For more than 30 years, Anna-Maria Pittella has taken an understanding approach to legal counseling for her clients who live in Monmouth and Ocean Counties in New Jersey.
See the chart below, or consult our Glossary for more information about the differences between Mediation, Collaborative Law and Litigation:
COMPARISON CHART: MEDIATION, COLLABORATIVE LAW AND LITIGATION
| MEDIATION | COLLABORATIVE LAW | LITIGATION | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Process | The process may begin before pleadings are filed with the court; pleadings are filed only after settlement is reached. Mediation may also be court-referred if the litigation has been initiated. | The process begins before pleadings are filed with the court; pleadings are filed only after settlement is reached. | The process begins with the filing of pleadings with the court. |
| Timing | Timing of the process is controlled by the parties, unless court-referred. Court events may continue to be scheduled, if court-referred. | Timing of the process is controlled by the parties. | Timing of the process is controlled by the court. |
| Spouses | Spouses may or may not be represented by attorneys during the mediation process; one spouse must engage an attorney after a settlement is reached to draft Agreement. Both are encouraged to use attorneys for consultations. | Each spouse is represented by an attorney throughout negotiation of settlement. | Each spouse is represented by an attorney in all court applications. |
| Meetings | Both spouses meet with one mediator to negotiate settlement; attorneys need not be present during mediation. | Spouses and attorneys meet in 4-way meetings to negotiate settlement; attorneys are present with clients during negotiation. | Attorneys for spouses engage in negotiating settlement; attorneys are present with clients throughout process; attorneys prepare for trial by exchange of documents. |
| “Discovery” | In mediation, “discovery” is informal and conducted in the process of a cooperative effort. | In collaborative law, “discovery” is informal and conducted in the process of negotiating settlement with commitment to fair disclosure. | In litigation, formal discovery is conducted pursuant to the court Rules and may require court application. |
| Court Events | Mediation may be court-referred but generally occurs away from the courthouse. | There is no court event in collaborative law until Agreement is reached or the process fails. Parties and attorneys schedule meetings to reach settlement. | Multiple court events are required. Parties generally must attend. |
If you have questions about the information presented in this chart, contact Anna-Maria Pittella now.
As an attorney, Anna-Maria Pittella serves clients in the following areas:
As an accredited and court-approved mediator, Anna-Maria Pittella mediates:
- Family Matters (including matters in divorce and separation)
- Small Business Dispute Mediation
For more information about Anna-Maria Pittella’s experience, read her profile and review her CV.
If you are considering divorce and would like to know more about divorce process options, please contact Monmouth County divorce attorney Anna-Maria Pittella at 732-842-6939.
