Resolve Your Family Law Dispute Privately, Efficiently, and With Control
When you need to resolve complex family law matters but want to avoid the public nature, delays, and unpredictability of traditional court proceedings, private judge arbitration offers a powerful alternative. At Freed Marcroft, our experienced team includes former Connecticut Family Court Judge Ken Shluger (Ret.), who served as presiding judge of family matters for over 20 years in the New London Judicial District, giving you access to true judicial expertise in a private, efficient setting. We serve clients throughout Connecticut. As recognized by CEO Weekly, we are “America’s most distinctively different divorce firm” with “depth in litigation, mediation, and collaborative law” that positions us to “help couples prepare agreements that aim to minimize conflict and foster durable solutions.”
Ready to explore your options? Contact our divorce arbitration team today.
Why Choose a Private Judge Over Traditional Court Proceedings?
Complete Privacy & Confidentiality
Unlike court proceedings that are generally open to the public, arbitration sessions are private. Your personal and financial information stays confidential, protecting your family’s privacy and your professional reputation.
Faster Resolution
- Private judges most commonly issue written decisions within 30 days or less
- Traditional courts give judges up to 120 days for decisions
- Overall timeline: Arbitration typically resolves in 3-6 months vs. 12-24 months in court
- Scheduling flexibility – no waiting for crowded court calendars
- Continuous hearings – private judge sessions can be scheduled consecutively, while court trials may be spread out over days, weeks, or months based on the court’s availability
Control Over Your Process
- You choose your private judge – select someone you trust with proven family law experience, rather than being assigned a judge who may be new to family law
- One consistent decision-maker throughout your entire case, unlike family court, where you may have different judges for different hearings
- Flexible scheduling around your family and work commitments
- Customized procedures tailored to your specific situation
Cost-Effective Resolution
While you pay the private judge’s fees (typically $450-$650 per hour in Connecticut), the total cost is often significantly less than protracted litigation. A typical divorce arbitration case resolves in 3-6 months at a total cost 30-50% less than high-conflict court litigation, which can continue for 12-24 months.
Binding, Final Decisions
Private judge awards are legally binding and enforceable, with very limited grounds for appeal. Thsi can provide certainty and finality to move forward with your life, however, this finality also generally means you cannot file a traditional appeal like you can with a court trial. It’s important to keep that in mind when deciding between whether to arbitrate and an alternative. These may include continuing to litigate or using a different out-of-court resolution process, such as mediation with a retired judge.
What Family Law Issues Can Be Arbitrated in Connecticut?
Connecticut law allows private judges (through arbitration) to resolve virtually all family law matters, including:
Financial Matters
- Property division and asset valuation
- Alimony and spousal support
- Business valuations and complex financial instruments
- Retirement account divisions
- Real estate valuations and divisions
Parenting Matters (Recent Legal Development)
As of recent developments in Connecticut law, you can now arbitrate:
- Child custody arrangements
- Parenting time schedules
- Child support calculations
- Decision-making authority
- Relocation disputes
Post-Judgment Modifications
- Modification of alimony orders
- Post-judgment changes to custody arrangements
- Enforcement of existing orders
- Contempt proceedings
Complex Situations Well Positioned for Arbitration
- High-net-worth divorces requiring discretion
- Business ownership disputes in divorce
- Professional practice valuations
- Multi-state asset divisions
- International custody considerations
Meet Your Connecticut Private Judges
Judge Ken Shluger (Ret.) – Senior Counsel
As the former presiding judge of family matters in the New London Judicial District for over 20 years, Judge Shluger brings unparalleled judicial expertise to serve as your private judge. His deep understanding of Connecticut family law, combined with decades of courtroom experience, means your case receives true judicial expertise. As Administrative Judge John Newson of the New London District noted, he helps even high-conflict parties “come away with a positive experience.”
Our Experienced Attorney Private Judges
Our team includes seasoned family law attorneys who serve as both advocates and neutral private judges:
- Decades of combined private judge experience
- In-depth knowledge of Connecticut family law
- Proven track record of fair, efficient resolutions
- Understanding of complex financial and custody matters
When you work with Freed Marcroft, you’re choosing private judges who understand every angle of Connecticut family law.
When Should You Consider Hiring a Private Judge?
You Value Privacy
- Public figures or business owners
- Sensitive financial or personal information
- Professional reputation concerns
- Desire to keep family matters private
You Seek Faster Resolution
- Business decisions dependent on divorce outcome
- Relocation timing pressures
- Children’s school or activity schedules
- Tax planning deadlines
You Have Complex Issues
- Substantial assets requiring expert valuation
- Business ownership interests
- Multi-state or international property
- Professional practices or partnerships
You Need a Middle Ground Solution
- Negotiations have stalled but you want to avoid public trial
- Mediation was unsuccessful but you still prefer private resolution
- You want a binding decision without court delays
- You’re comfortable with a retired judge making the final call
- You prefer arbitration over the uncertainty of an assigned court judge
You Want More Control Over the Process
- Preference for flexible scheduling around your commitments
- Desire to choose your decision-maker
- Need for specific family law experience
- Want less formal proceedings than court
- Prefer continuous hearings rather than fragmented trial dates spread over months
How Connecticut Private Judge Services Work
Step 1: Agreement to Use a Private Judge
Both parties must agree to hire a private judge. You can choose a private judge from the very beginning of your divorce, or decide to hire one in the middle of your case. This often happens when it becomes clear that the parties won’t be able to reach an out-of-court agreement through negotiation or mediation, but prefer a retired judge to decide in a private setting rather than going to trial.
