.

Question 6

What is collaborative divorce and is it right for me?

Accepted Answer

Collaborative divorce is a team-based process where both spouses work with their own trained collaborative attorneys — and sometimes neutral financial or child specialists — to reach a divorce agreement without going to court. Both parties commit in writing to stay out of litigation. It works best for couples who want a respectful process, value privacy, and are willing to work cooperatively. If you have children, significant assets, or a long marriage, collaborative divorce may offer more comprehensive support than mediation alone.

Learn About Collaborative Law at New York ADR → /more-about-our-practice

Question 7

What is a parenting coordinator and when do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A parenting coordinator is a neutral professional — often an attorney or mental health expert — who helps co-parents resolve ongoing disputes about their children after a separation or divorce. Parenting coordinators assist with decisions about schedules, schooling, healthcare, and day-to-day parenting disagreements. They can be retained voluntarily or ordered by a court. If you and your co-parent struggle to communicate or frequently disagree about child-related issues, a parenting coordinator can reduce conflict and create a more stable environment for your children.

Meet Our Parenting Coordinators → /more-about-our-practice

Question 8

What is the difference between a parenting coordinator and a mediator?

Accepted Answer

A mediator helps parties reach agreements — in divorce, a mediator guides the negotiation of the entire settlement. A parenting coordinator, by contrast, focuses specifically on resolving ongoing co-parenting conflicts after a divorce or custody order is already in place. Mediators are typically used to finalize agreements; parenting coordinators are used to implement and manage them. Both roles require neutrality, but parenting coordinators often have broader authority to make binding recommendations when parents cannot agree.

Question 9

Do I need a reviewing attorney if I'm already working with a mediator?

Accepted Answer

Yes — it is recommended, though not required. A mediator is neutral and cannot give legal advice to either party. A reviewing or consulting attorney can review the agreement your mediator helps you draft, explain your rights, identify anything you may have overlooked, and recommend changes if needed. Having a reviewing attorney does not disrupt the mediation process — it simply helps ensure you are fully informed before you sign a binding agreement. It is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself.

Learn About Consulting & Reviewing Attorney Services → /more-about-our-practice

Question 10

Where is New York ADR located and do you offer virtual sessions?

Accepted Answer

New York ADR is located at 445 Hamilton Avenue, Suite 1102, White Plains, New York 10601 (By appointment only). We serve clients throughout New York, the Tri-State Area, and beyond. We offer virtual mediation and consultation sessions, which means geography is not a barrier to getting the help you need. Virtual sessions are private, secure, and just as effective as in-person meetings for most disputes.

Schedule a Virtual Consultation → /contact-us

Question 11

Who are Adam J. Halper and Donna Erez Navot?

Accepted Answer

Adam J. Halper, Esq. is a mediator, arbitrator, and collaborative attorney and parenting coordinator with deep expertise in family, matrimonial, employment, and elder law disputes. He is based in White Plains, New York and serves clients throughout the Tri-State Area. Donna Erez Navot, Esq. is an attorney, social worker, professor of law, and mediator with extensive experience building mediation programs across New York and Wisconsin. Together, they bring decades of combined experience and a genuine commitment to resolving conflicts without unnecessary litigation.

Meet Adam J. Halper → /adam-j-halper-esq
Meet Donna Erez Navot → /donna-erez-navot-esq

Question 12

How do I schedule a consultation with New York ADR?

Accepted Answer

Scheduling is easy. You can reach Adam J. Halper directly at 914-979-1245 or at Adam@newyorkadr.com. Donna Erez Navot can be reached at 516-810-0605 or Donna@newyorkadr.com. You can also use our online scheduling tool to book a virtual consultation at a time that works for you. Initial consultations are available by appointment. We work with clients throughout New York and the Tri-State Area, and virtual sessions are available for clients anywhere.

Book a Consultation → /contact-us

Question 13

How much does divorce mediation cost compared to litigation?

