Before You Choose a Divorce Process: Why Talking to the Right Attorney Matters

Choosing the right approach for your divorce can not only change your experience—it can change your future.  There are three main paths in Connecticut divorces: mediation, collaborative divorce, and litigation. The key is choosing the one that best aligns with your goals. That’s why working with a family law firm that knows all three inside-out is so crucial.

Why You Need a Law Firm Experienced in All Three Approaches

Here’s what you shouldn’t do: don’t decide on a divorce process before you talk to a lawyer, and don’t choose a family law firm who doesn’t practice all three approaches. Why? Because if you’ve already picked an approach without fully understanding how it fits your situation, you might find yourself in a process that isn’t the best fit for your goals. This could lead to a longer, more expensive, and emotionally draining divorce. And a lawyer who only practices one or two methods may unintentionally guide you toward their area of expertise rather than the approach best suited to your needs.

When you talk with  a firm skilled in mediation, collaborative divorce, and litigation, you get honest, informed insights. You learn why each process may or may not be most beneficial for your specific situation. Because there’s no universal “best“ divorce option, there’s only the best option for you.

Read: Divorce is about Choices 

Understanding Your Divorce Options

• Mediation sounds excellent—fast, inexpensive, and cooperative. But if one spouse isn’t genuinely invested or transparent, mediation can drag out longer than litigation—or fall apart completely.
• Collaborative Divorce offers transparency and teamwork, with each spouse having their own collaborative attorney by their side. It’s powerful when trust is intact, and you’re both committed to the process. However, collaborative divorce can actually cost more than lower-conflict litigation, or it may be ineffective if trust or transparency is severely compromised.
• Litigation is structured and formal, often a solid option if you’re facing significant conflict, complexities, or power imbalances that may need a judge’s intervention. Not all litigation is high-conflict, and most resolves via an agreement reached outside of court.  That said, litigation can also be the most public and expensive path.

Read: Mediation, Collaboration, or Litigation?

Finding the Right Match for Your Goals

There’s no magic in any one process. Instead, it’s in selecting the right approach for each client based on their goals andpriorities and then continuing to proceed with the same level of intention and focus throughout the divorce. 

At Freed Marcroft, we have attorneys on our team who practice mediation, collaborative divorce, and litigation precisely because your life and family aren’t one-size-fits-all. We focus deeply on your individual goals and challenges to recommend the process most likely to achieve your desired outcome. By thoroughly discussing your specific circumstances with an experienced attorney, you’ll receive clear, informed guidance designed to empower your best decisions.

We never assume one process is the answer. We start with your life, goals, and priorities, then guide you strategically through the divorce option best suited to achieve the future you want.

Please talk to us. We’re here to provide the guidance, support, and insights you need.