FAQ

Do we need to be married to resolve our relationship issues through LGBTQI Family Professionals of NY?

No. Our goal is to resolve differences amicably and to arrive at a peaceful resolution of all issues arising out of relationships whether married or not.

Does either or do both of us have to be “out” to make use of your services?

No. We fully understand that being “out” may not be an option for everyone and it is not a requirement. All of the professionals work both within and outside of the LGTBQI community and the fact that you have retained any of us to work with you will not force the question in any way.

How confidential is this process?

It is completely confidential. While there is free and open sharing of information among the professionals working with you, each is bound by the confidentiality ethics within the individual professions.

How costly is this process?

This will depend upon the parties and the extent and nature of the conflicts. It is most cost-efficient when there is mutual motivation to move through the process.

How do we choose between mediation and collaborative divorce for our particular situation?

Both processes are excellent, and when you meet with a professional and explore them both, you’ll be able to make an informed choice.

How do the collaborative divorce and mediation models differ from litigation?

Litigation is an adversarial process which entails going to court and engaging in battle. In it, each party seeks to assert that he or she is “right”, and that they will “win” over the other party. The ultimate decision is made by a judge and it is generally very expensive and emotionally destructive.

In collaborative divorce, each person has their own attorney who is trained in the collaborative method of divorcing, and the collaborative attorneys share the mutual goal of creating an amicable agreement with both parties.

In mediation, the couple works with one professional, who helps them arrive at an agreement. The goal is to for them to be comfortable with a fair and equitable outcome, where nobody wins or loses.

How long will the collaborative way or mediation take?

It is up to the people involved in the process. The more conflict that a couple has, the longer the process will take. If there is easy agreement, the process can be quick.

How can a financial specialist help?

Our financial specialists are trained and experienced in the area of divorce and in financial planning. Finances play a crucial role in maintaining lifestyles and achieving goals.

A financial specialist will help an individual or couple with a thorough and realistic understanding of their current and future financial picture. Cash flows, spending plans, tax consequences, Social Security benefits, company/union pensions, investment accounts, retirement accounts, stock options, insurance policies, annuities, valuations and debt issues will be assessed to help determine a fair and equitable property settlement in divorce.

If you are starting a family, then you will want to have a financial check-up to help ensure you achieve financial security.

How can a mental health professional help?

Our mental health professionals are available for individual or couple therapy.

We can also assist as divorce coaches and child specialists in the divorce process as well as work with co-parents to establish a parenting plan and resolve issues they may have parenting together.

How can a Divorce Coach help?

A divorce is a highly emotional experience. The divorce coach is a licensed psychologist or social worker who works with the couple to help identify and prioritize their joint and individual concerns, enhance communication skills and address potential obstacles to settlement.

How can a Child Specialist help?

A child specialist is a mental health professional who is an expert in understanding child development. He or she is the one person on the team who meets with the child(ren), as well as the parents. The Child Specialist assesses needs and can help formulate the most appropriate parenting plan, helps parents figure out how to discuss the issues with their children and helps to resolve parental conflicts.

How do I/we contact the professionals on your list?

You can call or email. If you have some general questions you can also reach us on the contact page.