Business Details
12 Years
experience
Divorce Mediation & Family Law Services in Vermont
Established in 2014, Kenny & Gatos combines decades of family law expertise with certified divorce coaching and mediation services to provide holistic solutions for clients navigating complex legal transitions. Our approach prioritizes compassionate, resolution-focused outcomes that minimize conflict and reduce costs compared to traditional litigation. With over 20 years of legal experience, we specialize in divorce coaching, mediation, child custody, estate planning, and related family law matters while maintaining a client-centered philosophy.Our team includes a DCA-certified ADR divorce coach and experienced legal professionals dedicated to guiding clients through emotional and practical challenges. We serve Vermont residents from our Wallingford office, offering both in-person and remote sessions to accommodate diverse needs.
Services
Divorce Coaching
Mediation Services
Child Custody
Child Support
Parentage Cases
Post-Divorce Support
Wills & Probate
Estate Planning
Guardianship
Adoptions
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined family law litigation and mediation experience
- Our team includes a DCA-certified ADR divorce coach with legal expertise
- We implement a holistic approach combining legal counsel with emotional support
- We guarantee cost-effective solutions compared to traditional litigation
- Our resolution-focused methodology reduces conflict and preserves family relationships
Associations and certifications
- Divorce Coaches Academy
What people say
Positive influence
Intelligent, level-headed approach
Most positive situation
Healing can begin
Wonderful and masterful job
Services
Divorce Coaching
Our certified ADR divorce coaches provide personalized support through all stages of separation and divorce. We help clients navigate legal, financial, and emotional challenges while developing effective communication strategies. With 20+ years of family law experience, we offer practical tools to reduce conflict and make informed decisions during this transitional period.
Mediation Services
We facilitate structured negotiations to resolve divorce-related issues including property division, parenting plans, and child support. Our mediators create safe environments for productive discussions, helping couples achieve mutually beneficial agreements while maintaining control over outcomes rather than leaving decisions to judges.
Child Custody
Our family law specialists help establish custody arrangements that prioritize children's best interests. We develop comprehensive parenting plans addressing visitation schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and conflict resolution strategies to ensure stable environments for children during and after divorce proceedings.
Estate Planning
We create customized estate plans including wills, advanced directives, and powers of attorney. Our services ensure your wishes are honored regarding asset distribution, healthcare decisions, and guardianship while providing peace of mind through comprehensive legal documentation.
Adoptions
We guide families through Vermont's adoption process with compassionate legal support. Our services cover all necessary documentation, court filings, and representation to ensure smooth transitions while protecting all parties' rights throughout the adoption journey.
People
Michelle Kenny
Attorney & Owner
Owner of Kenny & Gatos with 20+ years of family law experience. Certified ADR divorce coach specializing in mediation and conflict resolution. Graduated magna cum laude from Vermont Law School and Castleton University.
Pam Gatos
Retired Attorney
Co-founder of Kenny & Gatos with extensive family court experience. Former social services professional and Vermont Law School graduate. Specialized in third parent adoptions and family law matters before retirement.
JoAnne Richards
File Clerk
Essential office support professional since 2014 with banking industry experience. Provides critical administrative assistance while maintaining meticulous attention to detail in all documentation processes.
Lori McVeigh
Bookkeeper
Legal profession veteran since 1975 providing financial management expertise. Combines bookkeeping skills with church administrative experience while maintaining strong community connections through local family ties.
Questions
What family law services do you specialize in?
We specialize in divorce coaching, mediation, child custody, child support, parentage cases, post-divorce support, estate planning, wills, probate, guardianship, and adoption services.
How does your mediation process work?
Our mediation process begins with individual consultations, followed by structured sessions addressing all agenda items. We help create mutually beneficial agreements that courts typically honor, with documentation prepared for filing.
Are your services available remotely?
Yes, we offer both in-person and remote mediation sessions via Zoom, with options to separate participants into virtual rooms when needed for privacy.
What payment options do you offer?
Payment is due after each session. We accept cash and credit cards (with 3% convenience fee). Divorce coaching packages of 6+ sessions receive a 10% discount.
How can divorce coaching help me?
Our certified coaching helps clarify your needs, organize action plans aligned with your values, improve communication, and reduce conflict while potentially lowering legal costs through informed decision-making.
