Divorce is by definition, not done alone.
However, the question may be, how do you collaborate on a split?
It’s all about your mindset as you enter divorce proceedings. If there’s a willingness to work with your spouse in a way that will allow for constructive resolutions, you will be able to separate in a more peaceful way.
In this episode, Leah Jones speaks to divorce attorney Melissa Goodstein, who focuses on alternative dispute resolutions, namely mediation and collaborative divorce. Leah and Melissa discuss the ins and outs of collaborative divorce, the benefits and when it may not be an option, and the difference between mediation and collaboration.
Leah and Melissa discuss:
- How collaborative divorce is possible
- The three reasons why collaborative process may not be an option
- The difference between mediation and collaboration in divorce
- The financial implications of divorce
- And more
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About Our Guest:
Melissa Goodstein graduated from Brandeis University with a B.A. and high honors in both American Studies and European Cultural Studies in 1987. She received her J.D. degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in 1990 where she served as an editor of the Journal of International Law.
In 1992, she completed mediation training and in 1993 started a private practice specializing in divorce mediation with offices in Westchester and New York City. In 2003 Melissa received training in collaborative law and in 2005 was trained in the interdisciplinary collaborative team model.
Melissa practices exclusively within the mediation and collaborative divorce models. Her practice is located in Katonah, New York serving clients throughout Westchester County and Putnam County and the surrounding New York metropolitan area.
Melissa is a member of the New York State Council of Divorce Mediation, the Greater New York Council of Family and Divorce, the New York Association of Collaborative Professionals and the International Association of Collaborative Professionals. She is also a member in good standing of the Westchester Women’s Bar Association and has completed advanced training in both mediation and collaborative practice.
In accordance with a 2019 initiative, ADR (alternative dispute resolution) is now mandated for most court actions in the New York State judicial system. In alignment with her dedication to ADR, Melissa serves on the mediation panel and Roster of Mediators for the 9th Judicial District in the following courts: Westchester County Supreme Court Matrimonial Part, Putnam County Supreme Court Matrimonial Part, Putnam Surrogate’s Court and Bronx Surrogate’s Court.
Melissa is passionate about providing the best possible support for all her clients and is an advocate of alternative healing techniques such as chiropractic, yoga and meditation to help support her clients during the divorce process. She believes that healing from the inside out is instrumental in achieving a good divorce and a transition to a new life.
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