Mediation Lawyer Serving New York, Washington, D.C. & Maryland

Helping Clients Resolve Family Law Disputes Without Unnecessary Litigation

Divorce and family law disputes do not always need to end in a courtroom.

For many families, mediation offers an opportunity to resolve disagreements through structured negotiation rather than leaving important decisions entirely to a judge.

At The Law Offices of Jeffrey N. Markowicz, I assist clients with family law mediation involving divorce, child custody, parenting time, child support and other matrimonial disputes throughout New York, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.

I have more than 25 years of family law and litigation experience. That experience allows me to understand both sides of the dispute resolution process: what may be achievable through negotiation and what could happen if the dispute ultimately proceeds to court.

Depending on the circumstances and nature of the engagement, I may assist with the mediation process as a neutral mediator or provide legal representation to an individual client participating in mediation. Those are separate roles. As a neutral mediator, I facilitate negotiations but do not act as either party’s lawyer.

My goal in mediation is not simply to help clients avoid court. I work to develop practical, informed agreements that address the legal, financial and family issues that matter most.

Schedule a confidential consultation with me to discuss whether mediation may be appropriate for your family law matter.

What Is Mediation?

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution, often called ADR.

Instead of asking a judge to decide every disputed issue, the parties meet with a neutral mediator who helps them identify disagreements, exchange information, explore potential solutions, and work toward an agreement.

The mediator does not decide who wins or loses.

The parties remain responsible for deciding whether they are willing to accept a proposed resolution.

I assist with family law mediation involving:

• Divorce
• Property division
• Child custody
• Parenting time and visitation
• Parenting plans
• Child support
• Spousal support or alimony
• Marital debt
• Retirement accounts
• Real estate
• Business interests
• Other family law disputes

Some couples use mediation before filing for divorce. Others turn to mediation after litigation has already begun.

What Do I Do as a Mediation Lawyer?

The term mediation lawyer can describe two different roles.

Understanding the distinction is important.

When I Serve as a Neutral Mediator

When I serve as the mediator, I remain neutral.

I may:

• Identify issues that need to be resolved
• Help the parties communicate
• Organize negotiations
• Clarify areas of disagreement
• Explore possible compromises
• Assist the parties in developing potential settlement terms

I do not represent either spouse and cannot advocate for one person’s interests against the other.

When I Represent You During Mediation

I can also represent one party during mediation.

In that role, I may:

• Explain your legal rights
• Help you prepare for mediation
• Evaluate settlement proposals
• Identify financial or parenting issues
• Negotiate on your behalf
• Review proposed agreements
• Explain how proposed terms may affect you
• Help formalize a final settlement

When I represent one party, I act as that person’s advocate, not as the neutral mediator.

I can discuss which type of mediation-related legal assistance fits your case.

Family Law Mediation

Family disputes can be particularly well suited to mediation because family relationships often continue long after the legal case ends.

Parents who divorce may continue communicating about their children for many years.

I help parties attempt to develop their own solutions to disputes involving:

• Parenting
• Finances
• Property
• Support
• Scheduling
• Communication
• Other continuing responsibilities

A negotiated agreement can sometimes provide greater flexibility than an outcome imposed after litigation.

Mediation may also allow the parties to address practical concerns that a court order may not anticipate.

Divorce Mediation

Divorce mediation allows spouses to negotiate the terms of their divorce with the assistance of a neutral third party.

I may help address issues involving:

• Division of marital property
• Separate property
• Marital debt
• The marital home
• Retirement accounts
• Investment accounts
• Businesses
• Spousal support
• Child custody
• Parenting time
• Child support

Some spouses begin mediation having already agreed on many issues.

Others may disagree substantially but want to determine whether compromise is possible before pursuing contested litigation.

My objective is to help determine whether the spouses can reach a complete settlement that can ultimately become part of their divorce.

Learn more about Divorce & Matrimonial Law.

Mediation for an Uncontested Divorce

I can also help spouses use mediation to move toward an uncontested divorce.

A couple may agree that they want to end the marriage but still need assistance resolving questions involving:

• Property
• Support
• Children
• Debt
• Retirement assets
• The family home

Mediation can provide a structured process for working through those remaining issues.

Once the spouses agree on all necessary terms, I can help ensure the settlement is properly documented as part of the uncontested divorce process.

Learn more about Uncontested Divorce.