Accepted Answer

Divorce mediation is almost always significantly less expensive than going to court. A contested divorce that goes to litigation can cost tens of thousands of dollars in attorney fees and court costs — often more. Mediation, by contrast, involves fewer sessions, fewer attorneys, and far less time. While exact costs depend on the complexity of your situation, most couples find mediation to be a fraction of the cost of litigation. We encourage you to contact us directly for information about our fees and what to expect.

Contact Us to Discuss Fees → /contact-us

Question 14

How long does the divorce mediation process take?

Accepted Answer

Most couples complete divorce mediation in a handful of sessions — often between two and six meetings, depending on the complexity of the issues involved. A typical session runs one to two hours. From start to finish, mediation generally takes weeks to a few months, compared to a litigated divorce that can take a year or more. The timeline depends largely on how well both parties can communicate and the complexity of assets, custody arrangements, and other matters to be resolved.

Question 15

What happens if we cannot reach an agreement in mediation?

Accepted Answer

If mediation does not result in a full agreement, that is okay — it does not mean the process failed. Partial agreements are still valuable and can simplify any subsequent legal proceedings. Parties who are unable to resolve all issues in mediation can choose to continue with collaborative law, negotiate separately with attorneys, or, if necessary, proceed to litigation. A skilled mediator will help you identify where agreement is possible and where other options may be needed. The goal is always to maximize resolution and minimize unnecessary conflict.

Question 16

Can mediation work if my spouse and I don't get along?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mediation does not require you to like each other or agree on everything going in. A skilled mediator is trained to manage high-conflict communication, de-escalate tension, and keep the focus on practical outcomes rather than personal grievances. Many couples who enter mediation with significant conflict are still able to reach workable agreements. The process is designed to handle disagreement — that is the point. If communication is severely broken down, options like parenting coordination or collaborative law may also help structure the process.

Question 17

Do you offer divorce mediation services in Westchester County?

Accepted Answer

Yes. New York ADR is located in White Plains, which is the county seat of Westchester County, New York. We regularly serve clients throughout Westchester County and the surrounding area, including communities like Katonah, Tarrytown, Mount Kisco, and White Plains itself. We also offer virtual mediation services for clients throughout New York State and beyond. If you are looking for a divorce mediator in Westchester County, we welcome you to reach out for a consultation.

Schedule a Consultation → /contact-us

Question 18

Do you handle elder law mediation and estate disputes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Elder law mediation is one of our practice areas. We assist families in resolving disputes related to aging parents, guardianship, estate planning disagreements, inheritance conflicts, and end-of-life care decisions. These matters are often deeply personal and emotionally charged. Mediation provides a private, respectful space to work through them without the added burden of litigation. Whether the dispute involves siblings, a surviving spouse, or other family members, our attorneys bring both legal knowledge and sensitivity to every elder care matter.

Question 19

Do you offer mediation services for business and commercial disputes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We mediate commercial and employment disputes in addition to family matters. Business conflicts — including partnership disputes, contract disagreements, and workplace issues — are often well-suited to mediation because both parties typically want to preserve a working relationship or move forward efficiently. Mediation in commercial matters avoids the cost, delay, and public exposure of litigation, and allows for creative solutions that a court cannot always provide.

Question 20

Can I get mediation help with a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We represent and assist clients who are negotiating prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Also, mediation is an effective way for couples to work through the financial and practical terms of these agreements together, rather than through separate attorneys negotiating at arm's length. A mediator helps both parties understand each other's concerns and reach a fair agreement. After mediation, each party should have the final agreement reviewed by their own independent attorney before signing.

Question 21

How do I know if mediation is right for my situation?

Accepted Answer

Mediation works well when both parties are willing to participate in good faith and want to reach a resolution without court involvement. It is particularly effective for divorce and separation, custody matters, business disputes, and family conflicts where an ongoing relationship matters. If you are unsure whether mediation is the right fit, the best first step is a consultation. During that call, we will listen to your situation, explain your options, and give you an honest assessment of whether mediation — or another ADR process — makes sense for you.

Schedule a Free Consultation → /contact-us

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