Best Child Custody Lawyers in Danbury, CT

Mediation is a voluntary process. Both parties must attend the initial consultation and agree to participate. More often than not, a reluctant spouse who attends the initial meeting will agree to participate in mediation, if they feel comfortable with the mediator and the process.

Absolutely. The mediation process encourages productive communication between couples in and outside of mediation sessions. If you and your spouse agree on your own, you are saving time and money and moving forward, which is always encouraged. The next time you return to mediation, we will discuss your points of agreement and do some reality testing and fine tuning, if necessary. As your mediator, I make sure you do not leave any important details out of your agreement.

Yes. In New York State, parents are expected to provide their children with basic child support (food, clothing and shelter) until they attain 21 years of age, with some exceptions. Parents must also pay their pro rata share of add-ons. Add-ons include child care which enables the custodial parent to work, health insurance, unreimbursed medical expenses and, in some cases, educational expenses. Generally the non-custodial parent pays child support to the custodial parent (who also contributes to the support of the children). When parents have shared custody, New York Courts deem the parent with the higher income to be the non-custodial parent. In mediation, I will help you calculate child support under the Child Support Standard's Act ("CSSA") based on each parent's gross income with certain deductions. The percentage of income payable by each parent depends on the total number of children (e.g., 17% for one child, 25% for two children, etc). The CSSA requires the courts to apply the appropriate percentage to combined parental income up to $141,000. The courts have discretion to include additional income in the child support calculation as long as an explanation is provided. In mediation, couples can choose whether or not to follow the CSSA. If you deviate from the CSSA, you must include the reasons for the deviation in your agreement.

If you enter into a duly signed and notarized agreement, I will file uncontested divorce papers on your behalf and there is no need for you to go to court. After your uncontested divorce is filed, it will be signed by a Judge and entered into the County Clerk's Office. I will then send each of you a certified copy of your judgment of divorce.