About Mediation

About Mediation

Divorce Mediation

In mediation, trained professionals help a couple reach a fair settlement that both individuals can accept. By balancing the needs of both people and negotiating compromises, mediators help couples resolve conflicts. There are no winners or losers in mediation.

Divorce mediation builds on the positive aspects of a couple’s relationship. Good divorces are possible, even when spouses begin the process in conflict about many issues.

Mediation guides a couple through negotiations on parenting, spousal support, and property division. Its neutral and nonjudgmental approach makes possible a successful resolution.

Why should people mediate their divorce rather than sue each other and fight it out in court?

Mediation

Mediation with us offers many advantages:

  • It costs less than traditional lawsuits.
  • Unlike lawyers, our mediators do not collect fees up front. Clients pay fees as they go along.
  • Mediation is less emotionally painful than is a legal battle. Our mediators address the emotional divorce as well as the legal divorce.
  • During all mediation sessions, both members of the couple are present. They can communicate directly and reach agreements more quickly.
  • Each person gets to decide what is in his/her own best interests.
  • Mediation is flexible. The process is tailored to meet each family’s individual needs.
  • We provide a friendly, comfortable setting, where it’s easier to discuss difficult matters.

Do I lose my right to consult a lawyer if I choose to mediate my divorce?

Clients are free to consult with individual lawyers at any time during the mediation process. We encourage clients to consult a lawyer before they sign any agreement.

Can I stop mediation?

Mediation

Mediation is voluntary. Clients may stop at any time—in the midst of a session or at any time during the process.During a session, a client may leave for a “time out.” All communications will stop until the person returns. At any time during the process, one or both people may decide to stop the mediation. They may do so without any penalty. The mediators also have the right to stop a session or the process if, in their professional opinion, it is no longer appropriate for the couple.

If mediation stops and the individuals get lawyers, then any agreements reached during mediation can be included in the lawsuit only if both parties agree. Otherwise, all discussions start over.

Testimonials

I could never imagine what life for my “our” children would have been like without your help!! You are a miracle worker! With your charisma and total dedication you saved our family from total and complete ruin! Everything you did and said worked! You were so impartial and I mean that! Without your help and guidance all would have been lost and had hatred on both sides. May God Bless You and your services! You were meant to save families! Thank you from the bottom of my soul!
– BAC
Mary exceeded all of my expectations. She is a caring professional who guided us through a difficult time in our lives and made the process much easier to navigate. When negotiations began to become difficult she helped us to stay focused on our common goals. She remained unbiased and offered a variety of options that were mutually beneficial-a true mediator. We are both extremely grateful for all that she did to help us.
– MEG
The assistance we got from the Divorce Mediation Center was very helpful in getting our paperwork together correctly and allowed us to complete the process without delays. Having your paperwork done correctly is key in getting through the court without issue. Our day in court, a couple in front of us had poorly completed paperwork and they were sent away by the judge to return another day with it corrected. I’m glad that wasn’t me.
– Anonymous
Mary was very helpful in our divorce mediation process. It was very easy to go each time with a plan in place, and we were able to come to a peaceful settlement in the end. Mary is very knowledgeable and allowed our process to move forward more quickly than we thought.
– P.B.
“The Mediation Center took a very stressful & trying situation and created a calm environment in which to discuss the terms surrounding our divorce. As a male, working with two women, I felt very much at ease. They conducted themselves as true professionals & looked out for our two children.”
– D.C.
“Throughout a painful process, Mary and Laura helped to maintain calm and reason, which was key to eventually reaching a fair outcome. I admit that as a male, I was initially concerned that my side might be short changed. In retrospect, I can say that such a fear was unfounded.”
– Roy M.
``...Laura and Mary are highly trained and incredibly skilled mediators. I like to refer to them as “Divorce Coaches”; they teach you the rules, provide you with drills and guide you through the process of divorce; professionally, technically, with care and devotion. Laura and Mary Healey know the rules, which are the State of Connecticut laws...``
– Jeffrey
“The divorce process was the most stressful year of my life. Choosing mediation rather than lawyers was a good decision for my ex-husband and I. It was not easy, we had many obstacles. Mary & Laura supported us during difficult negotiations and kept us focused on our ultimate goal: to provide a loving environment for our 2 children and a financial agreement that was fair for both parties.”
– Anonymous
Read More

Video