Another Option to Avoid Litigation
With family conflict, there really is no “one size fits all” pathway to achieving common ground and sensible results. Many clients experiencing marital or family issues prefer the process of mediation: working with just one joint, neutral facilitator and settlement advocate instead of with separate adversarial litigators and judges.
In addition to being a Collaborative Attorney, Dan Cantone is trained and experienced as a Divorce Mediator and acts as an impartial conflict resolution specialist for many couples. In fact, during 2023 over 60% of Dan’s caseload involved his services as a family law mediator for spouses or domestic partners who experienced discord in their relationships and enjoyed the benefits of interacting with one dispute resolution professional.
Known as MEDIATE WEST, the Camillus office allows for private and expeditious settlement assistance and document drafting entirely out of court. Both parties are encouraged to obtain separate legal, tax, mental health, and other ancillary advice—if they so desire—when undergoing the mediation process. Oftentimes mediation of financial and parenting issues followed by uncontested no-fault divorce in the appropriate court can be accomplished in a matter of several months rather than the typical duration of contested trials which can take upwards of a year or more (not to mention the staggering costs and unpredictable results of adversarial conflict resolution in the court system).
Mediation is frequently a practical and workable option for spouses or partners who have low to modest levels of conflict, already resolved some issues themselves, are confident in working privately with just one professional, and want a cost-effective alternative to hostile negotiation or contested litigation. MEDIATE WEST is ideal for high-income/asset couples seeking absolute privacy and efficiency in their family law cases; middle-class clients who have tried other options; and one-income families, too, where professional settlement costs are challenging within modest budgets.
In Their Words
“We couldn’t afford two lawyers, so we picked Dan as our mediator. In three meetings we were able to resolve everything. Our house. Our kids. Our retirement plans. The Agreement [Dan] prepared was exactly what we wanted. His office is friendly and helpful. This was a good choice for us.”
H & W, Marcellus