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06 Aug, 2024 by Olivia
Meghan is simply the best, from the first phone call until now, I've been taken care of in the best way.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Kristi
Ms. Freed assisted us with a family law case in Florida in which the original divorce was finalized in Connecticut. Ms. Freed was extremely knowlegable and responsive. I would highly recommend Ms. Freed for any family law matters. Thank you!
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02 Aug, 2024 by Ashley
She is a phenomenal attorney who always had my back. I knew from the first consultation that I was in good hands. Looking back now after my divorce is over, I know I made the right decision.
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16 Apr, 2024 by Luke mario
As an attorney practicing in CT, I have had Attorney Kriesen serve as a mediator in numerous cases. He is thorough in his preparation, neutral in his reasoning, and highly effective in leading the way to a middle ground. From a logistics standpoint, he and his staff also make the process (especially scheduling) very easy.
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22 Jan, 2024 by Jacqueline moller
Chris Kriesen became my attorney nearly 4 years ago. I benefited from his diverse experience as a lawyer and mediator. His hard legal skills are impressive, but equally impressive is his unique skill to understand the motivators, personality traits and nuances of a client. He focuses not just to understand facts and law, but understand his client. This allowed us to have mutual trust and for him to listen and communicate in a manner unique to my perspective. I highly recommend Chris not just for achieving results but for how he takes the journey with his clients to the results.
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29 Mar, 2023 by Anita varunes
Chris Kriesen, Esq. from the Kalon Law Firm, LLC is always very prepared for mediation and willing to give whatever it takes to get the case settled! He has been successful in getting the cases settled on all mediations I brought before him. He also has a great sense of humor and is very pleasant to work with. I strongly recommend him as a mediator on all types of cases.
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06 Aug, 2024 by Olivia
Kristen was so easy to work with, I'd recommend her and her firm ten times over.
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20 Jun, 2017 by Irene
When I first contacted the firm of Freed, Marcroft, I was really in a bad place emotionally. Both Kristen and Robin were 'present and empathic' right from the get-go. Kristen was also very realistic with me and encouraged me to try mediation if at all possible. I came through this difficult process feeling whole and respected knowing that Kristen and everyone at the firm 'had my back'.
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04 Jun, 2015 by Phil
Appoximately one year ago my wife of almost 27 years asked to end our marriage. A few days later we agree to get a divorce. A close business associate gave me a referral to the law firm of Freed/Marcroft in Hartford on Main Street. Our first meeting was in early August 2014 and our divorce proceedings ended just before Christmas of 2014 with the guidance of Lawyers Meghan Freed and Kristen Marcroft. During a lengthy initial meeting between all parties they suggested we take a collaborative approach to completing our divorce. In this approach the attorneys help/guide the two parties involved to come to agreement on a couple dozen issues that will ultimately make up the divorce agreement that would be acceptable to the courts. They took a great deal of time to understand our years of marriage, and how each person fit into the marriage and how each person viewed the end of the marriage. At every meeting and with every phone call or email they would stress that every decision made would have to be very fair for each party. They constantly sought to educate on each topic, and remind each party of the attorney's role in this type of divorce process. Kristen and Meghan handled the stickiest problems and contentious points with great expertise and finesse. They showed the utmost compassion and a caring attitude to both parties, which is surely not the case in most proceedings. By having two lawyers helping through the process, you get two distinct skillset and two checkers. That was most useful in overcoming some of the sticky situations that arise in the divorce process. Kristen and Meghan move us through the entire process on a schedule they set up based upon our wishes and parameters. True to their word and nature they took us through that horrible day in court with compassion and understanding. They were able to interject themselves into the proceedings where many other of their contemporaries might not bother, which made our day easier. Freed/Marcroft handled all our paperwork and filings under the watchful eye of Robin, the practice manager. Phone calls were returned within a sort of reasonable time, with emails and texts returned much quicker. I'm over fifty and still like voice. Email does seem to be the preferred method of communication. Kristen and Meghan were very upfront about how they get paid, what options for payment were available to us and ultimately what they felt would be the most cost efficient way to proceed. Let me stress that the collaborative approach to divorce is not for everyone!! Kristen and Meghan will tell you as much right up front. If you want a team to help end a an important part of your life in a dignified way that is fair to all you should highly consider using Kristen Marcroft and Meghan Freed. Phil, Avon Ct
