Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process where a neutral third party – the mediator (me) – helps participants discuss their dispute, explore options, and work towards a mutually agreeable solution. Unlike a judge in court, I don't impose decisions or rule on who is right or wrong. My role is to facilitate constructive communication, manage the process efficiently, and help you craft your own agreement. This differs significantly from litigation, which is an adversarial public process where a judge decides the outcome based on legal arguments. While lawyers can negotiate, mediation provides a structured, focused environment specifically designed to reach resolution quickly and collaboratively, with you directly involved in shaping the final outcome.

As your mediator, I am strictly neutral and impartial. My role is not to act as a judge, give legal advice, or advocate for either side. Instead, I act as a facilitator and process manager. I will help you identify the key issues, improve communication, brainstorm potential solutions, reality-test options, and keep the discussion focused and productive. While I bring extensive legal knowledge (especially in [mention your primary area, e.g., family law, business disputes]) to understand the context, the decision-making power remains entirely with you and the other party. I encourage parties to consult with their own independent legal counsel before, during, or after mediation to get advice specific to their situation and to review any final agreement.

My mediation process is specifically structured for productivity and efficiency, making it significantly faster and more cost-effective than litigation. Court cases in Connecticut can take many months, sometimes years, involving complex procedures, multiple hearings, and extensive legal fees. Mediation typically resolves disputes in a matter of weeks or even days, through focused sessions tailored to your specific issues. By avoiding lengthy court processes and minimizing attorney time spent on adversarial tactics, you dramatically reduce legal costs and the emotional drain associated with prolonged conflict. My focus is on cutting through delays and guiding you directly toward workable solutions.