Domestic Partnerships & Unmarried Parents

In New York State, a domestic partnership is defined as a legal relationship between two people who live together and share much of their lives, but who are not married or joined in a civil union.  Such partnerships may or may not be romantic in nature.  Although the law provides married couples with many protections that are not extended to domestic partnerships, although frequently the same issues are present.  Those in domestic partnerships may experience similar conflicts with regard to household finances, dividing joint property, allocating domestic responsibilities, and making consistent parenting decisions.   When disputes in such areas arise, a trained mediator can be invaluable in helping parties to identify the areas of conflict, generate solutions, and facilitate communication.  Working out mutually acceptable agreements allows those terminating a domestic partnership or those seeking to improve their relationship to confront difficult issues proactively and constructively.

When unmarried parents separate, mediation can assist them in making future parenting arrangements and anticipating decisions without the stress and expense of family court.  Our trained mediator can help you develop a workable parenting and custodial plan and resolve child support without draining financial resources that would be better spent on your child's future. determine support questions and answers. 

First trained in Mediation in 2005, our compassionate and experienced attorney-mediator has been assisting couples in separations and family conflict ever since.  Through mediation we are able to help couples and partners work out their differences outside of the courtroom by listening to both sides describe the areas of conflict and facilitating compromise.  Once an agreement has been reached in spirit, our attorney-mediator has the legal skills to memorialize the agreement in writing and file all documents necessary to formalize the agreement and obtain a court order to protect the future rights and responsibilities of the parties where appropriate or necessary.

With offices located in Hillsdale, New York we offer a convenient physical location for in-person mediation in Columbia County, as well as the option to participate in virtual mediation sessions for any domestic partners, parents, couples, or individuals in conflict throughout New York State who are interested in participating in alternative dispute resolution.

Divorce / Marital Dissolution

Parent-Child and Family Relationships

Employer-Employee and Workplace Conflict

Contract Disputes

In-person mediation sessions are available in Columbia County, New York, with virtual sessions available throughout New York State.