We are 100% dedicated to out-of-court resolutions. We do not practice any litigation.

Our focus is on EFFICIENCY, EMPATHY, EDUCATION & EMPOWERMENT.

We help couples divorce affordably - divorce should not be a luxury.

We work efficiently to make separation simpler, quicker and more peaceful.

We empower couples to decide their own outcome.

Connecticut Divorce & Family Law Mediation

West Hartford divorce mediation attorney

At We Mediate, we believe in a better way to navigate divorce—one that minimizes conflict, reduces financial strain, and spares you and your family the drawn-out stress of court battles. Specializing in non-adversarial divorce and family law services, we use tried-and-true mediation methods to help couples separate more peacefully, saving time, money, and emotional energy. If you’re a couple in Connecticut seeking a divorce without court intervention, mediation might be the solution you didn’t know you were looking for. Allow our experienced Connecticut divorce and family law mediation experts guide you through the divorce process with compassion and expertise, ensuring your interests are protected every step of the way.

What is Divorce Mediation?

Mediation is a collaborative process where you and your spouse work together to create a mutually agreeable divorce settlement, guided by a professionally trained, neutral third-party mediator. This process empowers you to make informed decisions about your future, without the adversarial tone of court litigation. At We Mediate, our skilled divorce mediators ensure that both parties are heard, understood, and supported throughout the process.

Unlike traditional court proceedings, mediation focuses on communication and cooperation, rather than confrontation. A mediator doesn’t act as a judge or take sides but instead facilitates productive conversations to help resolve issues such as asset division, parenting plans, alimony, and child support. With our expert guidance, you can avoid the common pitfalls of divorce negotiations while ensuring that your agreement is fair and sustainable for both parties.

Why Choose We Mediate?

At We Mediate, we take pride in providing compassionate, professional guidance tailored to the unique needs of each couple. Our family law mediators are not only experts in family law but also skilled communicators who use proven techniques to keep discussions productive and respectful.

When you work with We Mediate, you’ll experience a process designed to:

  • Empower You: We provide you with the information and tools you need to make decisions about your future confidently.
  • Educate You: From understanding Connecticut divorce laws to exploring creative solutions, we ensure you have a clear picture of your options.
  • Promote Communication: We create a safe space where both parties can express their needs, concerns, and goals.
  • Foster Efficiency: Our streamlined process eliminates unnecessary delays, keeping you focused on moving forward.

Client Testimonials

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“Jessica is empathetic, genuine, and professional.”
Jessica made a difficult time in our lives a little easier. She was flexible with our meeting times and worked with us to understand our situation. She provided us with all the information we needed to make the bestdecisions for our case. Jessica is empathetic, genuine, and professional. I highly recommend her services.
Amy H.
Google Review
“Her calm demeanor & neutrality helped defuse tensions...”
I am grateful for Jessica’s invaluable support and her efficiency during the divorce process. Her calm demeanor and neutrality helped defuse tensions, making the process smoother. Her attention to detail impressed even the court clerk. Most importantly, she was fair to both of us and helped us understand each point of view during the process.
A.S.
Google Review
“...guided us in a direction that was positive for all.”
Jessica was extremely professional and made the mediation process as pleasant as can be. She answered all of our questions as much as she is allowed to and guided us in a direction that was positive for all. I would definitely recommend Jessica for mediation if the need arises.
Craig C.
Google Review
“She is highly approachable, efficient, and a pleasure to work with!”
Jessica Lastarza was great to work with! She is highly approachable, efficient, and a pleasure to work with! Would highly recommend!
Rachel R.
Google Review
“I would not hesitate to use her for mediation!”
Jess is incredibly trustworthy and empathetic, I would not hesitate to use her for mediation!
Lin C.
Google Review
“Highly recommend her!”
Jessica is experienced, knowledgeable, and professional, but also warm, caring, and empathetic. Highly recommend her!
Lisa R.
Google Review

Jessica Lastarza, Esq.

Your Partner & Guide

West Hartford divorce mediation attorney

Jessica Lastarza is a collaborative attorney and mediator with over twenty years of experience, specializing in guiding couples through divorce with compassion and knowledge.

Her approach is centered on amicable conflict resolution, ensuring smooth transitions for families. Jessica’s legal proficiency spans family law, estate planning, and business matters, complemented by certifications in divorce mediation and collaborative divorce from the Connecticut Council for Non-Adversarial Divorce and the Collaborative Practice Training Institute.

