Hi Welcome to MediatorPodcast.com - A podcast and video series about mediation, negotiation, and collaboration.  My name is Melissa Gragg, I provide online valuation, divorce and mediation services in St. Louis, Missouri.    Today we will discuss Independent Legal Advice and Divorce Mediation with Lauren Hunt. Lauren is family law attorney who focuses on divorce, prenuptial agreements, child support, child custody and parenting time, and adoption in New York.  Welcome Lauren! What are the benefits to hiring legal counsel in addition to a mediator?Do both parties have to hire independent counsel when going through mediation? Can only one party hire an attorney in mediation?What are a few similarities and differences between mediation and collaborative divorce?What does it mean to live under a separation agreement?How does an uncontested divorce differ from a separation agreement?How can couples save on attorney fees when they decide to separate?If a spouse contacts you for divorce purposes and pays in cash, what do you suggest for next steps? At what point do they need to tell the other spouse? After a high conflict couple is officially separated, is there any need for mediation after the fact?Can you explain what BIFF is?Tell us more about you and your firm!  Melissa Gragg CVA, MAFF, CDFA Expert testimony for financial and valuation issues Bridge Valuation Partners, LLC [email protected] http://www.BridgeValuation.com http://www.ValuationPodcast.com http://www.MediatorPodcast.com https://www.valuationmediation.com Cell: (314) 541-8163    Lauren L. Hunt, Esq. 125 Wolf Road, Suite 503-10 Albany, NY 12205 T: 518-282-7300  F: 518-734-0749 https://www.laurenhuntesq.com [email protected]