In the past, most divorce proceedings involved numerous face-to-face conversations between clients and their attorneys, or mediators. Now, however, the legal landscape, like many industries, is entering a period of digital transformation. The rise of secure cloud-based technologies means mediators don’t always have to interact with clients in-person throughout the divorce mediation process.
This means residents of Monroe County have more options than ever before when it comes to selecting the perfect family law and divorce mediator for their needs. No longer restricted to choosing a mediator based on their location, clients can select the New York divorce mediator that suits their needs, regardless of how far away they might be.
With years of experience as both a divorce attorney and a family law mediator, Mr. Darren Shapiro offers an appealing option to Monroe County residents in search of a simple, convenient, and comfortable virtual mediation experience.
Here’s why Monroe County residents choose Mr. Darren M. Shapiro to help them navigate the complexities of divorce mediation.
Located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, within the Finger Lakes region of New York, Monroe County is a unique place, named after the fifth American president. Home to more than 752,000 people, the County is brimming with families, couples, and individuals, all with their own distinct goals and challenges to consider.
While many couples in Monroe County enjoy long and happy lives together, there are countless others that find themselves dealing with the heart-wrenching and stressful process of divorce. For these couples, divorce mediation can offer a less painful, and more convenient way to manage the end of a marriage. However, in any family law case, finding the right divorce mediator is essential.
Many Monroe County residents prioritize searching for mediators with an in-depth knowledge of their region, and the New York legal system. Fortunately, in today’s world, that doesn’t have to mean seeking a mediator with a nearby office. Though Mr. Shapiro’s office is located in the Jericho region of Nassau County, he is a practicing New York State attorney and knows the law applicable in New York State, including Monroe County.
Divorce Mediators can come in many forms, from professionals in the financial and therapeutic landscape who branch into the mediation field, to those who spend their whole lives honing their knowledge of matrimonial law as an attorney and divorce mediator. Mr. Shapiro brings a unique and valuable background as a family lawyer to his mediation services. In 1999, Mr Shapiro was admitted to the New York State Bar, and has been working with diverse clients throughout the region ever since.
As both a divorce attorney and mediator that has completed countless hours of mediation training and mediation sessions for couples, Mr. Shapiro can bring unique perspectives to the mediation process. His understanding of the divorce process, as well as the statutory legal guidelines and case law surrounding maintenance, child support, child custody and equitable distribution, makes him a valuable guide for his clients.
Mr. Shapiro’s experience as a divorce lawyer and family law attorney has given him a fantastic insight into the potential that mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution has to offer. Initially, he spent many years working with different firms throughout Long Island and New York State, building his experience as a litigator and negotiator.
In 2004, he took a role with the Suffolk County Assigned Panel, helping him to discover his passion for family law. From here, Mr. Shapiro launched his own matrimonial and family law office, first in Suffolk County, then in Nassau County. After a while, continuing to focus on litigation and negotiation, Mr. Shapiro was prompted to launch his own divorce mediation services, based on the success he saw clients achieving with this method of alternative dispute resolution.
Originally, Mr. Shapiro offered his mediation sessions to clients in-person, but the advent of new technology meant he could branch into virtual mediation options at the start of the pandemic. Now, he can work with clients from Monroe County, and other regions through channels like Zoom, and even e-file documents with the court through the internet, simplifying the experience for couples throughout New York.
In the world of divorce and family law, no two clients or couples are the same. It’s because of this that Mr. Shapiro believes in offering a versatile, bespoke, yet comprehensive approach to divorce mediation. Over the years, he has consistently honed his mediation techniques, which he can use in both virtual and in-person mediation sessions, to facilitate effective conversations.
For instance, thanks to his deep understanding of the legal landscape, Mr. Shapiro can utilize evaluative mediation techniques, to help clients understand the strengths and weaknesses of their case, in the context of the law. He can ensure partners understand when they may need to compromise, in order to have divorce agreements approved by the courts.
When complex conversations about things like equitable distribution reach a sticking point, Mr. Shapiro uses facilitative mediation techniques, such as open-ended questioning, to nurture the flow of discussion. He helps to ensure that couples can get to the bottom of the reasons behind their concerns and priorities, leading to more effective negotiations.
Additionally, as a fully objective family law mediator, Mr. Shapiro is committed to ensuring each of his clients feel heard and understood throughout mediation discussions. Using interest-based negotiation techniques, he ensures both parties have a chance to voice their priorities and concerns, without judgement.
Mr. Shapiro’s office consistently adapts to the needs of each client and couple from Monroe County and beyond, ensuring they have the best chance of positive results from their mediation sessions.
Divorce is never a simple process, but litigation can sometimes make the experience feel unnecessarily overwhelming and stressful. While there are instances where litigation is essential, mediation can offer an excellent alternative to certain couples.
Now that Mr. Shapiro’s office can deliver virtual mediation sessions, Monroe County residents have more options to choose from when it comes to selecting the best mediator for their needs. With Mr. Darren Shapiro, couples can rest assured they will receive a comprehensive level of support throughout the mediation process, with sessions tailored to their requirement.
If you’re a Monroe County resident who believes you could benefit from the support of a mediator with family law expertise, contact Mr. Shapiro today. You can reach out to arrange your initial consultation with your partner using the contact form on this website, or connect with us over the phone.