Dedicated to creating lasting, equitable agreements, Jessica balances her professional life with being a mother, avid tap dancer, traveler, and outdoor enthusiast.

Jessica is a member of the Connecticut Collaborative Divorce Group which is a group of experienced divorce professionals, including divorce and family lawyers, financial and mental health professionals who have been specifically trained in the collaborative process.

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Areas of Practice

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Connecticut Divorce Mediation Experts

Supporting & guiding our clients for more than 20 years

Benefits of Divorce Mediation

Mediation provides many benefits compared to traditional court battles, particularly for couples aiming for a friendlier separation.

  • Cost Savings: Traditional divorce lawsuits can rack up bills in the tens of thousands per person. Mediation cuts these expenses dramatically by simplifying the steps and skipping courtroom costs. Choosing mediation also helps secure a stronger financial foundation after the divorce.
  • Quicker Process: Courts often face backlogs, stretching divorces over many months or years. In contrast, mediation proceeds at a rhythm that suits you and your partner, frequently wrapping up in just a few weeks.
  • Lower Emotional Strain: Divorce naturally brings tension, but mediation eases the psychological burden. It promotes honest dialogue in a nurturing space, turning the experience into a collaborative effort rather than a conflict.
  • Privacy Protection: Unlike public court records, mediation ensures a discreet, confidential forum for addressing personal matters. With rare exceptions, legal safeguards keep your discussions private, allowing for candid exchanges.
  • Improved Results for Families: Mediation shines for households with kids, as it supports joint parenting by curbing animosity and emphasizing choices that put children’s well-being first.

What to Expect During Mediation

At We Mediate, our mediation approach is adaptable and easy to follow. Here’s an overview of the steps:

  • First Meeting: You’ll connect with a family law mediator to outline your objectives, review the procedure, and confirm if mediation aligns with your needs.
  • Focused Sessions: Every meeting targets key divorce elements, like asset distribution, parenting schedules, or financial settlements.
  • Balanced Dialogue: Your Connecticut family law mediator will steer the discussion, making sure each side can express their views and needs fairly.
  • Preparing the Settlement: After resolving all topics, the mediator will create a detailed divorce agreement capturing your mutual decisions, ready for court submission and approval.

Our Unique Approach

We Mediate helps you redefine the divorce experience with a focus on:

Efficiency: Reducing Time and Cost
Divorces settled by mediation take on average 8-12 weeks to complete compared to those settled in Court, which often take over a year, and cost exponentially less than traditional divorces.
Empathy: Minimizing the Emotional Toll of Divorce
We Mediate creates a safe, non-judgmental environment where couples can express their needs and concerns. We emphasize open, empathetic communication as our foundation for conflict resolution to minimize emotional strain on all parties.
Education: Providing Essential Knowledge and Tools
The legal system is complicated and intimidating. At We Mediate, our experts explain your options in simple, direct language, and help you find the path to the separation solution that's right for everyone involved.
Empowerment: Putting Fair and Equitable Solutions in Your Hands
At We Mediate, we're here to help you create the best possible outcome. We work tirelessly to help couples reach fair and equitable agreements that balance the interests of all parties, especially children and pets.

Advancing Beyond the Courtroom

For numerous couples, the concept of finalizing a divorce without ever entering a courtroom seems nearly unbelievable. Yet, through mediation, it’s not just feasible—it’s a reliable route to a gentler parting. Opting for mediation empowers you and your partner to steer your own divorce, shaping a settlement that suits everyone involved instead of relying on a judge’s ruling.

Divorce needn’t turn into a battle. At We Mediate, we’re dedicated to assisting Connecticut couples conclude their marriages with grace, esteem, and shared comprehension. No matter if you’re newly contemplating divorce or prepared to move forward, we’re by your side throughout the journey.

Make the Initial Move

If you’re ready to explore a more peaceful approach to divorce, contact our Connecticut Divorce & Family Law Mediation experts at We Mediate today. Together, we’ll help you turn the page and start a new chapter with confidence and clarity.

