Negotiated Divorce helping you begin again

Albuquerque Negotiated Divorce Attorneys

Name: Batley Riley Family Law
Address: 316 Osuna Rd NE, #301, Albuquerque, NM, 87107
Telephone: (505) 576-7296

Helping Families Navigate Negotiated Divorces in Santa Fe

A divorce can be one of life’s most challenging transitions and is frequently marked by emotional pain and uncertainty. The thought of a lengthy, adversarial court battle can add immense stress to an already fragile situation. Fortunately, there are alternatives to divorce litigation that prioritize cooperation, respect, and mutual understanding, even if an uncontested divorce is not possible.

Our team at Batley Riley Family Law is made up of skilled negotiators who are often able to secure better outcomes for our clients through mediation, settlement facilitation, or collaborative divorce than what can be achieved in court. Instead of following the same process for each case, we tailor our approach by identifying each client’s unique critical issues, developing customized solutions, and advocating for the optimal outcome, no matter the complexity of the circumstances.

We leverage our years of family law experience and past successes when we negotiate with opposing counsel or mediators on behalf of our clients. Our firm is built on integrity, driven by teamwork, and dedicated to helping families achieve cost-effective and beneficial long-term results.

Discuss your options with our Albuquerque negotiated divorce lawyers in an initial consultation. Call (505) 576-7296 or contact us online to get started.

They made the emotional roller coaster of divorce much easier
“From the incredible staff to Bobbie herself, I will recommend this law firm to anyone going through this process.I feel so much stronger and happier, and I’m definitely in a better place to start my new life.”

- Cinnie H.

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Meet Our Team

Mediation

Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process where divorcing spouses work with a neutral third-party mediator to resolve disputes outside of court. The mediator's role is not to make decisions for the couple, but rather to facilitate communication, identify areas of agreement, and help brainstorm mutually acceptable solutions. In New Mexico, mediation is often a mandatory step before a divorce case can proceed to trial if the parties have unresolved issues.

The mediation process typically begins with an initial meeting where the mediator sets ground rules for respectful communication. Spouses, often accompanied by their individual attorneys, then discuss various divorce-related issues, such as property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. The mediator guides the conversation, helps clarify misunderstandings, and encourages compromise.If an agreement is reached on all issues, the mediator drafts a settlement agreement, which is then reviewed and signed by both spouses and their attorneys. This agreement is submitted to the court for approval and incorporation into the final divorce decree.

Potential advantages of mediation include:

Cost-effectiveness. Mediation is generally less expensive than divorce litigation because it involves fewer court appearances, less formal discovery, and (in many cases) fewer attorney hours.
Efficiency. Sessions can be scheduled more flexibly than court dates, which can lead to a quicker resolution of the divorce.
Confidentiality. Discussions in mediation are private and confidential, keeping sensitive financial and personal information out of public court records.
Control over outcome. Spouses retain control over the decisions and can craft tailored agreements rather than have a judge impose solutions.
Reduced conflict. The cooperative nature of mediation is meant to foster better communication and reduce animosity.

Our lawyers at Batley Riley Family Law can help you effectively navigate divorce mediation. We can prepare you for sessions, identify your priorities, advise you on your legal rights and options under New Mexico law, and carefully review any proposed agreements to confirm they are fair, legally sound, and consistent with your best interests before you sign.

Settlement Facilitation

In New Mexico, “settlement facilitation” is a specific form of mediation, typically used at later stages of divorce proceedings after some initial discovery has occurred. The standard process includes both spouses and attorneys attending a mediation session (sometimes called facilitation) at the settlement facilitator’s office for either a full or half day.

Prior to the facilitation day, the attorneys for each spouse outline for the facilitator what matters have been agreed upon and which issues are still in dispute. Each attorney states their client’s “legal position” on the disputed areas, and the facilitator then works with both sides to determine the best path to an agreement. These sessions are often successful when both attorneys and clients are well prepared and when each side has access to all relevant information.

Potential benefits of settlement facilitation include:

Avoids trial. The primary advantage is resolving the divorce without enduring the significant time, expense, and emotional toll of a contested trial.
Attorney advocacy and legal insight. Having attorneys actively involved means clients receive direct legal advice and robust advocacy during the negotiation process. The facilitator’s legal background also adds weight to their insights.
Structured and focused negotiation. The facilitator keeps discussions focused and productive, even in complex or high-conflict situations.
Confidentiality. Like mediation, settlement facilitation proceedings are confidential, keeping sensitive details private.
Realistic outlook. The facilitator’s ability to offer opinions on how a judge might rule can encourage parties to make practical concessions and lead to more realistic and sustainable agreements.

Our negotiated divorce attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in settlement facilitations. We can meticulously prepare you for the sessions, organize all necessary financial and legal documentation, advocate diligently for your rights and desired outcomes based on New Mexico law, and collaborate with the facilitator to craft a legally sound and favorable settlement agreement that reflects your best interests.

Your Life is
Unique & Complex

You shouldn’t settle for a one-size-fits-all approach.
You deserve a plan designed just for you.

Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative divorce is a highly structured alternative dispute resolution process in New Mexico where both spouses and their lawyers commit, by agreement, to resolving all divorce-related issues without any court intervention whatsoever. It is built on principles of open communication, transparency, and a shared commitment to finding respectful and mutually beneficial solutions for the family as a whole.

The process formally begins with both spouses and their respective collaborative divorce attorneys signing a “participation agreement.” This agreement is a binding contract where all parties pledge to resolve the divorce solely through negotiation and not resort to litigation. If either party chooses to abandon the collaborative process and pursue litigation, both collaborative divorce lawyers must withdraw, and the spouses must hire new legal counsel. This creates a powerful incentive for all participants to remain committed to the collaborative approach.

Beyond the attorneys, a collaborative team often includes neutral professionals like financial specialists, divorce coaches, and child specialists. Through a series of multi-party meetings, the spouses and their team openly share information, identify problems, and creatively work together to craft comprehensive agreements on all issues, including property division, spousal support, and detailed parenting plans.

Our lawyers can help determine whether mediation, settlement facilitation, or collaborative divorce is right for you and your family. We offer virtual consultations, so don’t wait to call (505) 576-7296 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.

Some advantages of collaborative divorce can include:

Complete avoidance of court. The commitment to stay out of court means the entire process remains private and confidential, protecting sensitive personal and financial details from the public record. It can also help avoid the costs of protracted litigation.
Emphasis on preserving relationships. The non-adversarial, team-based approach is designed to foster respectful communication and significantly help maintain a more amicable relationship between former spouses, which is especially beneficial for co-parenting relationships post-divorce.
Greater customization and control. Spouses retain full control over the outcome, allowing for highly creative and customized solutions tailored to the family’s unique needs that a judge might not have the flexibility to order.
Holistic support. The involvement of neutral financial and mental health professionals provides comprehensive support that can address not only the legal and financial aspects but also the emotional challenges of divorce.

Our attorneys are uniquely trained in this non-adversarial approach and are committed to its principles. We can guide you through the structured process, provide astute legal advice grounded in family law, advocate for your interests within the cooperative framework, and work seamlessly with the collaborative team in pursuit of a respectful and comprehensive settlement that prioritizes your family’s long-term well-being.

Why Choose Batley Riley Family Law?

We Are Committed to Your Success
We Empower You to Make the Right Choices
You Will Have Your Questions Answered
We Will Help You Find Your Way Forward

Change Is Possible The good news is that you don’t have to do it alone

Let Us Be Your Guide

Let's Turn The page together

Reach out—your new chapter awaits

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