Divorce can be the start of something better. At Freed Marcroft, we believe mediation is one of the most empowering ways for you and your spouse to build the futures you truly want. You’re ready to turn the page and build your next chapter, but it doesn’t have to be defined by conflict or loss of control. Mediation can offer a private, streamlined, flexible, and empowering alternative to traditional litigation, giving you and your spouse the power to shape your new futures with greater control and clarity.
At Freed Marcroft Divorce & Family Law, our team of experienced divorce attorneys includes trained divorce mediators. This means that we can assist you either as your divorce mediator, facilitating the communication and negotiation process between you and your spouse, or as your divorce mediation lawyers, which is often called “mediation review counsel.” In this role, we provide legal advice so that you fully understand the decisions you’re making.
Mediation allows you and your spouse to maintain control over critical decisions about your life rather than placing them in the hands of a judge with limited time to learn about you or your family.
Our Hartford mediation attorneys will provide clear and honest guidance through the mediation process, helping you determine if it’s the right fit for you. Confidence comes from clarity and knowledge. You’ll know your options, and what comes next, every step of the way.
Ready to work together with your spouse to take control of your future? Reach out to our firm today to request your initial meeting with a member of our team and get the guidance you need.
What Is Divorce Mediation?
Mediation is a practical, private way to address the issues involved in ending a marriage. It happens away from the courtroom and out of the public eye. Freed Marcroft’s experienced divorce mediators hold sessions virtually or in person. Mediation offers additional flexibility, too. Couples who mediate their divorces can set their own schedule and proceed at the pace that best fits their life and priorities. Even more importantly, mediators support and empower spouses to have candid, productive conversations about their future and reach decisions on their own. This allows spouses control over their own divorce process without the constraints or formalities of court proceedings.
Mediation typically happens in two scenarios. First, some couples choose mediation right from the start, using it to handle every aspect of their divorce. Second, some spouses already in litigation utilize mediation mid-divorce to resolve lingering disputes and avoid the uncertainties and stress of a trial. Often, this second type of mediation is conducted privately with both spouses and their respective divorce litigation attorneys, and with an experienced retired family court judge serving as the mediator. Freed Marcroft’s team of divorce mediators includes both retired Connecticut family court judges and experienced family law attorneys.
At Freed Marcroft, our Hartford divorce lawyers give you clear, straightforward guidance to help you decide if mediation is the right choice for your family, and help you map out what to expect moving forward.
What Does the Mediation Process Look Like?
In Connecticut, mediators skilled in both conflict resolution and divorce law guide both parties toward equitable agreements, without imposing decisions or giving legal advice. Your mediator may also recommend consulting other experts, like financial professionals or child psychologists, if the situation calls for it. Once the spouses reach agreements, the divorce mediator assists with finalizing them and submitting them to the family court for review and approval.
It’s still essential to have legal representation (called mediation review counsel) there to support you during the mediation process, especially when complex assets, multiple properties, or family-owned businesses are involved. Even though mediators are often experienced divorce attorneys or retired family court judges, they are not serving as either spouse’s attorney in the context of their role as mediators. Divorce mediators are neutral facilitators, so they have no obligation to protect the interests of either party, which is why you need your own attorney to help you assess any potential agreements and understand whether they position you to achieve your unique goals.
Our Hartford mediation lawyers will guide you through the process step-by-step, giving you and your spouse the support you need to reach agreements and transform your lives.
What Are the Benefits of Mediation in a Connecticut Divorce?
Why do some couples choose mediation?
- To protect their privacy and keep personal and financial matters out of public record
- Because it’s less formal than legal proceedings, making it easier to speak freely without the intimidation of a courtroom setting
- To reduce stress by avoiding the intense nature and unpredictability of litigation
- It’s more affordable than a drawn-out legal battle concluding in a trial.
- It’s faster than litigation, which allows both spouses to move forward sooner
- For the convenience of virtual mediation which minimizes the potential for emotional confrontations
- Reduced likelihood of post-judgment litigation
- Because it provides a structure for you and your spouse to reach an agreement on your own, without the need for court intervention.
Is Mediation Right for You?
At Freed Marcroft Divorce & Family Law, we thoughtfully consider whether each potential client is a good candidate to participate in our internal mediation process. Whether our Hartford mediation lawyers serve as your mediation review counsel or as your neutral facilitators, there are a few key indicators we look for that might signify that mediation isn’t the best course of action. Some examples include:
- When there is a history of domestic violence or abuse
- When there are concerns about transparency
- When one spouse is reluctant or refusing to follow through with their commitments
- When there is a significant power imbalance between the spouses
Why Choose Freed Marcroft’s Hartford Mediation Lawyers?
We offer a unique advantage because many of our Hartford mediation lawyers are able to serve in both roles: attorney and mediator. While we are not able to wear both “hats” at the same time, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have a highly-experienced partner in your corner to support you every step of the way.
To discover more about your options and whether mediation is right for you, contact our team today to schedule your initial meeting. We look forward to speaking with you.