Whether you've been doing your homework and are an expert on mediation or if you aren't sure what mediation is, below is a list of common myths about mediators to help you understand my role in the process and about mediators in general.

Fact: Absolutely not. My professional reputation and success depends on my ability to be a neutral third party. As an Accredited Professional Mediator I am bound by the law and a code of ethics to remain neutral throughout all proceedings.

Fact: The divorce will not go away but rather take an ugly turn as you'll both be forced to get attorneys and litigate. If one party wants a divorce then you will both be getting a divorce.

Fact: While it takes two people to get married in the State of New Jersey, it only takes one to file for divorce. It simply becomes a question of whether you litigate and spend $180,000 or mediate and spend $5,000 on your divorce. Your choice but at the end of the day you will be divorced.

Fact: Mediators do not have to be attorneys but some are. Some of the best mediators come from backgrounds other than law such as finance, which is my background.

Fact: Untrue. Many attorney-mediators have difficulty remaining neutral as their training is to get the best result for one party instead of both and that's not mediating, it's litigating.

Fact: Untrue, even if they're attorney-mediator. We provide each of you with the relevant legal information necessary to make an informed decision you each agree is fair and equitable.

Fact: You do not have to retain an attorney if you use mediation, although some clients choose to.

Fact: While not explicitly illegal, it's considered an extremely unethical practice and frowned upon by those in the mediation community.

Fact: All mediators go through the same training and must know the same laws regardless of their professional background.

Fact: Provided you hire a competent Accredited Professional Mediator, you'll get the same result regardless of the mediator's professional background.