(203) 222-4949 Westport Mediation & Collaboration Lawyers
The dedicated family attorneys at Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC offer clients alternative dispute resolution services, including mediation and collaboration. For individuals seeking a less adversarial approach, working with an experienced Westport mediation lawyer could provide an effective way to resolve family law matters outside of court. In many situations, mediation and collaboration serve as appropriate alternatives to litigation and may also reduce overall costs.
For mediation and collaboration to succeed, the parties must want to move forward with their lives, remain committed to the process, and conduct themselves with civility. A certain degree of trust is also necessary to streamline the discovery process, which would otherwise become far more extensive in litigation. For parties on relatively amicable terms, mediation or collaboration may reduce the emotional strain associated with divorce, custody, parenting plans, and post-judgment matters while also saving time and expense.
When Mediation and Collaboration May Be Effective
Mediation and collaboration often work best when both parties are willing to communicate openly and negotiate in good faith. These methods allow individuals to maintain greater control over the outcome of their case rather than placing decisions solely in the hands of a judge.
For parties who are able to remain respectful and cooperative, mediation and collaboration can foster a more constructive environment and often lead to resolutions that better reflect each party’s priorities and long-term goals.
The Advantage of Working With Litigators Who Mediate
Because the attorneys at Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC are also experienced litigators who appear in court regularly, including in the role of Special Masters, we provide clients with meaningful context regarding how courts are likely to view and resolve disputed issues. This litigation experience allows us to offer realistic guidance on appropriate settlement parameters during mediation and collaboration.
Clients benefit from knowing their attorneys understand both sides of the process and can pivot seamlessly between negotiation and courtroom advocacy when necessary.
A Team-Based Approach to Mediation and Collaboration
Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC also offers a team approach to mediation and collaboration when requested by the client. In these situations, two attorneys work in concert and may bring different perspectives, strategies, or styles to the negotiation process. This collaborative team structure can be especially valuable in complex or high-conflict matters where multiple viewpoints enhance problem-solving.
Using Mediation and Collaboration Within the Litigation Process
In addition to serving as stand-alone alternatives to litigation, mediation and collaboration may also be used within an active case. While continuing to act as advocates for our clients, we often attempt to “lower the temperature” through four-way meetings with the parties and their counsel. If all parties agree, this cooperative approach may be implemented at any stage of the litigation.
Sometimes, it is appropriate to begin with mediation or collaboration. In others, cooperation becomes more productive after litigation has progressed to a point where emotions have stabilized. In many cases, a mediated or collaborative resolution emerges near the end of a case and eliminates the need for trial. For individuals involved in more complex divorces, we sometimes recommend mediation or collaboration as a supplement to standard litigation to promote civility and efficiency.
Mediation and Collaboration Backed by Litigation Strength
We believe mediation and collaboration serve an important role in certain cases when pursued for the right reasons. Our attorneys remain flexible and attentive to each client’s needs, adapting our posture and tone to suit the circumstances. However, if alternative dispute resolution proves inappropriate or unsuccessful for any reason, a Westport mediation lawyer at Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC stands fully prepared to pursue our clients’ goals through litigation.
Contact a Westport Mediation Lawyer at Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC Today
If you are considering mediation or collaboration for your family law matter, our attorneys are available to discuss whether an alternative dispute resolution approach is appropriate for your situation. We handle both negotiated resolutions and contested litigation with equal focus and care.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn how our Westport mediation lawyers could assist you.
Q&A About Mediation
Center for Directed Mediation A Concierge Practice
Absolutely. Mediation is a non–adversarial process that may be the answer for you if, as a couple, you are both committed to certain objectives, for example:
- Acting amicably and respectfully, even though there may be disagreements along the way
- Proceeding on the same timetable
- Making paramount your children’s best interests
- Providing transparency about your financial situation
- Ensuring that you maximize confidentiality about your private issues
Virtually all of them, including cases with child custody and parenting related issues, high net worth cases with complex financial arrangements, or cases with more modest financial circumstances.
Trust. In one simple word. Couples get divorced for many reasons but there are certain couples, who despite the circumstances, still trust each other to arrive at a fair and legally binding resolution of their case.
Yes! This is true even though Courts remain closed for most in–person divorce matters and the number of senior judges has been substantially reduced. A successful mediation will lead to a Divorce Agreement where yediou never need to step foot in the Courtroom. You can get divorced as soon as you have a Divorce Agreement.
Typically, yes. If couples are committed to doing so, they can move through the process rather quickly, but without forfeiting the diligence that is required for a fair and equitable result.
Usually. Without the need for formal information gathering or Court intervention, the cost–savings can be substantial, and especially so because there is no need to hire attorneys as advocates in this process.
Once the mediation gets to the point where the mediator drafts a Divorce Agreement, it is advisable for the parties to each hire counsel to review it to make sure it accurately reflects the understanding of the parties and protects their interests.
At Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC, we subscribe to a unique style of mediation that is aimed at getting couples through the divorce process in a quick, efficient, and cost-savings manner. As the largest Family Law firm in Connecticut, our eight highly credentialed lawyers have vast experience with a wide range of divorce and post-divorce cases throughout the state. We know “what the Judge would likely do.” So we get right to it in our mediation sessions. We do not waste time. We set an ambitious but doable schedule for all to follow and we stay on it. We guide couples to a resolution with the backdrop and context of likely outcomes based on years of experience.
At Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC, we hold the hands of couples who are going through the mediation process with us. We set expectations at the beginning. We commit to a rapid response. If needed, we arrange for any necessary collaterals, such as therapists, accountants, financial planners, real estate appraisers, and business valuation experts. We streamline the process so you can concentrate on yourselves and your family during this transitional time. Lastly, we do not disappear when your case is over but rather remain available to assist with establishing support systems for your new post-divorce life.