As experienced divorce mediators serving Fairfield County and the remainder of Connecticut, we focus on helping both spouses to communicate clearly, identify shared goals and interests, and move forward with mutual respect.

What Is Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation is a voluntary process whereby both spouses work with a neutral mediator to resolve issues, such as property division, alimony, and parenting arrangements. Unlike litigation, mediation promotes cooperation — not competition.

You remain in control of the outcome, as opposed to leaving decisions to a stranger in a robe called “judge”. The process is private, efficient, and designed to keep emotions and costs in check.

Our mediators guide couples through a structured process that includes:

Initial Consultation – Understanding your goals, assets, and family dynamics.
Information Gathering – Reviewing financial statements, property valuations, and child-related needs.
Issue Identification – Defining key topics such as custody, support, and asset division.
Negotiation (“Option Building”) Sessions – Facilitated discussions that build agreements step-by-step.
Drafting the Separation Agreement – Placing the final terms in writing, for review by each party, or potentially each party’s review counsel.
Court Approval – Submitting the agreement for final judgment.

Each stage encourages open dialogue while ensuring fairness and transparency.

Why Choose Mediation Over Litigation?

Couples choose mediation for many reasons:

Lower Cost – A single neutral mediator often replaces two opposing lawyers arguing with one another, and lengthy (and often wasteful) court appearances.
Privacy – What happens in mediation is outside of the public eye, unlike court proceedings.
Speed – Sessions are scheduled on your timetable, not the court’s.
Reduced Stress – The process replaces adversarial arguments with constructive discussion.
Better Co-Parenting Relationships – Parents who mediate often maintain more cooperative relationships following divorce.

In short, mediation lets you shape your future instead of reacting to someone else’s decision.

Our Mediation Philosophy

Magistrate Eric R. Posmantier brings more than 27 years of family-law experience to every mediation session. His approach is grounded in fairness, communication, and real-world practicality. Our process is informed, in part, by advanced Safe Conversations® training, which helps couples communicate productively — even in high-conflict situations.

We offer a “Pay-It-Forward Consultation Fee”. Instead of payment to our firm for the initial consultation with Magistrate Posmantier, clients are invited to donate to Give Kids the World, a non-profit charity bringing joy to children and children’s families, who are struggling with a child’s critical illness. This is one way we reinforce the notion that compassion and community belong in every part of this process.

When Mediation Works Best

Divorce mediation is appropriate when both spouses wish to reach resolution with reduced acrimony — even when they don’t agree on every issue at the start. It’s particularly suited for:

Families seeking to minimize emotional impact on children;
Couples who want to preserve privacy;
Professionals or business owners managing complex financial portfolios; and
Parties looking for a faster, less costly alternative to a court process.

Even in high-asset or emotionally charged situations, mediation provides structure, neutrality, and results grounded in reality.

Mediation for Complex and High-Net-Worth Divorces

Not every divorce is simple, but mediation can still be effective when handled by experienced professionals.

Our firm works alongside financial experts, accountants, and appraisers to ensure that complex assets, including but not limited to business interests, investments, retirement accounts, and real estate, are properly valued and then divided equitably.

For high-net-worth clients, confidentiality is paramount. Mediation keeps personal and financial details out of the public record, while reaching legally binding agreements recognized by the Connecticut system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is divorce mediation legally binding in Connecticut?

Mediation itself is a voluntary, confidential negotiation, so the discussions are not binding. What becomes binding is the written Separation Agreement produced at the end of a successful mediation. Once both spouses sign it and a Connecticut judge reviews and approves it, the agreement is incorporated into the final divorce judgment and is fully enforceable, just like any court order.

Can a mediator give me legal advice?

No. A mediator is a neutral who guides the conversation and helps both spouses reach an agreement, but a mediator cannot advocate for either party or provide individual legal advice, even when the mediator is also a licensed attorney. For that reason, many clients retain independent review counsel to advise them privately and to review the proposed agreement before they sign.

What if my spouse and I cannot agree on everything in mediation?

Mediation does not require you to agree on every issue at the outset. A skilled mediator helps you resolve points of disagreement one at a time, and you can reach agreement on some issues while continuing to work through others. If a particular issue cannot be resolved, you may be able to address it through collaborative law, arbitration, or, if necessary, the court process.

How much money does mediation save compared to litigation?

While every case is different, mediation is usually far less expensive than litigation because it replaces two opposing attorneys and repeated court appearances with a single neutral professional and a focused series of sessions. Couples also save indirect costs by resolving matters more quickly and reducing the emotional toll on themselves and their children.

Start Your Mediation Process

If you and your spouse are ready to move forward with less conflict and more control, mediation may be the right path for you. Our divorce mediators can meet with you together or separately in order to explain the process and answer your questions.

Speak with an intake specialist at the Law Offices of Eric R. Posmantier, LLC today to learn how divorce mediation can help you resolve your case respectfully, efficiently, and on your terms.

Divorce Mediation in Connecticut