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06 Oct, 2024 by Nancy
I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the outstanding representation from Attorney Seth J. Conant in my case. The expertise and dedication have been instrumental in achieving a successful outcome. I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible kindness the strategic approach and attention to my case were truly exceptional. The unwavering support and great relief during a challenging time. I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your incredible kindness I am immensely thankful for your hard work and commitment. It has been a pleasure working with you. Best regards, Nancy M.
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14 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
My experiencing working with Seth was nothing less than exceptional. Together we navigated difficult legal issues complicated by an out-of-state divorce, a poorly constructed financial agreement, and a highly litigious and unreasonable plaintiff who not surprisingly is also the mother of my children. I learned the hard way that being the sole breadwinner established me as the 2nd rate parent (she was the 'primary caregiver' because I went to work M-F) and set us up for all kinds of irresponsible family and financial expectations. Crazy stuff, but this is what happens when we find ourselves needing courts to sort out family matters. I fought hard to stay an involved father and to keep the family in-state where my job was successfully maturing. Following a 2 day trial I failed, and the children moved out-of-state against my wishes. I was left with an unsustainable parenting plan that involved a ridiculous amount of driving and the fallout of a hastily assembled financial agreement settled before the trial. This poorly worded and poorly understood agreement remained a source of problems for the next 10+ years. Eventually I chose to relocate to CT to the same town my children lived in, compromising and eventually losing my now out-of-state job. While unemployed, I was unable to achieve a successful hearing to adjust child support and filed contempt of court charges while self-represented. Again facing a round of legal conflict I secured legal representation with Freed Marcroft and Seth was assigned to my case. It was one of the best decisions of my life. Seth is both an exceptional lawyer and a person with integrity. Seth did an amazing job. He was easy to talk with, personable, and laser focused on sorting out legal arguments. What impressed me most about Seth was his ability to quickly see unproductive tangents for what they were: time consuming distractions that drive up legal costs and muddy the waters. Seth focused on key issues important to potential settlements or a judge's pending decisions. He was a rock star in the courtroom. Courteous, professional, and again laser focused. As a client, I also contributed significantly. I was honest and fully disclosed everything relevant to the case. I kept excellent records and made all of them available to Seth as needed. I was also an outstanding witness, speaking a truth fully consistent with all the supporting documentation. For 10+ years I did what was expected of me, and tried my best to stay on the high road. Finally it paid off. Following yet another 2 day trial the outcome was fully in my favor and reasonable adjustments immediately followed. My original contempt charges were upheld. I have no doubt that the legal advice I received, and the legal representation provided to me were key driving factors in this favorable outcome. I highly recommend Seth to anyone who wants to take the high road and achieve fairness in their divorce settlement.
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14 Mar, 2017 by E
Counsel Ira was a reliable, excellent advocate for me throughout the divorce process. He answered questions thoroughly and thoughtfully. He accomplished this via email and phone conversations. Also, he displays a caring and punctiliousness towards his clients. I can personally vouch and have seen him in action. At times, in intense negotiations, when the parties emotionally break down due to the difficult process, he his calm and continues working for the client. I only plan on going through the a divorce process once. I am forever grateful that Attorney Ira was with me all the way through and afterwards.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Kathleen mattox
