Fairfield, CT Divorce Mediation Lawyer

Divorce mediation is a process that puts the power back in the hands of the divorcing spouses or couples who wish to separate. The families negotiate and reach an agreements on the terms of their divorce with the assistance of a neutral third party, known as a mediator.  The role of the mediator is to guide conversations if the family knows what they want to achieve or mediate conflict if the family does not know how to communicate and reach decisions.  This process is not done in Court and only involves the divorcing parties and a mediator, in a private office or conference room. The divorcing couple chooses their mediator, allowing them to select someone they deem suitable for their specific situation based on reviews, testimonials or referrals.  Divorce Mediation is the preferred method for divorce, and numerous attorneys who do not practice divorce law refer Fairfield clients to our Mediation Center.  

How does the Fairfield Divorce Mediation Process work?

The mediator, who is also a trained family law attorney, facilitates conflict-free communication between the two parties, creating options and providing alternatives to the spouses’ positions. This results in peaceful discussions and settlements that are better suited to both parties.  The mediator’s experience and expertise enable discussions to flow smoothly, and the mediator can refer participants to experts on various topics, such as child custody and taxation. This results in a better solution to many issues prevalent during divorce, as the participants are better equipped with information about these topics. 

Out of the Court Divorce Process in a Fairfield Divorce Mediation 

Mediation families avoids going to court, often creating negotiations that are less adversarial and instead focused on reaching a mutually agreeable settlement. Since the parties are not engaged in a legal battles, they can cooperate effectively and resolve their differences amicably. They are inclined to create conditions that are acceptable to both parties rather than fighting for what is best for themselves alone. The entire process also allows for greater flexibility in discussing a wide range of complex and highly consequential issues arising from the divorce. There is more space to discuss the finer details of these complex issues, and it is all done in an environment that encourages the parties to collaborate rather than fight. 

What is the cost of  Divorce Mediation in Fairfield, Connecticut?

Divorce mediation is significantly less costly in both money and time than litigation for divorce proceedings. Mediation essentially serves as a shortcut to a solution, generally providing a solution ideal for both parties while avoiding the expenses of a lengthy legal battle.  Most families do not require lawyers during the mediation process, and in fact, they benefit from not having them present during the mediation process.  Mediation is conducted by an experienced divorce attorney, making additional legal representation unnecessary in most cases. While seeking independent legal advice from separate attorneys is advisable, it is not mandatory. Participants may opt to bring an attorney to assist in the mediation process in Fairfield, but this decision will likely increase costs significantly. Nonetheless, the total expenses will still be less than those incurred through litigation.  An experienced divorce mediator will explain how the process works and when and if an independent attorney is needed. 

The total cost of mediation for families in Fairfield typically ranges from $2,500 to upwards of $7,500 or more, covering both spouses. This is a collective fee, not per person, and it depends on factors such as financial complexity, the level of conflict, and the specific needs of the parties involved. Each family’s situation is unique, which is why the costs associated with divorce mediation in Fairfield can vary greatly based on individual circumstances.

How does Divorce Mediation take place in Fairfield?

Mediators follow a general framework established at the beginning of the process. There is an organized agenda, and the mediator operates under a set of rules and ethical restraints that both parties must understand and agree to. Fairfield  Divorce Mediation Spouses create their own timelines for resolving issues stemming from their divorce or separation.  The family decides IF they file for divorce with the Court at the beginning or at the end of the process.  With the general framework established, the parties are now better able to understand the route the discussions will take, allowing them to more effectively control the outcome and discuss in depth issues vital to them. All the decisions made during mediation are thought of and agreed upon by both parties, unlike Litigation, where the judge makes the decisions and passes them down to the parties. The mutual agreement involved in making these decisions also ensures firm choices that cannot later be further fought in Court. If both parties were equally involved in creating those conditions in the first place, there is less likelihood that one of them will end up unhappy due to them. Unlike a Fairfield Divorce Mediation process, Litigation is bound to result in imbalanced decisions that one party may take issue with. Since mediation is a less formal process than Litigation, mediation meetings can be done virtually. Virtual meetings save both parties travel time and permit meetings under any conditions, even if they would be unable to attend an in-person meeting. Furthermore, the lack of court involvement during divorce mediation allows everything to remain entirely private.

In contrast to open Court, where confidentiality is typically not a right, the privacy of a Fairfield divorce mediation encourages participants to speak freely. This is particularly ideal in divorce proceedings; if someone does not want to share something publicly, it is unfair that they are either forced to reveal it publicly in Court or choose to stay silent, resulting in a final decision being made with incomplete information. We strongly recommend that all Fairfield Divorce families consider starting the process through a private, confidential, and less costly divorce mediation.

Our expert mediators have dedicated their entire careers to keeping families out of the Courts and guiding them through a peaceful, out-of-court divorce in an efficient and dignified process. 

Overall, divorce mediation should be the first choice for divorce proceedings or any other dispute. Mediation generally results in a much more amicable divorce than Litigation, while also yielding a mutually agreeable settlement that satisfies everyone. Mediation avoids the need for messy court proceedings, saving time and money for everyone involved. There’s more flexibility for solving issues, and the solutions are typically mutually beneficial and more durable than solutions proposed by a court.