Fairfield County Divorce Mediator

At the Law Offices of Eric R. Posmantier, LLC, we know that divorce is more than a legal event — it's a life transition with emotional, financial, and relational impacts. That’s why we do divorce differently. One of the most empowering and cost-effective approaches we offer is divorce mediation in Connecticut — a private, respectful alternative to courtroom litigation that puts the decision-making power back in your hands.

Below is a step-by-step breakdown of how the Connecticut divorce mediation process typically works in our office.

1. Initial Divorce Mediation Consultation

Every divorce mediation journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. During this meeting, the mediator explains the divorce mediation process, clarifies each party’s role, answers initial questions, and discusses legal fees and next steps.

During this session (with both parties to the process), which is often conducted via Zoom video conferencing, we may explore your relationship dynamics, prior trauma, or communication triggers — all to help minimize conflict during the mediation process.

At our firm, consultations typically last approximately 90 minutes and are charged using a unique “pay it forward” fee model for the session: We ask only that if you find value in the meeting, you to make a donation (of any amount) to a charity we have supported since January of 2013, Give Kids the World (www.GKTW.org).

If you decide to proceed, then we will provide you with a written contract for execution, and collect a retainer deposit against which you are billed each month thereafter.

2. Financial Information Gathering and Disclosures

Connecticut law requires full and frank financial disclosure in all divorce cases. Each spouse must provide detailed information on income, assets, debts, and monthly expenses.

These disclosures include the Connecticut Financial Affidavit, which will be filed with the court. We make this process easier by offering specialized worksheets, financial software, and — unlike many area mediators — access to a support team at a lower hourly rate than the mediator.

3. Parenting Plans and Co-Parenting Support

For couples with children, creating a thoughtful, practical parenting plan is essential. We provide sample parenting schedules, flexible co-parenting solutions, and guidance tailored to your family’s needs.

We also offer optional Safe Conversations® communication training — a powerful method to reduce conflict in emotionally charged parenting discussions, especially during and after the divorce.

4. Identifying Divorce Issues and Priorities

With financial and parenting data in hand, we begin outlining the key issues to resolve, including division of marital property and debt, alimony (amount, duration or lump sum buyout calculations), child custody and visitation, child support, and college expenses and educational support.

Our goal is to identify challenges and open the door to productive, creative solutions.

5. Negotiation and Creative Problem-Solving

This is where the real power of mediation shines. In one or more sessions, we guide respectful, transparent discussions to resolve each issue. Unlike court, mediation allows for personalized parenting plans, phased real estate buyouts, and creation of special needs trusts or other custom financial tools.

6. Drafting the Divorce Agreement

Once an agreement is reached, we draft a detailed Separation Agreement that reflects all decisions made during the process. This document becomes the legal foundation for your divorce.

7. Independent Legal Review

Although optional, we strongly recommend each party retain review counsel to clarify rights and obligations, ensure the agreement is legally sound and enforceable, and provide peace of mind before signing.

Some clients choose to retain review counsel earlier in the process, which can also be helpful if the attorney supports the mediation framework.

8. Filing for Divorce and Final Court Approval

After the Separation Agreement is signed, we assist with preparing and submitting the necessary Connecticut divorce paperwork. This includes the divorce summons and complaint, updated financial affidavits, the parenting plan (if applicable), and the executed Separation Agreement.

A judge will then review the agreement to ensure that it’s fair and equitable under all of the circumstances, and meets Connecticut’s legal standards. If approved, the divorce is finalized.

Connecticut Divorce Mediation with Heart, Skill, and Integrity

At the Law Offices of Eric R. Posmantier, LLC, we believe the divorce process should be handled as efficiently as possible, with dignity and compassion. Mediation is more than a process — it’s a philosophy. And it’s one of the many ways we do divorce differently.

Ready to take the first step toward a more peaceful divorce? Contact us today to schedule your consultation.