Nicole Christie and her Team are the absolute Best in the State of CT! When you are dealing with serious issues, only the Best will do. Not only is the Christie Law Firm extremely knowledgeable, experienced, responsive, they treat you like family with great care and compassion. Everyone from the first call to your closed case, and everything in between is extremely professional, informative, and friendly! Nicole Christie came highly recommended to me from one of CT’s top lawyers and has an excellent, well respected reputation among her peers!
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30 Aug, 2024 by Rosa young
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27 Aug, 2024 by Heather blanco
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12 Sep, 2024 by Kathleen mattox
Nicole Christie and her Team are the absolute Best in the State of CT! When you are dealing with serious issues, only the Best will do. Not only is the Christie Law Firm extremely knowledgeable, experienced, responsive, they treat you like family with great care and compassion. Everyone from the first call to your closed case, and everything in between is extremely professional, informative, and friendly! Nicole Christie came highly recommended to me from one of CT’s top lawyers and has an excellent, well respected reputation among her peers!
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30 Aug, 2024 by Rosa young
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27 Aug, 2024 by Heather blanco
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26 Aug, 2024 by Nihar reddy
Very responsive and you will have clear track what is happening with your case. Definitely i will suggest . In my case international serving was involved which is bit complex but with there experience helped me to resolve sooner ! Happy with service Thank you !
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26 Aug, 2024 by Melissa lachausse
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06 Aug, 2024 by Olivia dodd
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26 Aug, 2024 by Nihar reddy
Very responsive and you will have clear track what is happening with your case. Definitely i will suggest . In my case international serving was involved which is bit complex but with there experience helped me to resolve sooner ! Happy with service Thank you !
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26 Aug, 2024 by Melissa lachausse
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06 Aug, 2024 by Olivia dodd
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03 Jun, 2024 by Aleksandr morin
In scrutinizing the recruitment process conducted by Ment Law Group in engaging Francesco “Frank” Picone, it appears to have been executed with a haste mirroring Mr. Picone's characteristic lack of attention to detail. This critique is kept superficial, as a more comprehensive examination of Mr. Picone's performance is anticipated to unfold in due course. Mr. Picone's assertions regarding his proficiency in "interviewing/fact collecting" are lamentable, particularly if accurate. Such claims cast doubt upon the efficacy of his purported certifications, suggesting either a deficiency in their vetting procedures or an opportunistic pursuit of profit. In the course of handling my case, Mr. Picone repeatedly allowed pertinent evidence to lapse or be mishandled, a consequence directly attributable to his apparent disregard for thorough fact-finding. Furthermore, Mr. Picone's proclamation of possessing "integrity and excellence" is unsubstantiated. On numerous occasions, he has omitted truthful statements, neglected exculpatory evidence, and distorted facts, solely for self-serving motives. These actions starkly contradict any claims of integrity and excellence. Those seeking individuals of integrity or genuine excellence should look elsewhere. Regrettably, Mr. Picone's ineptitude has resulted in tangible harm, yet he appears indifferent to the consequences, prioritizing self-preservation over accountability. Any inquiries by Ment Law Group regarding the specifics of these grievances are welcome, though skepticism surrounds the likelihood of any meaningful investigation being conducted.
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26 Jan, 2023 by Aedan kiniry
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06 Dec, 2022 by Justin starr
Jeff is amazing and great at what he does. I had a great experience working with him.
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28 Mar, 2024 by Jorge villalobos
Justin is truly amazing! He gives extremely detailed and honest explanations. If you have any questions he gets back to you really fast! I 100% recommend him to anyone in need of an immigration attorney
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29 Aug, 2023 by Patry vidales
Es un excelente abogado, lo super recomiendo, es honrado, es organizado, siempre responde a las dudas, creo que no hay otro como él.
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16 Apr, 2023 by Steve anaekwe
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24 Aug, 2024 by Andy farbinni
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08 Mar, 2024 by Larry j
They at least gave me information pertaining to my issue. More personable and professional.
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05 Sep, 2023 by Liza pelletier
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What a Mediation Lawyer Can Do for You

