Divorce Mediation

Sarah H. Shapiro, with a psychology and counseling background, is a trained attorney-mediator, with extensive experience in mediation. Gaining in popularity and prevalence in Connecticut courts, Divorce Mediation is a process in which both spouses voluntarily come together to work with an impartial divorce mediator who helps the spouses find mutual solutions to the issues of divorce, such as property and debt division, alimony, custody and parenting time, and child support. This no-fault method of divorce strikes an advantageous balance between a traditional adversarial divorce (where both spouses hire attorneys to do battle on their behalf behind the scenes and in the courtroom, creating a litigious and often hostile atmosphere), and pro-se divorce (where the spouses divorce without attorneys, but may have difficulty coming up with legitimate solutions and navigating the court process on their own). There are numerous compelling reasons to choose Mediation over an adversarial divorce. For more information, see our detailed Divorce Mediation Page.

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Real Estate Transactions

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

Shapiro Law Offices has performed thousands of real estate closings, including purchases, sales, and refinances. Our attorneys personally handle the entire process, from contract – to title search -to closing, ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of attention and care. Shapiro Law Offices is also on the approved-attorney list for virtually every bank in the State, as well as major mortgage companies throughout the Country. Their extreme thoroughness and truly reasonable fee have allowed families to return for their service generation after generation.

Wills & Estate Planning

Estate Planning documents are not only crucial for every person to have, but also surprisingly affordable. Every non-minor person, regardless of age, health, or financial position, should consider executing the following three important and self-empowering documents:

POWER OF ATTORNEY AND HEALTH CARE REPRESENTATIVE

This document allows a person you trust to act on your behalf in the event you are unable to act yourself for any reason. Such a document can be used in an everyday situation or in emergency situation, presently or in the future, and can cover matters pertaining to both healthcare and finances. The Power of Attorney is also durable, meaning that it survives the possible mental incapacity of the person executing it. This is an important tool for planning for the future, so that a trusted person is in place to make smart decisions on your behalf in the event you are someday no longer capable of doing so. Choosing a Power of Attorney now can also potentially eliminate the need for a Conservatorship down the road, where it is the Court who decides who is best to make healthcare or financial decisions for you.

LIVING WILL

A Living Will, or Health Care Directive, is a document executed by a capable individual outlining his or her end-of-life preferences to be honored at a time when his or her condition is deemed terminal by the attending physician. Such a document can also be a blessing to those you are leaving behind, because your preferences have already been specified and thus the decision-making burden is lifted.

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

Last Will and Testament: this document outlines the Testator’s wishes after his or her passing. Did you know that if you pass without a Will, the laws of Intestate Succession dictate who inherits your property and in what share? Most people are surprised to find out that the Statute does not usually reflect their desired distribution. Further, in a Will you can appoint an Executor of your choice, the person you trust to carry out your final wishes. And of ultimate importance, if you have minor children, you can appoint a Guardian to care for them physically and to manage the money you leave behind for their benefit. If you do not have a Will outlining your wishes, it is the Court who will make these decisions on your behalf.

Evictions & Landlord-Tenant Relationships

Shapiro Law Offices has extensive experience in the nuances of landlord-tenant law. When a commercial or residential tenant has overstayed his welcome, Shapiro Law Offices will assist the landlord in removing the tenant in a timely and peaceful manner. We have close working relationships with local Marshals who greatly aid us in this process. We will also draft or review lease agreements so that the landlord-tenant relationship is clearly memorialized.

Probate Matters

Our attorneys have all spent countless hours of their careers in Probate Court. We can help you to settle the estate of a loved one, or apply for a Conservatorship or Guardianship.

Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements

Sarah H. Shapiro assists couples who wish to settle their financial and legal affairs in contemplation of their forthcoming or recent marriage in a friendly, non-adversarial environment, thereby promoting the relationship as well as the individual interests of each spouse.

How Can We Help You?

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