Divorce Mediation in Philadelphia, PA
Neutral Divorce Mediation for Families in Philadelphia
Neutral Divorce Mediation for Families in Philadelphia
New Hope Divorce Mediation works with divorcing and separating spouses in Philadelphia who want to reach well-informed resolutions cooperatively rather than through the inefficient court system. Mediation is a voluntary, participant-driven process where both participants sit down with a neutral mediator to address the practical and personal matters involved in ending a marriage, including finances, parenting, property, and planning ahead. The mediator does not take sides or give legal advice. Instead, the mediator provides structure and guidance so both participants can make informed decisions together. Our team serves families in Philadelphia and surrounding communities across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Divorce Made Straightforward
Our process is designed to make mediation as simple, efficient, and stress-free as possible.
How NHDM Divorce Mediation Works
The process begins with both participants sharing relevant financial information and any preliminary agreements with each other and the mediator. From there, sessions are structured around the specific issues each couple needs to resolve, including property division, financial responsibilities, parenting schedules, and communication planning. The mediator facilitates each conversation, helping both participants stay focused, express their priorities, and evaluate their options. Each session builds on the last, and the pace is always set by the participants. Once all terms are agreed upon, the mediator prepares your Marital Settlement Agreement and Custody Stipulation for review and approval. After you sign your Agreements, we will assist you in moving forward with the pro se filing process with the Court so you can obtain your Divorce Decree. Sessions are confidential and can be held in person or online.
Why Participants in Philadelphia Choose New Hope Divorce Mediation
Mediation gives both participants a direct role in shaping the terms of their divorce and separation rather than handing those decisions to attorneys or a judge. It is significantly faster and less expensive than litigation, and it replaces adversarial court proceedings with a process designed around informed problem-solving and communication. For parents, working through a divorce cooperatively sets a foundation for the co-parenting relationship that follows. Because both participants help build the agreement, the outcomes tend to be more practical and more durable than terms imposed by a court. The process is private, scheduling is flexible, and there is no pressure to move faster than either participant is comfortable with.
What to Expect from New Hope Divorce Mediation
Our mediators are committed to creating an environment where both participants feel heard, respected, and supported in making their own informed decisions. We do not advocate for either party, offer legal advice, or steer conversations toward particular outcomes. We provide relevant information, help clarify complicated topics, and ensure that both participants have equal opportunity to contribute to the discussion. With deep experience guiding families through this process, we understand that every situation is different and that patience, clarity, and efficiency are essential at every step.
Meet Our Pennsylvania Attorney-Mediator
Josh Kershenbaum, Esq.
Josh is an attorney-mediator with 25 years of experience in conflict resolution and special education law. He is renowned for his innovative Disability-Informed Mediation approach, helping families and institutions navigate complex disputes through compassionate, collaborative strategies.
Meet Our TeamGetting Started
If you are considering divorce mediation in Philadelphia, we invite you to schedule a free informational call. This is a simple conversation about how the process works and whether it may be a good fit for your situation. There is no obligation to proceed and no legal advice will be given. The goal is to provide you with the information you need to take your next step with confidence.
Every mediation session is an opportunity for understanding, cooperation, and progress. At New Hope Divorce Mediation, we help participants in Philadelphia work through difficult decisions with care and focus, creating agreements that serve both individuals and their families. Through a balanced and supportive process, participants can move forward with clarity and confidence.
What are the benefits of divorce mediation over litigation?
In mediation, you retain control over your divorce process and the agreements you reach. Because you communicate directly with each other instead of through lawyers, mediation is significantly less expensive and much faster than litigation. Mediation also brings priceless benefits to your children and each other by reducing conflict so you may focus on your needs and the best interests of your children. Mediation supports cooperative communication and offers you flexible meeting times in consideration of your work schedule and keeps you in control of the pace. Mediation offers you the opportunity to craft a unique agreement tailored to your specific circumstances and gives you a private process that avoids public disclosure of your financial and personal matters.
How does divorce mediation differ from going to court?
Divorce litigation is an adversarial process where attorneys argue for their client, which often leads to more court appearances and hurt feelings. Divorce attorneys exchange information through complex discovery procedures which could take years to complete. The divorce litigation process is very adversarial and geared toward winning at the expense of the opposing side. Litigation generally takes years and tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Divorce mediation enables you to work together to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. Your attorney-mediator will coach, educate and guide you through your concerns and options. There is less fighting and more problem solving so you may focus on your real needs and the best interests of your children. Mediation allows you to retain control over the process and have a hand in making your own well-informed decisions about your life and your family rather than having a judge or attorneys decide your future.
Is mediation confidential?
Yes, mediation is a confidential process. Your communications with your mediator are confidential, which means your mediator will not share them with anyone outside of your mediation without your permission. Your negotiations during mediation are also inadmissible as evidence in court, which allows you to speak freely. Confidentiality encourages open communication and protects the privacy of both participants.
Should I also retain a lawyer during mediation?
You are always welcome to retain outside counsel before, during and/or after the divorce mediation process has begun. Neither party may bring an attorney into the mediation sessions, but a well-informed participant is always a good thing. At one point in the divorce mediation process, your attorney-mediator will draft your Marital Settlement Agreement and invite you to have separate lawyers review it before you sign. During your divorce mediation process, your attorney-mediator may provide legal information but is not permitted to provide legal advice or representation.
Areas We Serve
- Abington, PA
- Allentown, PA
- Ambler, PA
- Bala Cynwyd, PA
- Bensalem, PA
- Bethlehem, PA
- Bloomsburg, PA
- Blue Bell, PA
- Bridgewater, NJ
- Bryn Mawr, PA
- Bucks County, PA
- Center Valley, PA
- Chester County, PA
- Conshohocken, PA
- Delaware County, PA
- Doylestown, PA
- Easton, PA
- Exton, PA
- Fort Washington, PA
- Fountain Hill, PA
- Glenside, PA
- Haverford, PA
- Havertown, PA
- Horsham, PA
- Huntingdon Valley, PA
- Jamison, PA
- King of Prussia, PA
- Langhorne, PA
- Lansdale, PA
- Lehigh County, PA
- Lehigh Valley, PA
- Levittown, PA
- Malvern, PA
- Marlton, NJ
- Media, PA
- Montgomery County, PA
- Montgomeryville, PA
- Morrisville, PA
- New Hope, PA
- Newtown Square, PA
- Newtown, PA
- Norristown, PA
- Paoli, PA
- Perkasie, PA
- Philadelphia, PA
- Phoenixville, PA
- Plumsteadville, PA
- Plymouth Meeting, PA
- Princeton, NJ
- Quakertown, PA
- Radnor, PA
- Richboro, PA
- Springfield, PA
- Swarthmore, PA
- Warminster, PA
- Warrington, PA
- Wayne, PA
- West Chester, PA
- Willow Grove, PA
- Yardley, PA
We Are Here to Help
Our team has the experience to guide you through the process.
Whether you are just starting to think about divorce or are ready to begin the mediation process, our team is here to answer your questions and support your next steps. We serve participants throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, offering both virtual and in-person mediation sessions for your convenience.