A mediation lawyer specializes in resolving disputes outside of the courtroom through a process called mediation. Mediation involves a neutral third-party mediator who helps the disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediation lawyers can represent clients in various matters, including divorce, business disputes, employment conflicts, contract issues, personal injury claims, and more.

Unlike litigation, mediation is a less adversarial and more cost-effective way to settle disputes, often leading to faster resolutions and preserving relationships between the parties involved.

When Should I Hire a Mediation Lawyer?

Consider hiring a mediation lawyer when you’re involved in a dispute and want to avoid the time, expense, and stress of going to court. Common reasons to hire a mediation lawyer include:

  • Divorce or child custody disputes: A mediation lawyer can help you reach a fair settlement on issues like property division, alimony, and parenting arrangements without going to court.
  • Business or contract disputes: For disagreements such as contract disputes, partnership conflicts, or intellectual property issues, a mediation lawyer can assist in resolving the matter through negotiation.
  • Employment disputes: Issues like wrongful termination, discrimination, or wage disputes can be addressed through mediation to find common ground and avoid lawsuits.
  • Personal injury cases: Mediation can help both parties agree on compensation in cases like car accidents or slip-and-fall claims without a prolonged court battle.
  • Property disputes: Disputes over property ownership, landlord-tenant issues, or boundary disagreements can be settled more amicably through mediation.
  • Family or inheritance disputes: Mediation can help resolve conflicts over wills or trusts without further dividing the family.

What Does a Mediation Lawyer Do?

A mediation lawyer provides a range of services to help clients resolve disputes through negotiation and mutual agreement. Their responsibilities often include:

  • Representing your interests: Acting as your advocate during mediation to ensure your rights are protected and you understand your legal options.
  • Preparing for mediation: Reviewing the facts of the case, gathering necessary documents, and advising you on potential resolutions.
  • Facilitating communication: Helping to facilitate open and constructive dialogue between parties to clarify points of contention.
  • Negotiating settlements: Assisting in negotiating fair and balanced settlement terms that are in your best interest.
  • Drafting mediation agreements: Preparing the official mediation agreement that outlines the terms of the settlement, which is often legally binding.
  • Avoiding litigation: Aiming to reach a settlement that eliminates the need for a court trial, saving time and resources for both parties.
  • Handling complex legal issues: Explaining the legal implications of various settlement terms in cases with complicated legal matters.

How Are Mediation Lawyers Paid?

Mediation lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the time involved. Common payment methods include:

  • Hourly rate: Charging an hourly fee ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on experience and case complexity.
  • Flat fee: For simpler mediations, some lawyers may offer a flat fee covering all legal work involved in the process.
  • Retainer: In ongoing or complex cases, a retainer may be required as an upfront payment billed against as work progresses.

Discuss fees and payment structures with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand the cost of mediation services.

How Much Does a Mediation Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a mediation lawyer depends on several factors, including the case's complexity, the lawyer’s experience, and the time required to resolve the dispute. General cost estimates include:

  • Hourly rates: Typically between $150 and $500 per hour.
  • Flat fees: For simple mediations, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
  • Total mediation costs: Can vary widely, from $2,000 to $10,000 for straightforward cases, up to $10,000 to $50,000 or more for complex disputes.

Always request a detailed cost estimate during your consultation to understand total expenses.

Top Questions to Ask a Mediation Lawyer

Before hiring a mediation lawyer, consider asking the following questions:

  1. What experience do you have with mediation cases like mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in handling similar disputes.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify the fee structure and request an estimate based on your specific case.
  3. What is the likelihood of resolving my case through mediation?
    Seek an honest assessment of whether mediation is suitable for your situation.
  4. How long will the mediation process take?
    Inquire about the expected timeline and number of sessions required.
  5. Will you personally handle my case?
    Confirm who will manage your mediation and represent your interests.
  6. Can we pursue alternative dispute resolution (ADR) if necessary?
    Ask about other forms of ADR, such as arbitration, if mediation doesn't resolve the conflict.

How to Check the Credibility of a Mediation Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable mediation lawyer, take the following steps:

  • Verify their bar status: Confirm with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed and has no disciplinary history.
  • Look for mediation experience: Review their website or professional profile for specialization in mediation and successful case histories.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Check platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google for client feedback.
  • Ask for references: Request references from past clients familiar with their mediation skills.
  • Check for certifications: Look for certifications from organizations like the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR).

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To maximize the effectiveness of your initial meeting, bring the following:

  • Relevant documents: Any materials related to the dispute, such as contracts, emails, financial records, or court filings.
  • List of key issues: A detailed list of the main points of contention that need resolution.
  • Timeline of events: A chronological account of events leading up to the dispute, including prior resolution attempts.
  • Goals for the mediation: Be prepared to discuss your desired outcomes and areas where you're willing to compromise.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Any queries about the mediation process, fees, or their approach to dispute resolution.

Being well-prepared will help the lawyer assess your case effectively and provide the best possible advice for resolving your dispute through mediation.

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