FAQs

Q
What is divorce mediation?
A
Divorce mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where a trained, neutral mediator helps divorcing couples in Connecticut reach fair agreements on issues like property division, child custody, and support without costly court battles. At We Mediate, our certified mediators, with over 20 years of experience, guide you through open communication and negotiation to create tailored solutions that prioritize your family’s needs. Mediation empowers you to maintain control over your divorce outcome, fostering amicable resolutions that litigation often can’t achieve.
Q
How does divorce mediation differ from traditional divorce?
A
Unlike traditional divorce, which involves adversarial court proceedings, lengthy litigation, and high legal fees, divorce mediation is a collaborative process that saves time, money, and emotional stress. Our mediators at We Mediate facilitate productive discussions to help couples in Connecticut reach mutually beneficial agreements. Mediation typically costs 50-70% less than litigated divorces and can be completed in weeks, not years, while keeping your personal matters private. This approach is ideal for couples seeking a respectful, efficient divorce process.
Q
Is mediation mandatory in Connecticut?
A
In Connecticut, divorce mediation is not mandatory, but many family courts, including those in Fairfield, Hartford, New Haven, New London, and Litchfield Counties strongly encourage it as a cost-effective alternative to litigation. In some cases, judges may order couples to attempt mediation before a contested trial. At We Mediate, our mediators, accredited by Connecticut Council for Non-Adversarial Divorce and the Collaborative Practice Training Institute, are well-versed in state divorce laws and help you navigate court expectations while working toward a fair resolution.
Q
Who can benefit from divorce mediation?
A
Divorce mediation benefits Connecticut couples who want to avoid the financial and emotional toll of a courtroom divorce, even if they don’t agree on every issue. Whether you’re navigating complex asset division, co-parenting plans, or spousal support, mediation works for those committed to finding fair solutions. Mediation is private, flexible, and ideal for couples seeking a dignified divorce process.
Q
What issues can be resolved through mediation?
A
Divorce mediation can resolve all aspects of a Connecticut divorce, including division of marital assets (e.g., homes, retirement accounts), debts, child custody and visitation schedules, child support, alimony, and unique concerns like pet custody or business ownership. At We Mediate, our experienced mediators have successfully handled complex cases, ensuring every detail is addressed fairly. If an issue arises, we guide you toward creative solutions that align with Connecticut family law and your family’s needs.
Q
How long does the mediation process take?
A
The duration of divorce mediation in Connecticut depends on the complexity of your case and both parties’ willingness to collaborate. Most couples complete mediation with We Mediate in 8-12 weeks, with some resolving issues in as few as 2-3 sessions. Our mediators streamline the process by keeping discussions focused and productive. To learn how quickly we can help you move forward, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your unique situation.
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Resources

Explore our collection of original articles and gathered resources that are curated here to empower and support individuals through the intricacies of collaborative divorce and amicable conflict resolution.

Navigating Divorce Property Buyouts: The Superiority of Market Analysis Over Traditional Appraisals
What to Know Before You Go: International Travel with Kids After Divorce
An Overview of Divorce Litigation vs. Mediation

Mission Statement

Our mission is to simplify the divorce process by offering a convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional legal proceedings which EMPOWERS individuals and families to peacefully decide their own terms of separation/divorce by employing our guiding principles of EMPATHY, EFFICIENCY, EDUCATION and EMPOWERMENT.

Our commitment is to:

1
Facilitate Empathetic Communication
We believe in open, empathetic communication as the foundation for conflict resolution. We create a safe and non-judgmental environment where couples can express their concerns and needs.
2
Promote Fair and Equitable Solutions
We work tirelessly to help couples reach fair and equitable agreements that consider the interests of all parties involved, especially the best interests of any children.
3
Empower Informed Decision-Making
We empower our clients by providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their futures. We believe in the importance of informed consent throughout the mediation process.
4
Preserve Dignity and Respect
We approach each case with the utmost respect for the dignity and well-being of all participants. Our goal is to minimize the emotional toll of divorce while maintaining respect for each person's individual journey.
5
Advocate for Amicable Resolutions
We are advocates for amicable divorce solutions that prioritize collaboration over conflict. By focusing on mediation, we seek to minimize the adversarial nature of traditional divorce proceedings.
6
Ensure Privacy and Confidentiality
We uphold the strictest standards of privacy and confidentiality, ensuring that all discussions and agreements remain confidential within the bounds of the law.
7
Continuously Improve Our Practice
We are committed to staying at the forefront of mediation techniques, family law developments, and ethical standards. We continuously invest in our professional development to provide the highest quality mediation services.
8
Transform The Divorce Process
We are committed to staying at the forefront of mediation techniques, family law developments, and ethical standards. We continuously invest in our professional development to provide the highest quality mediation services.