​Not every couple over 50 who is struggling in their marriage wants a traditional divorce. In New Jersey, options such as separation agreements, limited divorce, and modified living arrangements may provide a path forward while preserving certain financial or insurance-related benefits. Understanding the available choices can help couples make decisions that align with their long-term goals, retirement plans, and family circumstances.

​The number of divorce mediation sessions varies based on the issues involved, the complexity of the marital estate, and how quickly both spouses reach agreements. For many couples, private divorce mediation takes between four and seven one-hour sessions. Cases involving children, real estate, retirement accounts, or complicated financial matters often require additional meetings. The goal is not to reach a specific number of sessions but to create a thorough settlement agreement that addresses the issues that matter to you, your family, and future. 

Infidelity often creates mistrust, which can affect how spouses approach divorce mediation. When it leads to divorce, it introduces emotional and logistical challenges that can disrupt even the most amicable separation. 

At Montclair Divorce Mediation®, we observe how infidelity alters the dynamic between spouses, particularly in the early stages of mediation. People often ask us: Does cheating affect divorce outcomes in New Jersey? The short answer is that it can, but not always in the way you might think.