Child Custody Mediation

I help parents use mediation to develop custody arrangements without asking a judge to design the family’s parenting structure.

Custody mediation may address:

• Legal decision-making
• Where the child primarily lives
• Shared parenting arrangements
• School decisions
• Medical decisions
• Religious upbringing
• Extracurricular activities
• Travel
• Communication between parents
• Other significant parenting issues

A mediated custody agreement can give parents greater control over how their family operates after separation.

It can also encourage parents to think beyond the immediate dispute and develop arrangements that are workable over time.

Learn more about Child Custody.

Parenting Time and Visitation Mediation

Mediation can be particularly useful when parents generally agree that both should maintain meaningful relationships with their children but disagree about the details.

I help parents negotiate:

• Weekday schedules
• Weekends
• Overnight parenting time
• Holidays
• Birthdays
• Summer schedules
• School vacations
• Pick-up and drop-off arrangements
• Transportation
• Domestic travel
• International travel
• Telephone and video communication

A detailed parenting plan can reduce recurring disagreements and provide predictability for both parents and children.

Learn more about Visitation & Parenting Time.

Creating a Parenting Plan Through Mediation

Mediation gives parents an opportunity to create a parenting plan based on the realities of their own family.

A parenting plan may address:

• Regular parenting schedules
• Major holidays
• School vacations
• Summer schedules
• Transportation
• Education
• Healthcare
• Extracurricular activities
• Communication
• Travel
• Procedures for schedule changes
• Methods for resolving future disagreements

Parents frequently know more about their children’s schedules, personalities and needs than anyone else involved in the legal process.

Mediation allows that knowledge to become part of the solution.

Child Support Mediation

I also help parents discuss financial issues involving their children through mediation.

Topics can include:

• Basic child support
• Childcare
• Health insurance
• Medical expenses
• Educational costs
• Extracurricular activities
• Camps
• Other child-related expenses

Child support remains subject to the requirements of the applicable jurisdiction.

I evaluate proposed agreements in light of the child support laws that apply to the case.

Learn more about Child Support.

Spousal Support and Alimony Mediation

Spousal support can become one of the most contested financial issues in divorce.

Through mediation, I may help spouses negotiate questions involving:

• Whether support will be paid
• Amount of support
• Duration
• Termination events
• Income differences
• Employment circumstances
• Other financial considerations

Negotiated arrangements can sometimes provide flexibility that may not be available through a traditional court determination.

Before accepting a proposed support arrangement, I help clients understand its long-term financial consequences.

Property Division Through Mediation

Dividing property does not necessarily require litigation.

I help spouses use mediation to determine what will happen to:

• Homes
• Investment properties
• Bank accounts
• Investment accounts
• Retirement plans
• Vehicles
• Businesses
• Personal property
• Marital debt

The parties may have more flexibility to exchange or offset assets through a negotiated settlement than if a court decided each issue separately.

For example, one spouse may value retaining a house more, while the other prioritizes investment or retirement assets.

Mediation allows the parties to explore those priorities as part of a comprehensive settlement.

Mediation in High Net Worth Divorce

Substantial assets do not automatically require a courtroom battle.

I help high net worth couples use mediation to address complex financial issues while maintaining greater control over the negotiation process.

A high asset mediation may involve:

• Closely held businesses
• Professional practices
• Commercial real estate
• Multiple residences
• Investment portfolios
• Stock options
• Restricted stock units
• Deferred compensation
• Retirement assets
• Trust interests
• Significant separate property

Complexity does not eliminate the need for careful financial analysis.

Accountants, business valuation professionals, tax professionals and other experts may still be needed when appropriate.

The difference is that those financial issues can potentially be addressed within a negotiated framework rather than litigated issue by issue.

Learn more about High Net Worth Divorce.

Business Owners and Divorce Mediation

Divorce involving a privately held business can create particularly difficult financial questions.

I may help address:

• Business valuation
• Ownership interests
• Appreciation during the marriage
• Income generated by the company
• Buyout arrangements
• Business debt
• Future ownership
• Other marital assets that may offset a business interest

A negotiated agreement may allow spouses to develop a solution that preserves the business while appropriately addressing each party’s financial interests.

Benefits of Family Law Mediation

Mediation can offer several advantages when appropriate for the circumstances.

Greater Control Over the Outcome

In court, a judge ultimately decides disputed issues.

In mediation, the parties decide whether to accept the proposed resolution.

More Flexible Solutions

Families are rarely identical.

