Mediation FAQs

What documents do I need to begin? We'll provide a complete checklist during your intake meeting, but basic requirements include:

How long does mediation take? Most couples complete mediation within 3-4 sessions, though this can vary based on your specific situation and how quickly decisions are made.

Do I need my own attorney for mediation? While not required, you're highly encouraged to have an independent attorney review your final agreement. We can recommend mediation-friendly attorneys if needed.

What is a pro se filing? A pro se court filing refers to a legal document submitted to a court by an individual who is representing themselves without the assistance of an attorney. The term "pro se" is derived from Latin, meaning "for oneself."

What's the difference between Vaz Law filing and pro se filing? With Vaz Law filing, we handle all court interactions and serve as your attorney of record. With pro se filing, you file the paperwork yourself at the County Clerk's office and handle any court communications directly.

Is pro se filing difficult? While the process is straightforward, you'll need to:

  • Visit the County Clerk's office in person

  • Submit all required paperwork

  • Follow up on any court requests

  • Monitor the status of your divorce

Collaborative Divorce FAQs

What makes Collaborative Divorce different from mediation? Collaborative Divorce provides more comprehensive support with a full team of professionals, including your own attorney, while mediation uses a single neutral mediator.

What happens if the Collaborative process doesn't work? If negotiations break down, court may become necessary. You will need to retain new counsel, as Collaborative attorneys cannot represent you in litigation. You never lose your legal right to go to court.

How long does the Collaborative process take? The timeline varies based on your needs and complexity of issues. Having a full team often helps reach resolution more efficiently than traditional approaches.

Who pays for the neutral professionals? Both parties typically share the cost of neutral professionals (financial neutral and facilitator), while each party pays for their own collaborative attorney. This can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.

Agreements FAQs

Why do I need a prenup if I'm not wealthy? Prenups protect more than just current wealth. They can address debt responsibility, business ownership, inheritance rights, and future financial plans, making them valuable for couples at any income level.

Can agreements be modified later? Yes, when significant changes occur (job loss, illness, etc.), agreements can often be modified to reflect new circumstances.

How long does it take to create an agreement? Timeline varies based on complexity and type of agreement. We provide estimated timelines during the intake process.

General FAQs

Do you offer payment plans? We offer legal fee financing through LawPay and have various payment options available. We'll discuss all financial arrangements during the intake process.

Are your services completely virtual? We operate primarily virtually for client convenience, with secure online document sharing and video conferencing. Some documents may require in-person signing or court filing. In person meetings in our Uniondale office are by appointment only.

What geographic areas do you serve? We serve clients throughout New York State, with offices on Long Island.

How do I know which divorce process is right for me? During your initial consultation, we'll discuss your specific situation, goals, and needs to help determine the best approach for your divorce. Factors we consider include:

  • Your relationship with your spouse

  • Complexity of financial situation

  • Presence of children

  • Desired timeline

  • Budget considerations

What if my spouse is uncooperative? We'll discuss alternative approaches and options during your paid consultation. While we focus on non-adversarial solutions, we can recommend appropriate resources if litigation becomes necessary.

Fee-Related FAQs

What's included in your fees? Our fees include professional services, document preparation, and communication. Court filing fees, QDRO drafting (if needed), and additional specialist services are separate costs. During your initial intake meetings we provide a full break down of the billing structure.

Are court filing fees included? No, court filing fees are separate from our professional fees and payment of same will be discussed during the intake process.

How much will my divorce cost? Costs vary based on the process chosen (Mediation vs. Collaborative) and complexity of your situation. We provide clear pricing information during your intake process and offer flat-fee options for many services. However, there is no way any attorney can predict the exact amount your divorce will cost.