EXTRAORDINARY TEAM OF PASSIONATE & COMPASSIONATE ATTORNEYS
Connecticut Family Law Group provides legal services for those who are going through divorce. Our Connecticut divorce mediation attorneys are knowledgeable in all aspects of the divorce process and can help you understand the benefits of choosing divorce mediation over traditional divorce litigation. Through mediation, our divorce attorneys help divorcing couples find common ground and work towards a fair agreement.
Divorce laws in Connecticut can be complex, but our experienced lawyers are here to guide you through the process of divorce mediation. We understand that divorcing can be a difficult and emotional time, which is why our team of Connecticut divorce attorneys strives to make the process as smooth as possible. Whether you need help with child support, alimony, or asset and debt division, our team is here to support you.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation
Mediation Lawyers Serving Hartford, New Haven, and Fairfield Counties
Mediation is an effective tool for resolving conflicts, including divorce, outside of the standard litigation system. This approach can offer positive cost-effective alternatives to dispute resolution in a number of areas such as divorce, child custody, child support, or other family law issues. The mediation lawyers at Connecticut Family Law Group can help you reach an amicable settlement to your dispute.
Discover the benefits and value through a comprehensive team approach to mediation
Attorney Paul McConnell Explains Mediation For Divorce
Divorce mediation allows both parties to identify, negotiate and resolve the issues raised by the decision to divorce. The mediator for divorce establishes firm ground rules and a comfortable environment so that emotionally charged issues can be discussed. The mediator for divorce helps both spouses gather necessary information and review it systematically. A mediator for divorce often helps formulate a more creative solution than the court could offer. When parenting agreements and financial distribution plans are made by the spouses themselves, there is a better chance of meeting the needs of the entire family.
Mediated divorces typically take less time and have a higher rate of long-range parental cooperation and fewer costs associated with multiple return visits to court. The mediator for divorce remains neutral between the husband and the wife. Importantly, the mediator cannot give advice to either party, and also cannot act as a lawyer for either party; however, the mediator may provide information about the legal system, how issues may be viewed by lawyers or judges, and what alternatives there are for solving issues.
The mediator for divorce can point out in open session to both spouses things that they both need to consider in the decision-making process. That exchange of information frees up both spouses to negotiate with each other in confidence. When necessary, the mediator for divorce will refer the couple to third-party experts for services such as appraisals. The MFLG maintains a Firm-100 list of referral sources in order to meet the demands of mediated and litigated divorces.
At Connecticut Family Law Group, we believe in finding the best solution for our clients. That's why we offer mediation as an alternative to a court battle. Our mediation process is designed to help divorcing couples come to an agreement that works for both parties. Our mediators for divorce are knowledgeable in the law of divorce mediation and are trained to facilitate productive conversations and help couples reach a resolution.
Are you in need of professional legal help?
Don't hesitate to contact McConnell Family Law. We have helped many people in the same situations that you may be in. We take every individual circumstance very seriously and promise to contact you very quickly. We understand that no two cases are the same. We have offices in Hartford, New Haven, and Fairfield Counties as well as have the ability to schedule one on one consultations in our satellite offices.
Call Now (203) 344-7762Mediation Is Less Expensive
- Many litigation lawyers charge a retainer fee of between $3,500 and $20,000 (for each spouse) for most average litigation cases and bill the client for services in addition to the time covered by the retainer. Once this initial retainer is exhausted, the attorney will charge a new retainer or invoice the client monthly. The retainer amount will be substantially more in complex cases, involving custody disputes or complex financial disputes.
- The total cost for both spouses from the beginning to end for a mediation divorce can be less than one retainer made by one spouse in a litigated divorce. A good range of the total cost of a mediation divorce is between $3,500 – $9,000, but of course, circumstances may vary.
- “Cost” should be measured not only in dollars spent but also in the emotional cost to the parties and their children, which can also be significantly less in a mediated divorce.
