Divorce Mediation

Danbury, Connecticut Divorce Mediation Attorneys

Divorce mediation is a constructive dialogue between divorcing spouses that is overseen by an impartial third party who facilitates discussion and negotiation. Mediation differs from a collaborative law divorce in that a mediator cannot provide legal advice or serve as an advocate for either side. While parties to the divorce can consult their own legal counsel throughout the mediation process, a mediator's primary role is keeping the parties focused on important issues and identifying possible settlement terms. At the law office of Collins, Hannafin, Garamella, Jaber & Tuozzolo, P.C., our attorneys can either serve as mediators or as legal counsel. One of our attorneys, Eva M. DeFranco, is a certified trained mediator who regularly serves as a mediator.

If you are interested in settling a divorce through mediation or need legal counsel while entering into divorce mediation, contact the law office of Collins, Hannafin, Garamella, Jaber & Tuozzolo to schedule an appointment to discuss your case.

Advantages of Divorce Mediation

If you and your soon to be ex-spouse are on relatively good terms, mediation can be a cost-effective way of settling your divorce. Some of the advantages associated with divorce mediation include:

• In general, mediation costs less
• Mediation can be quicker
• Mediation allows you to determine the terms of your divorce settlement
• Parties can determine how to divide their marital assets and marital debt
• Greater flexibility in determining child custody and parenting time schedules
• Mediation keeps couples on track, minimizing the possibility for recriminations and "revenge thinking" that can lead to bitter, costly court battles

Divorce Mediation - Putting You in Charge

Divorce mediation involves a series of joint meetings with the parties and the mediator. Here, important financial matters pertaining to bank accounts, retirement funds, investments, and debt will be discussed, as well as any issues regarding children, health matters or other non-financial concerns. The mediator then explains the available options for resolving these issues and structuring a divorce settlement. Afterwards, the spouses meet face-to-face in order to work through any issues and openly discuss the options presented by the mediator.

In the end, mediation puts both parties in charge of their own fate. Rather than have a judge impose divorce settlement terms that neither party finds satisfactory, mediation allows parties to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. As experienced mediators, our attorneys understand how to keep parties focused on what is most important while avoiding emotional and personal issues that can potentially derail negotiations.

Civil Unions and Same Sex Marriages

For gay and lesbian couples, the dissolution of a civil union or same sex marriage may raise a number of legal issues that require unique solutions. Mediation presents an alternative to traditional divorce litigation that may, in some cases, be better suited to resolving specific issues arising from civil unions and same sex marriage. Our lawyers can effectively guide domestic partners through the mediation process and fully explain their options for resolving unique and complex issues.

To schedule an appointment and learn more about our divorce mediation practice, contact family law attorneys at Collins, Hannafin, Garamella, Jaber & Tuozzolo today.

Our family law attorney Eva M DeFranco.