Mediation can allow parties to develop arrangements tailored to their particular schedules, finances and priorities.

Reduced Conflict

A negotiated process may reduce some of the adversarial pressure associated with contested litigation.

That can be particularly important when parents will continue raising children together.

Privacy

Mediation generally provides a more private setting for discussing personal and financial matters than litigating those issues in open court proceedings.

Potentially Lower Legal Costs

Resolving disputes without prolonged litigation may reduce legal costs.

The actual cost depends on the complexity of the case and the number of issues requiring negotiation.

Potentially Faster Resolution

When parties can negotiate productively, mediation may resolve issues more efficiently than waiting for repeated hearings and trial.

Is Mediation Legally Binding?

Participating in mediation does not ordinarily mean that you must accept a settlement.

If the parties reach agreement, I can help reduce the terms to writing.

Depending on the matter, that agreement may later be:

• Signed by the parties
• Incorporated into a divorce settlement
• Submitted to a court
• Incorporated into a custody or support order

Before signing a final agreement, each person should understand what the document requires and what rights or obligations it creates.

Once an agreement becomes legally enforceable, changing it later may be difficult.

Do I Still Need My Own Lawyer During Mediation?

A neutral mediator does not represent either party.

That distinction is important.

Even when I serve as the mediator, my role is to facilitate negotiations rather than provide one spouse with individualized legal representation against the other.

You may therefore choose to consult an independent family law attorney:

• Before mediation begins
• Between mediation sessions
• When evaluating settlement proposals
• Before signing a final agreement

Independent legal advice can be especially important when the case involves substantial assets, business interests, significant income differences, retirement benefits or complicated parenting arrangements.

When Mediation May Not Be Appropriate

Mediation is not the right solution for every family law dispute.

Concerns may arise when:

• Domestic violence is present
• One party fears the other
• There is serious coercion or intimidation
• A substantial power imbalance exists
• One person is hiding assets
• Financial disclosure is incomplete
• Child abuse or neglect is alleged
• Substance abuse creates serious safety issues
• One party refuses to negotiate in good faith

In these situations, direct court intervention or another process may be more appropriate.

I evaluate both the legal issues and each party’s ability to participate safely and meaningfully before recommending mediation.

Domestic Violence and Mediation

Domestic violence requires particular caution.

A process based on voluntary negotiation may not be appropriate when one person fears the other or cannot negotiate freely.

Safety should take priority over reaching an agreement through mediation.

If domestic violence, coercive control or serious intimidation is present, I can help evaluate whether mediation is appropriate or whether the matter should proceed through another legal process.

Learn more about Domestic Violence.

What Happens During Family Mediation?

Although every mediation differs, the process generally involves several stages.

Identifying the Issues

The parties determine what needs to be resolved.

Gathering Information

The parties may need to exchange financial or parenting information before meaningful negotiations can occur.

Discussing Priorities

Each party explains the concerns and outcomes that are important to them.

Exploring Solutions

As the mediator, I help the parties consider different ways to resolve their disagreements.

Negotiating

The parties discuss potential compromises.

Developing an Agreement

When the parties reach an agreement, I can help document the settlement terms for review and potential incorporation into the appropriate legal documents.

I do not force either party to agree.

How to Prepare for Divorce or Family Mediation

Preparation can make mediation significantly more productive.

Depending on the case, useful information may include:

• Tax returns
• Bank statements
• Retirement statements
• Investment accounts
• Mortgage information
• Property records
• Business financial statements
• Employment compensation information
• Existing custody orders
• Parenting schedules
• Childcare expenses
• Health insurance information
• Existing settlement proposals
• Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements

It is also useful to think about priorities before mediation begins.

Ask yourself:

• Which outcomes matter most?
• Where am I willing to compromise?
• Which issues require more information?
• What would a workable long-term arrangement look like?
• What happens if we cannot reach agreement?

A successful mediation strategy requires knowing not only what you want, but also what alternatives may exist.

What Happens if Mediation Fails?

Mediation does not guarantee settlement.

Sometimes the parties resolve every issue.

Sometimes they resolve only part of the dispute.

Sometimes no agreement is reached.

If mediation does not resolve the case, I can help you evaluate whether to continue negotiating, pursue litigation or use another available dispute resolution process.

A matter ultimately proceeding to court does not necessarily mean mediation was wasted.

Resolving even some issues may narrow the disputes that remain for litigation.