At Connecticut Family Law Group, we believe in finding the best solution for our clients. That's why we offer mediation as an alternative to a court battle. Our mediation process is designed to help divorcing couples come to an agreement that works for both parties. Our mediators for divorce are well versed in the law surrounding divorce mediation and our lawyers are trained to facilitate productive conversations and help couples reach a resolution.
Independent Lawyer / Review Counsel for Mediation
The best mediation client is an informed and educated client. Because knowledge is golden, a good mediator for divorce strongly encourages a mediation client to meet with an independent attorney to provide each spouse with independent legal advice and the knowledge necessary to make long-lasting, educated, informed decisions.
Some spouses may choose to meet with their reviewing attorney at the end of the mediation process so they can look over all the financial documents prepared in mediation and the draft separation agreement. Some spouses go to a review with an attorney only once at the beginning of the process, others go to an independent attorney at the beginning and end of mediation, and others don’t go at all.
An independent reviewing attorney charges by the hour and the cost should not be more than one to three total hours of his or her hourly rate.
At Connecticut Family Law Group, we believe that divorce mediation can be a better solution for many couples. Our experienced divorce mediation lawyers can help you and your spouse come to an agreement that works for both parties, without the need for a costly and stressful court battle.
Finalizing the Divorce in Court
If you use a mediator who is also an attorney, they can help you file all the court paperwork which can include:
- Starting the dissolution of marriage action
- Preparing and filing the necessary financial disclosure agreement, and final papers to be presented to the court
Often, a state marshal or sheriff does not need to be used to serve the divorce papers if a waiver of service is signed by the defendant in the presence of a divorce mediation who is also an attorney. In Connecticut, the mediator for divorce frequently attends the final hearing and assists the couple at this appearance. The mediator for divorce will be the person who will canvas the spouses about the agreements reached rather than the Judge.
With the guidance of Connecticut Family Law Group, you can avoid the stress and expense of a court battle and find a way to move forward with your life. Our mediators for divorce are skilled at facilitating productive conversations and finding creative solutions to complex issues. Contact Connecticut Family Law Group today to schedule a consultation.
Timeframe for a Mediated Divorce
How long a mediated divorce takes depends on the complexity of the issues and ability of the individuals to be flexible as they negotiate a fair agreement. The average mediated divorce case takes approximately four to five sessions (1-2 hours each) spread out over 3 or 4 months. More complex cases can take up to 6 months to complete.
High Net Worth or Emotionally Complicated Cases
No case is too complicated to be settled using mediation. If your case is complex, we might engage outside experts such as; an accountant, appraiser, financial planner, or certified financial analyst to clarify issues and provide various options. Experienced family mediators have numerous skills, tools, and resources to help couples reach decisions.
Couples who are committed to staying out of litigation and avoiding draining their joint savings will reach workable and equitable agreements. The role of a well-trained, mature, intelligent, professional mediator is to facilitate and guide spouses through the most painful and complex chapter of their life. If you reach an impasse, it is not considered a failure. The mediator’s job is to reduce the fear, to educate, empower, and provide you with creative solutions to get through any impasses and help guide you beyond the finish line.
At Connecticut Family Law Group, Our team of experienced divorce mediation lawyers is dedicated to helping you find a solution that works for you and your family. We believe in the power of mediation to help couples come to an agreement that’s fair, efficient, and amicable.
What is Mediation in a Divorce Process?
Mediation is a process used during divorce to resolve conflicts between both parties. It is an affordable alternative to traditional litigation and is especially beneficial for dealing with family law issues like child custody and support.
A mediator, who remains neutral between the two parties, sets ground rules and creates a comfortable environment to discuss emotionally sensitive topics. The mediator for divorce assists in communication and provides legal information to help the couple develop creative solutions that benefit the entire family. If necessary, the mediator for divorce may refer the couple to third-party professionals for services such as appraisals. It is recommended that mediation clients seek independent legal advice for informed decision-making.
Compared to litigated divorces, mediated divorces tend to have a higher rate of long-term parental cooperation and fewer court returns. Mediation is also typically less costly, with overall expenses for both parties often being less than a single spouse's retainer in a litigated divorce. Moreover, a mediated divorce generally reduces the emotional burden on the parties and their children.