Step 2: Selecting Your Private Judge
You and your spouse (with your attorneys) choose a private judge with the right background for your situation. At Freed Marcroft, we help guide this important decision.
Step 3: Setting the Ground Rules
The private judge works with both parties to establish:
- Hearing procedures and timelines
- Evidence presentation methods
- Discovery requirements
- Location and scheduling
Step 4: The Arbitration Hearing
In a private conference room or office setting, both sides present their cases, evidence, and arguments. The process is more formal than mediation but less rigid than court.
Step 5: The Private Judge Decision
Most commonly within 30 days or less, the private judge issues a written decision that becomes legally binding and enforceable as a court judgment.
Private Judge vs. Traditional Court
| Feature | Private Judge | Traditional Court |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | ✓ Completely Private | ✗ Public Record |
| Speed | ✓ Decisions typically in 30 days or less, contiguous hearings | ✗ Up to 120 days, fragmented trial dates |
| Control | ✓ Choose your judge | ✗ Assigned judge |
| Consistency | ✓ Same judge throughout case | ✗ May have different judges for different hearings |
| Judge Experience | ✓ Choose judge with proven family law experience | ? Judge’s background varies, may be new to family law |
| Appeals | ✓ Binding decision, very limited appeals | ✓ Binding decision, full appeal rights |
| Cost | $ Moderate (30-50% savings overall) | $$ Most expensive due to delays |
How Does This Compare to Other Options Like Mediation?
Private judges offer a middle ground between mediation and traditional litigation. Unlike mediation, where you need both parties to agree on outcomes, a private judge makes binding decisions. Unlike traditional court, though, with arbitration you maintain control over timing, judge selection, and privacy. If you’re considering mediation but need the authority of a retired judge decisionmaker, or if mediation hasn’t been successful, a private judge may be the ideal solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a private judge right for my case?
A private judge works well for couples who want privacy, faster resolution, and more control over their process, especially in cases involving complex financial issues or when traditional negotiation has reached an impasse.
How much does hiring a private judge cost?
Private judge fees in Connecticut typically range from $450-$650 per hour, similar to experienced family law attorneys. While you pay the judge’s fees, the overall cost is often less than extended litigation due to faster resolution. A typical high-asset divorce case with a private judge resolves in 3-6 months compared to 12-24 months in court.
How long does the private judge process take?
Most private judge arbitrations are completed within 3-6 months, significantly faster than court proceedings that can take 12-24 months or more. Simple asset division cases may resolve in 2-3 months, while complex business valuation cases typically take 4-6 months.
What specific advantages does a private judge have over court?
Private judges offer: (1) 30-day decision timeline vs. 120 days in court, (2) continuous hearings vs. fragmented court dates spread over months, (3) choice of experienced family law judge vs. potentially inexperienced assigned judge, (4) privacy vs. public records, and (5) consistent decision-maker vs. multiple different judges.
Can I appeal a private judge’s decision?
Private judge awards have very limited appeal rights compared to court decisions. Appeals are only allowed for very limited circumstances, not for disagreeing with the decision. This provides finality but means you generally cannot file a traditional appeal like you can with a trial court judgment.
What types of cases work best with private judges?
Private judges excel with: high-net-worth divorces over $1 million in assets, business ownership disputes requiring expert valuation, cases involving professional practices (medical, legal, financial), multi-state property divisions, and situations requiring strict confidentiality due to public profiles or business interests.
Do I need an attorney when using a private judge?
Yes, it’s highly recommended that each party have their own attorney when using a private judge. Unlike mediation where attorneys may not be present, private judge proceedings are formal legal proceedings where you present evidence and arguments. Your attorney advocates for your interests and helps you navigate the process effectively. Freed Marcroft can serve as your legal representation if another private judge is presiding over your case.
What if my spouse doesn’t want to hire a private judge?
Both parties must agree to arbitrate. However, our experienced attorneys can help explain the benefits and address concerns that might help lead to an agreement to arbitrate. Common concerns include cost (which is often offset by faster resolution) and unfamiliarity with the process (which is a matter of education).
How do you choose the right private judge?
Key factors include: (1) specific family law experience (minimum 15+ years recommended), (2) judicial background or extensive trial experience, (3) familiarity with your type of case (high-asset, custody, business valuation), (4) reputation among family law attorneys, and (5) availability for your timeline needs.
What happens in a typical private judge hearing?