My litigation experience also helps clients evaluate proposed compromises in light of the risks and costs of continuing to court.

Mediation Lawyer in New York

I have been licensed to practice law in New York since 2007 and assist clients with mediation-related family law matters.

Mediation is widely used in New York divorce, custody and parenting disputes.

I help clients address:

• Divorce settlements
• Custody
• Parenting time
• Property division
• Child support
• Spousal support
• Financial disputes

New York also maintains court-connected mediation programs for matrimonial, custody and visitation cases.

My experience in both family law negotiation and litigation helps clients evaluate whether mediation is appropriate and whether proposed settlement terms adequately address their concerns.

New York Office
1 Liberty Street
Suite 2327
New York, NY 10006

917-791-4157

Mediation Lawyer in Washington, D.C.

I have been licensed in the District of Columbia since 2001 and assist clients with divorce and family law mediation in Washington, D.C.

I help clients address disputes involving:

• Divorce
• Legal separation
• Custody
• Parenting time
• Child support
• Other family matters

Washington, D.C. also provides court-connected family mediation services in appropriate cases.

Mediation can occur before an issue becomes the subject of contested litigation or while a family court case is already pending.

I help clients evaluate potential agreements and understand how proposed terms may affect their legal and financial interests.

Washington, D.C. Office
700 12th Street NW
Suite 700
Washington, D.C. 20005

202-972-2701

Mediation Lawyer in Maryland

I have been licensed to practice law in Maryland since 1999 and assist Maryland clients with family law mediation.

Maryland courts use mediation in appropriate family matters, particularly disputes involving custody and parenting time.

I help parents address:

• Decision-making authority
• Parenting schedules
• Holidays
• Transportation
• Communication
• Other issues involving their children

Divorcing spouses may also use private negotiation and mediation to resolve financial and property issues outside of trial.

I can help you determine whether mediation fits your circumstances and review proposed agreements before they become binding.

Mediation Across New York, Washington, D.C. & Maryland

Families increasingly have connections to more than one jurisdiction.

One spouse may live in Washington while the other lives in Maryland. A family may own property in New York while residing elsewhere. Parents may relocate while a custody case is pending.

These cases can involve questions concerning:

• Divorce jurisdiction
• Child custody jurisdiction
• Property located in different states
• Existing court orders
• Relocation
• Enforcement

Mediation does not eliminate jurisdictional questions.

The parties should understand those legal issues before entering into an agreement.

Because I am admitted to practice in New York, Washington, D.C., and Maryland, I can be particularly helpful when a family law dispute involves multiple jurisdictions.

Mediation vs. Litigation

Neither mediation nor litigation is automatically right for every case.

Mediation May Be Appropriate When:

• Both parties are willing to negotiate
• Financial information can be exchanged
• Each person can participate meaningfully
• The parties want greater control over the outcome
• Parents want to reduce ongoing conflict
• There is room for compromise

Litigation May Be Necessary When:

• One party refuses to provide information
• Assets may be concealed
• Safety concerns exist
• Emergency relief is required
• One person refuses to negotiate reasonably
• Significant factual disputes must be decided
• Court intervention is necessary to protect legal rights

I approach each case based on its circumstances rather than assuming that every family dispute should follow the same path.

Mediation vs. Collaborative Divorce

Mediation and collaborative divorce are both alternatives to traditional contested litigation, but they are not identical.

In mediation, I may serve as a neutral mediator who facilitates negotiations between the parties.

In a collaborative process, each party typically has his or her own collaboratively trained attorney and agrees to work toward settlement outside traditional litigation.

The right approach depends on the complexity of the dispute, the relationship between the parties and the level of individual legal guidance each person needs throughout negotiations.

Mediation vs. Parental Coordination

Mediation and parental coordination also serve different purposes.

Mediation generally helps parties negotiate and resolve a current dispute.

Parental coordination is often focused on helping parents manage recurring disagreements after a parenting arrangement has already been established.

For high-conflict parents, parental coordination may help address ongoing issues involving:

• Scheduling
• Communication
• Parenting decisions
• Interpretation of existing agreements
• Everyday co-parenting disputes

Learn more about Parental Coordination.

Why Choose Me for Family Law Mediation?

More Than 25 Years of Family Law Experience

I have practiced law since 1999 and have handled divorce, child custody, visitation, child support, domestic violence and other family law matters throughout my career.

