COVID-19 Information

Despite the impact of COVID-19, we are open and continuing to meet the needs of our existing clients and new clients without interruption or change in the quality of our services. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any concerns, questions or requests for information about your matter. At this time we are offering appointments via telephonic and/or video conferencing.
To help out during these trying times we are offering Free Consultations. Click here to Schedule a Consultation.

Despite the impact of COVID-19, we are open and continuing to meet the needs of our existing clients and new clients without interruption or change in the quality of our services. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any concerns, questions or requests for information about your matter. At this time we are offering appointments via telephonic and/or video conferencing.
To help out during these trying times we are offering Free Consultations. Click here to Schedule a Consultation.

Newsome O'Donnell | Family Law

We Listen. We Think. We Find Solutions.

Let Our Experience
Help You Meet Your Goals

Photo of Lynn Fontaine Newsome and Edward J. O’Donnell

Ben and Jen using divorce mediation

Sep 14, 2015 | Divorce

Divorcing parents in New Jersey may be able to learn from the way that actors Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck are handling their divorce. Garner and Affleck, who have three children together, have decided to settle their divorce issues outside of court with the help of a neutral divorce mediator. The ex-couple released a public statement confirming that they plan to co-parent and remain on amicable terms.

Resolving divorce issues outside of the courtroom may be very appealing to celebrities because it can allow them to maintain their privacy. Divorce mediation has many advantages for less famous people as well. When custody issues are decided through mediation rather than litigation, the process is often much more peaceful and can result in better outcomes for children.

Almost everyone agrees that it is in most children’s best interest to maintain positive relationships with both parents after a divorce. However, litigated custody battles can end up being contests between parents that are highly stressful and psychologically damaging to children. Rather than letting parents and their attorneys go head-to-head in the courtroom, divorce mediation encourages parents to communicate with each other and develop healthy co-parenting plans.

Whether a divorcing parent plans to go to court to resolve custody issues or use mediation, it makes sense for them to have a lawyer to represent their interests. If a parent is unsure what approach to take while going through the end of a marriage, a lawyer may be able to look into the details of the issues and provide advice. While many divorces can be resolved peacefully through mediation, some breakups that involve criminal allegations or exceptionally poor communication between spouses will likely have to be worked out through litigation.