CALL TODAY (716) 400-7286

Recognized as the finest choice when facing separation or divorce.

CALL TODAY (716) 400-7286

Recognized as the finest choice when facing separation or divorce.

Divorce Mediation Services of Buffalo LLC. Recognized as a “Finest Choice” when facing separation or divorce.

Divorce Mediation Services of Buffalo LLC. Recognized as a “Finest Choice” when facing separation or divorce.

Professional and Affordable Divorce Mediation.

Divorce Mediation Services of Buffalo  is here for you when you need us most, from the comfort of your home or office.  Our divorce mediation team works with you to make your divorce as stress-free, peaceful, and amicable as possible. We will help guide you down a non-adversarial path to separation or divorce by facilitating and managing conversations while you maintain control over your future by making your own decisions.


We will guide you through parenting plans, distribution of assets and liabilities, child parenting plans, child support, spousal maintenance and retirement fund distribution.


You will experience less time with less stress and at a fraction of the cost while we work together to craft an agreement that works best for you and your family's needs.


Call our divorce mediation team with any questions so we can explain the process and set up an appointment with a divorce mediator.


Less time, less stress, and a fraction of the cost.

We complete the entire process quickly and effectively, saving you significant time and money. Divorce Mediation Services of Buffalo   handles every aspect of your divorce including mediation, legal and filing with the courts whereas most divorce mediators don’t.


We work with both parties to determine:

Child support, child custody, spousal support, retirement, property and equitable distribution of your assets and liabilities.


We aim to craft an agreement that works best for you and your family and believe that “divorce is not the end, rather a transition to a new beginning”.

Offering Virtual Divorce Mediation

  • All you need is a computer and a phone.
  • The process is completed from the comfort of your home or office.
  • No Driving to lawyer’s offices or court rooms.
  • Perfect for couples in different cities
  • Work well with your busy schedule
  • No need for parties to be in the same room.
  • Less time stress and cost.
CALL NOW

Why Divorce Mediation?

The process of divorce can be one of the most stressful, emotional, and difficult experiences that you and your family may experience. It is a process that affects you, your children, family, and friends.

At Divorce Mediation Services of Buffalo  we provide you with control over the divorce outcome and your future, all while avoiding costly litigation fees and keeping you out of court. As a unbiased third party, our divorce mediation team facilitates a comprehensive, cordial approach to your divorce while operating under the guidelines of the law.
 

Divorce mediation services are less expensive than litigation.

The average cost of a litigated divorce in New York State is approximately $50,000, and it could take years to reach an agreement. Spending that amount of money while contending for such an elongated period of time can cause additional damage to your relationship, your children, and your loved ones but most of all is unnecessary to reach an agreement.


Divorce mediation is a fraction of the cost than that of litigation.

Call us today and we will be happy to explain why we are not only cost effective, but $1,500 less than other mediators in the area.
 

Divorce mediation is confidential and private.

The divorce mediation process is private, allowing your confidential information to be discussed in a unbiased forum without the weight of a court case or judicial proceeding after.
 

Divorce mediation takes less time.

The entire divorce mediation process can be finalized on average with three-to-four sessions. Don't spend years in court with a contested litigation.


Divorce mediation is less stressful.

With mediation, each party discusses the process on their own terms, reaching a mutual decision that works for each party. This method allows us to move at an appropriate speed, improves your post-agreement relationship, and reduces the psychological impact of the divorce on the parties involved.


Frequently Asked Questions.

  • Is mediation private and confidential?

    Yes, all of the discussions held in our sessions are informal, neutral, completely private, and confidential. Mediation offers an open forum setting to review options, consider alternatives, and develop solutions without the worry that what you say can be used against you in litigation.



  • Can we maintain control in the process and direction of our lives?

    Yes. A mediator works with both parties in coming to mutual agreements on all issues regarding the settlement. You’ll have control over the future of your family, rather than having life components dictated by an attorney or judge.

  • Is mediation less costly than litigation?

    Yes, mediation is far more affordable than litigation. The average cost of a litigated divorce in New York State is $50,000. We offer a simple to manage flat fee service which allows us to be $1,500 less than our competitors. This eliminates any guessing game of how much it will cost in the end and turns out to be less expensive than other mediators billing by the hour. However, there will be additional expenses for legal fees and filing fees that will be part of any mediation process. 

  • Is mediation less stressful than using attorneys?

    Yes, mediation offers both parties the power and opportunity to constructively communicate in a focused and respectful environment. Agreements reached during mediation move through the court approval process much faster without the need to ever set foot into a courtroom. You can exercise control over the decisions made; after all, you know what is best for you and your children.