Together with the private judge, the parties will determine what court procedures (including the rules of evidence, etc.) they will use in the arbitration. In other words, there is much more flexibility about procedure used in an arbitration than there is at trial. Many arbitration hearings follow some court procedures but in a private setting: opening statements, witness testimony, document presentation, cross-examination, closing arguments, and final decision. Hearings typically last 4-8 hours for simple cases or 2-3 full days for complex matters. Typically, parties elect to schedule these consecutively rather than spread over months.
Can a private judge handle urgent issues?
Yes, private judges can address urgent matters like temporary support, custody arrangements, or asset protection. Urgent hearings can often be scheduled within days rather than weeks required in court, and decisions are issued immediately rather than waiting for written orders.
What makes Connecticut different for private judge services?
Connecticut allows private judges to decide all family law matters including child custody and support (a recent legal development). The state has well-established arbitration laws. Connecticut’s family court system in all judicial districts—from Hartford to Bridgeport to New Haven—recognizes and enforces arbitration decisions. Connecticut also has no specific location requirements for private judges, allowing parties to choose the most qualified arbitrator regardless of location within the state.
How Freed Marcroft Can Help You
As Your Private Judge
Our primary focus is serving as neutral private judges for your case. With Judge Ken Shluger (Ret.) and our experienced attorney private judges, we can preside over your proceedings with the expertise and impartiality you need.
As Your Legal Representation
We also represent clients whose cases are being heard by other private judges. Our deep experience with arbitration proceedings – from both sides of the process – makes us uniquely qualified to advocate for your interests when another qualified private judge is presiding over your case.
This dual experience gives us unparalleled insight into what makes private judge proceedings successful, whether we’re serving as your judge or your advocate.
Why Choose Freed Marcroft for Your Private Judge Services?
Top Notch Judicial Experience
With former presiding family court judge Ken Shluger on our team, you have access to true judicial knowledge and over 20 years of Connecticut family court experience. As Administrative Judge John Newson of the New London District noted, he helps even high conflict parties “come away with a positive experience.”
Award-Winning Excellence
Freed Marcroft has received significant national and industry recognition:
Trust and Reliability:
- Better Business Bureau A+ Rating – demonstrating our commitment to ethical business practices and client satisfaction
National Growth Recognition:
- Law Firm 500 awards – ranked #18 fastest growing law firm in America in 2018 and honored every year since 2017
- Inc 5000 List – multiple recognitions as one of America’s fastest-growing private companies (less than 0.05% of all U.S. companies achieve this honor)
Local Recognition:
- Hartford Magazine Best Law Firm – winner every year since 2014
Media Recognition:
Featured in major publications including Law.com, Hartford Courant, and The Day for our innovative approach to family law. When media outlets need expert commentary on family law issues, they turn to our team – we’ve been featured on NBC Connecticut, WNPR, cited in Newsweek, and quoted by publications ranging from the Hartford Courant to national outlets like Martha Stewart Weddings seeking insight on divorce trends and family law developments.
Industry Expert Commentary:
As noted by Amazon’s myAWS Legal Column: “Divorce and relationship gurus Meghan Freed and Kristen Marcroft have assembled a preeminent team of family law attorneys to provide expert assistance during these trying times.”
Comprehensive Family Law Focus
Unlike firms that handle arbitration across multiple practice areas, we focus exclusively on Connecticut family law, giving us deep knowledge in your specific needs. Our attorneys understand Connecticut family law statutes, local court rules in all eight judicial districts, and the preferences of family court judges throughout the state from Stamford to Hartford to New London.
Both Sides of the Process
Our attorneys serve as both advocates in arbitration proceedings and as neutral private judges themselves, giving us unique insight into what makes these cases successful. This dual experience means we know how to present cases effectively to private judges and how to conduct fair, efficient proceedings when serving as the neutral decision-maker.
Proven Connecticut Track Record
We understand Connecticut family law, local courts, and the judges in the family court system, bringing valuable local knowledge to your private judge proceedings. Our team regularly practices in family courts throughout Connecticut, from the Judicial District of Hartford to Fairfield County to the shore communities, giving us insight into local procedures and preferences that benefits our arbitration practice.
Commitment to Your Goals
We believe in honest communication about your options and work tenaciously to achieve the resolution that’s right for your family’s future.
What Our Clients Say About Freed Marcroft
“The best! Responsive, professional, and deeply passionate about family law. I couldn’t imagine choosing anyone else.”
“This law firm is the best in Connecticut and I refer all cases to them without exception. If you don’t hire them, I would hope they aren’t the ones representing your spouse.”
“The BEST law firm in Connecticut for divorce. Freed Marcroft is a group of fierce advocates who truly care about the wellbeing of their clients and fight for their best outcomes.”
Ready to Explore Private Judge Services?
Don’t let your family law matter drag on in crowded court systems. Discover how divorce arbitration can provide the privacy, speed, and control you need to move forward with confidence.
Reach out to discuss whether arbitration is right for your situation.
Call (860) 560-8160 or contact us online.
Serving all of Connecticut with private judge services and family law arbitration.