Janice Starr

Janice Starr Esq./M.S., founder of Mediation Associates and author of "Compassionate Divorce", is an attorney admitted to practice in NY and NJ, professor and therapist with a unique crossover approach to successfully handling and resolving disputes where other mediators have failed.  The article, "Compassionate Divorce", is the subject of seminars and the mainstay of many therapists' approach to handling couples' separations.

Jonathan Starr, Esq. joined Mediation Associates in 2008 and is admitted to practice law in both New York and New Jersey.  He brings to the firm a unique combination of skills as an experienced attorney and practiced mediator, as well as extensive experience in the areas of real estate, finance and mortgages.  

As a partner in a multi-disciplinary New York law firm, Mr. Starr has provided legal advice on a variety of personal and corporate matters, including family law, personal injury, corporate and other areas.

He has handled hundreds of mortgages in New York and New Jersey as the principle member of a private mortgage brokerage firm.  In addition, he gained significant financial services expertise while working for a major national bank.  He has expertise in finance and the changing economy as it relates to real estate and mortgages and is the author of the insightful and well-regarded article on current economic conditions entitled, “A Bridge Over Bubbled Waters”.

As a mediator, Mr. Starr has the experience and the compassion which allow him to accomplish two things for our clients and which are the cornerstones of a successfully mediated agreement.  The first is the ability to adequately teach the relevant law to our clients on every issue upon which they will be asked to make a decision.  The second is to assist both clients in making sound and healthy decisions based on the law, their needs and those of their children.

New York Mediation

New Jersey Mediation

Even elementary school children are being taught to find healthy and constructive methods of resolving their disputes.  It is the wave of the future…if there is to be a better future.  Here are some examples of how our mediators can help your experience be far better.

Distribution of Assets and Debt:  When a couple is in Court to accomplish a divorce, the Judge does his or her best to equitably and evenly split the assets, the presumption being that everything accrued from the date of the marriage forward, whether asset or debt, is shared.  The Judge does not know either party, does not get to hear what their emotions or psychological needs are, but rather needs to “do the numbers and get out.”  In mediation, it is personal and it is boutique.  It is also ALWAYS cheaper.  We sit together and all “hear” each party’s “needs” and “comfort level”.  One party will give up something that is not that important to him or her in order to get something else that is.  The key is understanding what the Court would do and then finding a creative solution that the Court would not.

Custody and Parenting Schedules:  In mediation, we have the advantage of focused time without threats and an atmosphere of civility that allows us to come up with options and permutations for customizing and personalizing to the needs of the children and each party a way in which to deal with the children’s lives in all aspects.

The Detail Work:  In mediation, we also have the advantage of thoughtful time and the experience of a facilitator who has heard every problem and dealt with thousands of solutions…we are not a “one size fits all” firm.  We think ahead to many problems that could be generated in the future and deal with them now, so that the parties never have to fight.

The Legacy:   The grace of having dealt with a difficult situation in a decent and kindly manner transforms the entire family.  The children are better for it.  The parents are better for it.  It creates a legacy of civility and compassion where otherwise there might be adversity and war

IN ROCKLAND:

15 NORTH MILL STREET  

NYACK, NY 10960  

PHONE: 845-634-9601  

Toll Free: 877-666-9601  

FAX: 845-634-9604

IN WESTCHESTER:

245 SAW MILL RIVER RD.  

HAWTHORNE, NY 10532

PHONE: 914-666-9601  

Toll Free: 877-666-9601  

FAX: 845-634-9604

IN BERGEN:

147 THE PROMENADE

EDGEWATER, NJ 07020

PHONE: 914-666-9601  

Toll Free: 877-666-9601  

FAX: 845-634-9604