On October 1, 2025, Connecticut formally enacted the Uniform Mediation Act (UMA), becoming the 13th state to do so. The UMA establishes a comprehensive set of rules for mediation, a form of out-of-court dispute resolution used in legal areas like personal injury, divorce, business, employment. In a mediation, a neutral third party facilitates communication negotiation, helps clarify issues and guides the parties toward a mutually acceptable agreement. The process is faster and less expensive than court proceedings, and it offers the added benefit of confidentiality.

Connecticut’s version of the Uniform Mediation Act will apply to all mediations in most areas of law. However, there are exceptions. The UMA will not govern mediations conducted by juvenile or adult criminal courts, or explicitly mandated by state executive agencies outside the scope of civil law. In addition, it excludes certain proceedings that are already governed by specialized legal frameworks, such as labor-management negotiations governed by collective bargaining agreements. 

Central to the UMA is its application of a strong mediation privilege. This means that communications made during the process are confidential and are not subject to discovery or admissible in any other proceeding, such as a court or legislative hearing. The privilege applies unless waived or unless safety concerns require disclosure, such as when there are realistic threats of violence. 

The UMA also places strict responsibilities on mediators. It requires someone, before agreeing to mediate a dispute, to make a reasonable inquiry about their potential conflicts of interests and disclose these matters to the parties. Mediators must inform parties about the mediation process and their rights under the UMA, including the scope of confidentiality and any exceptions. 

The UMA specifically allows a mediation party to bring an attorney to join them and participate in the mediation. This is usually preferable to appearing unrepresented, since a skilled mediation attorney can provide an overview of the goals of a mediation and can advise on how to best attain them.

By joining the ranks of states that have enacted the UMA, Connecticut aligns itself with best-practices in mediation law. The clear, predictable rules foster trust in the mediation process and are likely to encourage broader use of mediation as a tool to resolve disputes privately, efficiently and amicably.

At Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. in Hamden and East Haven, we represent individuals and organizations in a range of litigation matters, and we seek out alternative dispute resolutions whenever beneficial for our clients. To schedule a consultation, please call 203-745-0942 or contact us online.