Private Divorce Mediation with a Retired Family Court Judge

Experienced Judicial Leadership for Family Legal Matters

Bring your divorce and family law disputes to resolution with our distinguished private mediation services led by Judge Kenneth Shluger (Retired), who brings over 40 years of legal experience to the mediation table, including over two decades on the bench. As a retired Connecticut Superior Court judge with extensive family law experience, he offers exceptional insight and guidance through two distinct mediation approaches tailored to your specific situation.

Two Distinct Family Law Mediation Services

Comprehensive Divorce Mediation

Our full-process divorce mediation provides an alternative to traditional litigation. In this approach, couples work directly with Judge Shluger over a series of sessions to address all aspects of divorce, from property division to child custody, alimony, and support arrangements. While you and your spouse don’t have attorneys present during mediation sessions, we encourage you both to consult with “mediation review counsel” outside of mediation sessions to receive independent legal advice on decisions and agreements before finalizing them.

ADR for Active Divorce Litigation

For parties already engaged in divorce litigation, we offer Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services. Unlike comprehensive mediation, this intensive process typically occurs in a single full-day session where both parties attend with their divorce litigation attorneys present. Your divorce attorney remains by your side throughout the mediation, providing counsel and support as Judge Shluger facilitates discussions aimed at resolving specific disputes or the entire case.

Why Choose a Retired Judge for Mediation?

A retired judge brings unique qualifications to the mediation process that few other mediators can offer:

• Judicial Perspective: Having presided over countless family law cases, Judge Shluger understands how courts evaluate evidence and apply legal standards to family matters.
• Predictive Insight: His experience allows him to provide realistic assessments of potential outcomes if your case were to go to trial, helping you make informed decisions during mediation.
• Natural Authority: The gravitas of judicial experience often helps create an environment of respect and cooperation, even in highly contentious situations.
• Balanced Approach: Years of judicial neutrality have cultivated an ability to see all sides of an issue and guide parties toward equitable solutions.
• Procedural Expertise: Thorough understanding of court procedures helps mediated agreements meet all legal requirements for court approval.

Flexible Mediation Formats

Both our comprehensive divorce mediation and litigation ADR services are available

• In Person: Face-to-face sessions in a professional, neutral environment
• Virtually: Secure video conferencing for convenient remote participation in virtual mediation sessions

We can help you choose the format that works best for your situation and schedule.

Why Choose Private Mediation for Family Matters?

• Confidentiality: Keep sensitive family matters private and protected
• Child-Centered Solutions: Develop arrangements that prioritize children’s well-being
• Cost-Effective: Avoid the emotional and financial expenses of prolonged family litigation
• Time Efficient: Resolve matters in weeks or months rather than the years typical of court proceedings
• Control: Maintain decision-making power over important family outcomes
• Expertise: Benefit from judicial wisdom in family law matters

The Freed Marcroft Family Mediation Advantage

With Judge Shluger as your mediator, you gain a neutral third party who understands both the legal framework and the emotional complexity of family disputes. Our approach combines judicial authority and insights with compassionate guidance, creating an environment where families can find solutions that work for everyone involved.

Family Law Mediation Areas

• Dissolution of marriage
• Legal separation
• Post-judgment matters
• Child custody and parenting time arrangements
• Child support determination
• Alimony/spousal support
• Property and asset division
• Retirement account allocation
• Family business interests
• Post-divorce modifications
• Parenting plan adjustments
• Relocation issues
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements

Our Mediation Process

For Comprehensive Divorce Mediation:

1. Initial Discussion: We review your family situation and explain the multi-session mediation process
2. Information Gathering: Financial disclosures and relevant family documentation are collected
3. Series of Sessions: Multiple focused meetings to systematically address all divorce issues
4. Outside Consultation: Time between sessions for both of you to consult with your mediation review counsel
5. Agreement Creation: Development of a comprehensive family settlement agreement
6. Finalization: Assistance with necessary court filings to complete your divorce

For Litigation ADR:

1. Custom Mediation Planning: Coordination with divorce litigation counsel on format and goals
2. Pre-Mediation Preparation: Review of current divorce litigation status, contested issues, and proposals and background information prepared and submitted by your divorce litigation attorneys
3. Full-Day Session: Intensive mediation with your litigation lawyers present throughout
4. Targeted Resolution: Focus on breaking impasses in specific disputed family matters
5. Settlement Documentation: Recap of agreements you reached during mediation and next steps

About Judge Kenneth Shluger

Judge Kenneth Shluger brings exceptional experience to family mediation services. Admitted to the bar in 1980, he built a distinguished legal career before being appointed to the Connecticut Superior Court in 2004. During his more than two decades of judicial service, Judge Shluger presided over thousands of complex family law cases, developing deep insight into the challenges faced by divorcing couples and families in transition.

With his judicial background and legal experience spanning over four decades, Judge Shluger now offers private mediation and private judge arbitration services that combine his legal knowledge with an energetic, thoughtful, and balanced approach to dispute resolution. His extensive experience from both sides of the bench provides him with a unique perspective in helping families navigate difficult decisions with dignity and respect.

Ready to Learn More?

Contact Freed Marcroft today to discuss how mediation with a retired judge can help resolve your litigation efficiently and effectively.