Licensed in New York, Washington, D.C. and Maryland

I have been licensed in:

• Maryland since 1999
• Washington, D.C. since 2001
• New York since 2007

My multijurisdictional experience can be especially useful when a family, property or custody arrangement crosses jurisdictional boundaries.

Negotiation Backed by Litigation Experience

Effective mediation requires understanding not only potential compromises but also the alternatives if settlement fails.

I have extensive litigation experience in matrimonial, family, civil and criminal matters.

That courtroom background provides valuable perspective when evaluating the risks and benefits of a proposed family law settlement.

Understanding Complex Family Law Issues

I handle matters involving:

• Divorce
• High net worth divorce
• Property division
• Custody
• Parenting time
• Child support
• Domestic violence
• Other contested family matters

That experience helps me identify issues to address before finalizing an agreement.

Direct Attorney Involvement

I work directly with clients.

Family law settlements can affect finances, children and legal rights for years. I take time to understand the circumstances behind the dispute and your priorities before choosing the right approach.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law Mediation

What does a mediation lawyer do?

I may serve as a neutral mediator or represent one participant in mediation. Those are different roles. As a neutral mediator, I help both parties negotiate but do not represent either side.

What is divorce mediation?

Divorce mediation is a process in which spouses work with a neutral mediator to try to resolve issues such as property division, support, custody and parenting time without asking a judge to decide every disputed issue.

Does a mediator make decisions?

No. As a mediator, I facilitate discussions and negotiations. The parties decide whether they are willing to reach an agreement.

Is mediation only for divorce?

No. I assist with family mediation involving custody, parenting time, child support and other family law disputes.

Can we mediate child custody?

Yes. Parents may use mediation to develop custody arrangements and parenting plans when mediation is appropriate for their circumstances.

Can a mediator represent both spouses?

A neutral mediator does not represent either spouse. Each party may choose to obtain separate legal advice from his or her own attorney.

Do I need a lawyer if we are using a mediator?

You may choose to have an independent attorney advise you during mediation or review an agreement before you sign it. This can be particularly important when substantial financial or parenting rights are involved.

Is mediation cheaper than going to court?

It can be. Resolving disputes without prolonged litigation may reduce legal expenses, although the actual cost depends on the matter’s complexity and how many sessions are required.

Is mediation faster than divorce litigation?

It can be when the parties are able to negotiate productively. The timeline depends on the complexity of the issues and the parties’ ability to reach agreement.

Is mediation confidential?

Mediation generally provides confidentiality protections, although the precise rules and exceptions depend on the jurisdiction and type of mediation.

Can mediation handle a high net worth divorce?

Yes. I help address complex assets through mediation when both spouses can participate effectively and sufficient financial information is available.

Can we use accountants or financial experts in mediation?

Yes. Complex financial cases may benefit from accountants, valuation professionals, tax advisers or other experts.

Is mediation appropriate when domestic violence is involved?

Not always. Domestic violence, fear, coercion or a serious power imbalance can make mediation inappropriate or unsafe. I evaluate these concerns before mediation proceeds.

What happens if we agree on only some issues?

Partial agreements may still be valuable. The remaining disputed issues can potentially be addressed through additional negotiation or litigation.

What happens if mediation does not work?

The parties can generally proceed with other settlement efforts or litigation. Participating in mediation does not require you to accept a settlement.

Is a mediated agreement legally binding?

The parties generally must reach and properly document an agreement before it becomes enforceable. Depending on the case, a settlement may later be incorporated into a divorce judgment or other court order.

Can mediation happen after a divorce case has already been filed?

Yes. I can assist with mediation before litigation begins or while a family law matter is already pending.

Do you handle mediation matters in New York, Washington, D.C. and Maryland?

Yes. I assist clients with family law mediation and related divorce, custody, parenting and support matters across all three jurisdictions.

Speak With Me About Family Law Mediation

Family law disputes do not always have to be resolved through prolonged litigation.

When both parties can participate meaningfully and are willing to explore compromise, mediation may provide a more flexible way to resolve divorce, custody, parenting and financial disagreements.

I assist clients with family law mediation throughout New York, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.

With more than 25 years of family law and litigation experience, I can help you determine whether mediation is appropriate, identify the issues that need to be resolved and work toward a practical resolution.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation

Washington, D.C. & Maryland: 202-972-2701
New York: 917-791-4157

Contact me today to discuss mediation and your family law options.