Connecticut Family Law Group’s experienced mediators for divorce can help you and your spouse reach an agreement that works for both parties. We'll guide you through the process, providing the support and experience you need to make informed decisions about your future. Contact Connecticut Family Law Group today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced divorce mediation lawyers.
| Benefits of Mediation | Description |
| Cost-effective | Lower costs due to reduced fees and quicker resolution. |
| Faster resolution | Mediation is typically quicker than litigation. |
| Greater parental cooperation | Promotes long-term cooperation and reduces conflicts. |
| Customized solutions | Couples can craft personalized agreements. |
| Neutral mediator | Impartial guidance ensures fairness. |
| Confidential negotiation | Provides a private space for open discussion. |
| Reduced emotional strain | Minimizes conflict and emotional distress. |
Issues That Can Be Resolved With a Mediator
Marriage is like a contract, so when people want to end it, they have to be careful about what they do. They have to decide things like who gets what property, who will take care of the kids, and who will pay for things like spousal support and child support.
It's not a good idea for a couple to try to figure these things out by themselves because it can cause a lot of problems later on. To make sure everything is done right and approved by a judge, hiring a divorce mediator who knows how to help them solve these problems is very important. In Connecticut, there are lawyers who are experienced in post-divorce mediation and can make sure everything is settled fairly and without any issues.
If you're looking for a divorce lawyer or mediator, our team at Connecticut Family Law Group may be able to help. Our mediators for divorce have the experience and knowledge needed to help you through the divorce process.
Call our office today at (203) 541-5520 to schedule a consultation and learn more about our services.
Divorce Attorney Paul McConnell On When the Mediation Process Breaks Down
It is fairly rare to agree on all but one or two issues, but even if that is the case, mediation is seldom wasted. An agreement can be prepared on all settled issues, and the parties can either litigate the remaining issues or take further time to think about and come back to mediation. A well-trained neutral mediation lawyer will teach you about free “safety net options” existing within your jurisdiction that are available to help settle your case BEFORE you consider litigating your case.
Find Out If Divorce Mediation Is Right For You
If you are considering mediation as a means to resolving your dispute, contact Connecticut Family Law Group today for a consultation. Our offices are located in Fairfield, New Haven, and Hartford counties.
Call Now (203) 344-7762Commonly Asked Questions
What Does the Mediator Do?
A mediator is a neutral party specially trained to help couples resolve the issues in their divorce. The mediator facilitates the communication between the parties by making sure each party is given an uninterrupted time to speak, asking a party to restate or explain a point when necessary, and asking questions to make communication clear. The mediator also provides information about the legal system, how issues may be viewed by lawyers or judges, and what alternatives there are for solving issues. When necessary, the mediator will refer the couple to a third party expert for services such as appraisals.
At Connecticut Family Law Group, our experienced divorce mediation lawyers are here to help. Our team understands that divorce can be a challenging time for everyone involved,
which is why we offer a comprehensive approach to mediation that takes into account all aspects of your situation.
With our help, you can move forward with confidence, knowing that you have a dedicated team of skilled lawyers on your side. Contact Connecticut Family Law Group today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced divorce mediation lawyers.
How Long Does a Mediated Divorce Take?
How long a mediated divorce takes depends on the complexity of the issues and the ability of the individuals to be flexible as they negotiate a fair agreement. The average mediated divorce case takes at least four to five sessions (2-3 hours each) spread out over 3 to 4 months. More complex cases can take up to 6 months to complete.
Speaking to the Skilled Divorce Mediation Lawyer at Connecticut Family Law Group About Your Mediation Process
If you're looking for a compassionate and skilled team of lawyers to guide you through your divorce process, the Connecticut Family Law Group may be able to help. Our firm offers mediation services as an alternative to the stress and expense of a court battle.
Our mediators for divorce are experienced and dedicated to help divorcing couples find common ground and reach an agreement that works for everyone involved.