  • What does a mediator do?

    A mediator is a non-biased third party who aids a divorcing couple to work through important issues on their path to a mutual agreement. The role of the mediator is to help you to explore your options in a fair and impartial environment. The mediator will draft an agreement for both parties, outlining a parenting plan, equitable distribution of assets, child support, and spousal maintenance/alimony.

  • Is mediation easy?

    Though there is nothing particularly easy about divorce, mediation empowers both individuals to come to a mutual agreement on your own terms, rather than placing those decisions in the hands of judges or attorneys. Most importantly, divorce mediation allows you to maintain the confidentiality and personal integrity that you and your family deserve.

Buffalo Divorce Mediation Services

A Better Way to Resolve Your Divorce


Divorce Mediation Services of Buffalo provides professional, private divorce mediation for couples throughout Buffalo and Western New York.

With the guidance of a neutral mediator, you and your spouse can work toward agreements about parenting, finances and your future—often without the cost, conflict and delay of prolonged litigation.


Call 716-400-7286 to schedule a consultation.


How Does Divorce Mediation Work?

Divorce mediation is a voluntary process in which both spouses work with a neutral mediator to negotiate the terms of their divorce.

The mediator does not represent either spouse, provide individualized legal advice or make decisions. Instead, the mediator facilitates communication, identifies unresolved issues and helps the parties work toward an agreement under the guidelines of New York State Marital laws.

Mediation will address all aspects of your divorce:

  • Child custody and parenting schedules
  • Child support
  • Spousal maintenance
  • Marital property and debt
  • The marital home
  • Retirement accounts and pensions
  • Bank accounts, investments and other financial matters

 

Why Choose Divorce Mediation?

Mediation gives you and your spouse a structured, private setting to resolve your divorce cooperatively.

  • Maintain control: You and your spouse make the decisions rather than leaving unresolved issues entirely to a judge.
  • Work with one neutral mediator: The mediator facilitates discussions without representing either party.
  • Protect privacy: Mediation provides a private environment for discussing family and financial concerns.
  • Potentially reduce costs: Mediation can be substantially less expensive than prolonged contested litigation, although total costs vary by case.
  • Move at your own pace: Sessions can often be scheduled around your availability, and the timeline depends on the complexity of your circumstances.

 

What Issues Can We Address?

Mediation can help couples develop agreements concerning:

  • Parenting and Child Support
  • Parents can address residential schedules, holidays, vacations, transportation, decision-making and child-related expenses.
  • Spousal Maintenance
  • Couples can discuss the amount, duration and other terms of spousal maintenance.
  • Property, Debt and Retirement
  • Mediation can address the marital home, bank accounts, investments, vehicles, debts, retirement accounts and pensions.


Mediation vs. Litigation

The primary difference is who makes the decisions.

With mediation, you and your spouse work toward an agreement with the assistance of a neutral mediator. With litigation, each spouse generally presents a position through an attorney, and a judge may decide issues the parties cannot resolve.


  • Mediation
  • You and your spouse participate in the decisions
  • One neutral mediator facilitates the process
  • Discussions focus on reaching agreement
  • Sessions may be scheduled around your availability
  • The process can be substantially less expensive than prolonged litigation
  • Litigation
  • Each spouse generally has their own attorney
  • The process is adversarial
  • Court proceedings may be required
  • A judge may decide disputed issues
  • Costs can increase as disputes continue

Mediation is not appropriate for every situation. Both spouses must be able to participate voluntarily and negotiate in good faith.

 

What Happens During Mediation?

The process generally includes:

  1. Initial consultation: We discuss your circumstances and explain the process.
  2. Identify the issues: We determine what must be resolved, including parenting, support, property and finances.
  3. Exchange information: The parties gather the information needed to make informed decisions.
  4. Negotiation: The spouses discuss priorities and work through disagreements with the mediator’s assistance.
  5. Agreement: Reached terms are documented for review and completion of the appropriate divorce paperwork.
  6. Independent legal review: Each spouse is encouraged to consult an independent attorney before signing an agreement.

 

Virtual Divorce Mediation

Virtual mediation is available for couples who prefer to participate remotely. It can be convenient when spouses live in different locations, have demanding schedules, have childcare responsibilities or want to avoid travel.

Ask whether virtual mediation is appropriate for your circumstances.


  • How much does divorce mediation cost?

