Mediation isn't a competitor. It's a tool your clients are asking for.

A resource for family law attorneys who want to offer their clients a structured, collaborative path alongside or instead of litigation.

How this works alongside litigation

Mediation and litigation aren't mutually exclusive. Many of my clients have attorneys. That's by design.

A referral to mediation doesn't mean losing a client. Many couples who choose mediation still retain attorneys to review the final agreement before signing — and those attorneys are better positioned to advise when their client arrives with a clear, well-structured document rather than a contested case.

I work neutrally. I don't represent either party. I don't give legal advice. My role is to help both people reach a durable agreement — and to send them back to their attorneys, or to the court, with something solid in hand.

For attorneys who refer clients to mediation, the feedback I consistently hear is that those clients are better prepared, less reactive, and more focused on resolution than clients who came through litigation alone.

"My client arrived knowing what she wanted and why. That made my job significantly easier."

Who makes a good referral

Mediation works best for clients who meet certain conditions. Here's what I look for.

Willingness to participate Both parties need to be willing to engage honestly. One spouse who refuses to participate in good faith is a dealbreaker.

No active domestic violence Mediation is not appropriate where there is active abuse or a serious power imbalance one party won't acknowledge.

Relatively balanced information Both parties should have a reasonable understanding of their shared financial picture. Significant hidden assets create a poor foundation.

Motivation to resolve Clients who are motivated to reach resolution — for financial, logistical, or family reasons — tend to move through mediation efficiently.

Children in common Couples with children have a long co-parenting relationship ahead. Mediation builds the communication patterns that litigation erodes.

Cost sensitivity Clients who are concerned about legal costs and want to preserve assets for themselves and their children rather than spending them on attorneys' fees.

What to expect when you refer

A structured process your client can rely on — and that you can track.

I'm happy to communicate with referring attorneys throughout the process — to confirm that mediation has begun, to flag anything that warrants your attention, and to let you know when a draft agreement is ready for your review.

I operate with complete neutrality and don't advocate for either party. My job is to keep the process moving and to produce a document your client can bring to you with confidence.

Free 20-minute discovery call

Your client speaks with me directly. I assess fit and explain the process. No obligation.

Mediation sessions

Typically 4 to 8 sessions across 2 to 3 months. Virtual or in-person. Both parties or shuttle format.

Draft agreement

A complete written agreement covering every decision made — ready for attorney review before signing.

Court submission

The signed agreement is submitted to the court as part of the divorce filing. Most Connecticut judges approve mediated agreements without modification.

Background and credentials

A mediator with clinical depth and court-adjacent experience.

I came to mediation from education and clinical practice — not from law. I hold an M.Ed and MSW from Columbia University and spent nearly a decade as a former therapist working with individuals and families in transition before training as a mediator.

I trained at Quinnipiac Law School's Center on Dispute Resolution and at Mediation Matters in Maryland. I'm a member of the Connecticut Council for Non-Adversarial Divorce and serve on the board of Shared Parenting of Connecticut.

I've been through divorce myself. That shapes how I work — not as a story I tell, but as a baseline understanding I bring to every session. It changes what I notice, what I take seriously, and how I hold space for the moments that are genuinely hard.

"The educator in me builds clarity. The former therapist understands what's actually in the room. The mediator builds the agreement."

Get in touch

Let's talk about whether mediation is a fit for your client.

I'm happy to speak with attorneys directly — to discuss a specific client situation, answer questions about the process, or establish an ongoing referral relationship.

Reach out directly