Divorce Mediation in Connecticut
The Law Office of Giustino Capodilupo
Ridgefield, Connecticut
1-866-644-3769 ∙ E-Mail
In divorce cases, mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution where a neutral third person listens to the disagreements between two spouses and tries to help them reach a compromise and agreement. Mediation sessions do not happen in a courtroom, and they are not presided over by a judge or hearing officer. The spouses' attorneys are welcome to attend mediation.
Is Mediation Required in Connecticut Divorce Cases?
In Connecticut, mediation is not officially required in contested divorce cases. However, in some circumstances, the court may order some form of alternative dispute resolution.
- If one spouse doesn't want the divorce, then the court may order both parties to attend conciliation meetings before the divorce can go forward. The purpose of these meetings may be to reconcile the spouses or to help the spouses make difficult decisions about child custody or property division.
- If the spouses disagree about child custody, then the divorce case will be submitted to the Family Relations Office (sometimes called the Family Services Office) of the court before the divorce can proceed. Family Relations officers will make a recommendation about child custody and visitation to the divorce judge, after conducting an investigation into the children's circumstances and conducting interviews with both spouses. This is sometimes considered a divorce mediation, because the Family Relations officers will attempt, during the investigation, to help the spouses reach an agreement about child custody and visitation.
Can One Lawyer Represent Both of Us in Our Divorce?
If you and your spouse want to save money or are in agreement on all the issues relating to your divorce, then it may be possible to hire only one attorney to help you complete the process.
Attorney Giustino Capodilupo is available to serve as a divorce mediator in such cases. Our office can take you both from the beginning of the process, through negotiating every piece of the divorce agreement, all the way to the final divorce decree.
If you and your spouse want to use this method to complete your divorce, it is important to understand a couple of points:
- If our law firm is going to mediate your divorce, then we cannot talk separately with either spouse. All conversations about the divorce — both about the process and about the substance of the divorce agreement — must take place with both spouses present.
- If the mediation is unsuccessful, and you decide to each hire your own attorney and go forward with a contested divorce, then our law office cannot represent either of you in the contested divorce proceedings.
In some cases, these restrictions discourage people from attempting divorce mediation. However, if you believe that you and your spouse already agree on most issues or can come to an agreement with the help of an experienced divorce attorney, then we urge you to contact our office for more information.
We can explain the mediation process in more detail in a consultation with both spouses. Call The Law Office of Giustino Capodilupo at 1-866-644-3769, or send us an e-mail to schedule an appointment.