    Traditional divorces often require both spouses to pay massive upfront retainers to separate attorneys, with costs quickly spiraling into tens of thousands of dollars. Mediation consolidates the process. You share the cost of a single mediator, which dramatically lowers overall expenses. Our focus is on providing an affordable alternative that preserves your hard-earned assets for your future rather than spending them on litigation.

  • How long does divorce mediation take?

    Some straightforward cases may be resolved in a few sessions. Cases involving children, real estate, businesses, retirement assets or significant disagreements may require more time. Sessions are scheduled with the parties, allowing greater flexibility in managing the process.

  • Can we mediate if we do not agree on everything?

    Yes. Disagreements are common and can be addressed through structured discussion. Both spouses must be willing to participate voluntarily and negotiate in good faith. The mediator does not decide who is right or forces either spouse to accept an agreement.

  • Do we each need a divorce attorney?

    A mediator does not represent either spouse or provide individualized legal advice. Each spouse may consult an independent attorney and should understand the legal and financial consequences of any agreement before signing it. (However, we include the attorney in our process, and flat fee price. There is no additional cost for the attorney we provide for you.) This is why we become much less expensive and less timely than most other mediators.

  • Is divorce mediation confidential?

    Mediation is generally conducted as a private process, although specific confidentiality protections depend on the circumstances and applicable law.


    Can we mediate child custody, child support and property issues?


    Yes. Parenting arrangements, child support, the marital home, other property, debt, retirement accounts and pensions may all be addressed during mediation.




  • Can we mediate child custody, child support and property issues?

    Yes. Parenting arrangements, child support, the marital home, other property, debt, retirement accounts and pensions may all be addressed during mediation.

  • Do we have to go to court?

    Mediation can help you reach an agreement, but the divorce must still follow the applicable New York legal process. Court requirements depend on the circumstances of your case.

  • What happens after we reach an agreement?

    The agreed terms can be documented and reviewed. The necessary divorce documents are then prepared and submitted through the applicable legal process.

  • Who Is a Good Candidate for Divorce Mediation?

    Mediation may be appropriate when both spouses are willing to:

    • Communicate openly
    • Exchange relevant information
    • Negotiate in good faith
    • Resolve the divorce cooperatively
    • Maintain greater control over the outcome

    Mediation may not be appropriate in cases involving serious safety concerns, coercion, an inability to negotiate voluntarily or significant financial concealment. 


    Contact us if you are unsure whether mediation is right for you.


Take the Next Step

If you and your spouse are willing to communicate and work toward an agreement, divorce mediation may offer a more cooperative way to resolve the issues affecting your family and financial future.

Call Divorce Mediation Services of Buffalo at 716-400-7286 to schedule a consultation.

Email: info@divorcemediationofbuffalo.com


Divorce Mediation Services of Buffalo LLC

Helping Western New York couples move forward with greater clarity, control and dignity.

Divorce is not the end. It is a transition to a new beginning.

Don’t Litigate. Mediate. ™

SMART DIVORCE is honored to be selected as the preferred and exclusive mediation firm for all of the SUNY schools and their faculty.


About Divorce Mediation Services of Buffalo

Divorce Mediation Services of Buffalo was founded in 2014 by certified mediator Stephen Felman to offer couples a better, more respectful way to resolve their divorce. We provide professional, private mediation services for spouses throughout Buffalo and Western New York, helping couples reach agreements on parenting plans, finances, and their future—without the cost, conflict, or delays of traditional litigation.

Our practice is recognized as Western New York’s “Finest Choice” for separation and divorce by Art Voice (2015). We are also the exclusive, recommended mediation provider for all SUNY schools and faculty members, which is a reflection of our reputation for fairness, professionalism, and trusted guidance.


About Stephen Felman Stephen Felman is a graduate of Northeastern University and a certified mediator with (84) hours of extensive training in dispute resolution, dispute theory, domestic violence, asset division, and parenting plans. With over 1,000 completed divorces, Stephen brings deep experience, neutrality, and compassion to every mediation session.

He has been featured on Western New York Living and Money Talks, where he helps educate a wider audience about the mediation process and the benefits of resolving divorce outside the courtroom.

Less time, stress, and cost.

DON’T LITIGATE. MEDIATE

Call us today, we will be honored to help.

716-400-7286

Divorce Mediation Services of Buffalo is honored to be selected as the preferred and exclusive mediation firm for all of the SUNY schools and their faculty.

Book a consultation

We will provide you with control over the divorce outcome and your future, all while avoiding costly litigation fees and keeping you out of court. As a neutral third party, our divorce mediator guides a holistic, amicable approach to your divorce. 

716-400-7286

info@divorcemediationofbuffalo.com