For individuals in Manchester, New Hampshire, navigating the complexities of divorce and parenting disputes, The Law Office of John F. Durkin, Jr., located at 195 Elm St 2nd fl, offers mediation services as a potential pathway to resolution. When searching for "Lawyers Near Me" who provide mediation, particularly in family law matters, the experience and approach of the mediator are critical factors. The available reviews for Attorney John F. Durkin, Jr., present a mixed perspective, with one client reporting a significantly negative experience and another, a professional colleague, offering high praise for his mediation skills.
The physical environment of The Law Office of John F. Durkin, Jr., situated on the 2nd floor of 195 Elm St in Manchester, likely provides a private and neutral space for mediation sessions. Mediation typically requires a comfortable setting where parties can openly discuss sensitive issues with the assistance of a neutral third party. While specific details about the office's ambiance are not provided, the expectation is a professional environment conducive to productive dialogue aimed at reaching mutually agreeable solutions.
The primary service highlighted in the reviews is Attorney John F. Durkin, Jr.'s role as a mediator in divorce and parenting cases. Mediation is a process where a neutral third party helps disputing parties communicate and negotiate to reach a settlement. It is often seen as a less adversarial and more cost-effective alternative to litigation. The contrasting reviews offer different perspectives on the effectiveness and fairness of Attorney Durkin's mediation services.
One review details an "extremely disappointing experience" involving Attorney Durkin and his paralegal, Kelsey McCabe. The client, representing themselves, alleges that the paralegal was "dismissive and unhelpful," failing to provide required financial documents necessary for mediation, despite multiple requests. The client reports receiving only a signed affidavit without supporting documentation, hindering their ability to prepare adequately for the mediation session. Furthermore, this client expresses concern that the mediator, presumably Attorney Durkin, allowed the session to proceed despite the alleged non-compliance with New Hampshire Rule 2.16 regarding timely financial disclosures. The client also felt the mediator was unfamiliar with key financial aspects of their case. This negative experience led the client to feel "shut out of a process that was supposed to help," alleging that the office's failure to enforce basic standards enabled their ex's delay tactics and financial abuse. The reviewer strongly advises against recommending this mediator, especially in high-conflict or abusive divorce cases, stating they "left with nothing" despite investing time and money in the process.
In stark contrast, a professional colleague from another office describes utilizing Attorney Durkin's mediation services "multiple times" in both simple and complex divorce and parenting cases. This reviewer offers high praise, stating that Attorney Durkin is "always prepared, respectful, and efficient." They highlight his "very unique ability to get through to people and make them concentrate on making important business decisions in their lives rather than emotional ones, but also being able to make them feel as though they have been heard." This positive review concludes by asserting a belief that Attorney Durkin is "one of the best mediators in all of New Hampshire" and comes with a strong recommendation.
Considering these divergent perspectives, it is challenging to definitively characterize the features of Attorney Durkin's mediation services. However, we can identify potential aspects based on the reviews. One potential feature, as highlighted by the positive review, is his preparedness, respectfulness, and efficiency in handling mediation sessions. His ability to guide parties towards rational decision-making while ensuring they feel heard could be a significant asset in resolving disputes. However, the negative review raises concerns about the enforcement of procedural rules and the thoroughness of handling financial disclosures, which are critical aspects of fair and effective mediation.
The contrasting experiences suggest that the effectiveness of Attorney Durkin's mediation services might vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the dynamics between the parties involved. In cases where one party may be less cooperative or transparent, the mediator's approach to enforcing rules and ensuring equitable information sharing becomes particularly important. The positive review indicates success in both simple and complex cases, suggesting a degree of versatility in his mediation style.
In terms of promotional information, the positive review from a professional colleague serves as a strong endorsement, positioning Attorney Durkin as a highly capable and recommended mediator in New Hampshire. This testimonial could be seen as a form of promotional content, emphasizing his skills in guiding parties towards resolution and his overall effectiveness. However, the negative review serves as a cautionary perspective that potential clients should consider alongside the positive feedback.
For individuals in Manchester, NH, seeking "Lawyers Near Me" for divorce or parenting mediation, The Law Office of John F. Durkin, Jr., located at 195 Elm St 2nd fl, is an option to consider. The phone number, (603) 935-8489 (or mobile +1 603-935-8489), provides a direct means of contact to inquire about his mediation services, fees, and approach. Given the mixed reviews, it would be prudent for potential clients to have a thorough consultation to discuss their specific situation and determine if Attorney Durkin's mediation style aligns with their needs and expectations for a fair and productive process.
In conclusion, The Law Office of John F. Durkin, Jr., offers mediation services in Manchester, NH, primarily for divorce and parenting disputes. While one professional colleague speaks highly of Attorney Durkin's preparedness, respectfulness, efficiency, and ability to facilitate rational decision-making, another client reports a deeply negative experience involving alleged procedural oversights and a lack of enforcement of financial disclosure rules. This mixed feedback suggests that while Attorney Durkin may be effective in many cases, potential clients should carefully consider these perspectives and conduct thorough due diligence to determine if his services are the right fit for their specific needs, particularly in potentially high-conflict situations.
195 Elm St 2nd fl, Manchester, NH 03101, USA
Get directionsExtremely disappointing experience with Attorney John Durkin and his paralegal, Kelsey McCabe. The paralegal was dismissive and unhelpful, ignoring multiple requests for required financial documents. I received only a signed affidavit — without any supporting documentation — making it impossible to prepare properly for mediation. Despite my concerns, the mediator allowed the session to go forward without enforcing New Hampshire Rule 2.16, which requires financial disclosures at least 10 days in advance. He also seemed unfamiliar with key financial issues like the 401(k), which had been flagged multiple times before the session. As someone representing myself, I made every effort to comply with the law and communicate in good faith. Instead of being treated fairly, I felt shut out of a process that was supposed to help. This office’s failure to enforce basic standards enabled my ex’s delay tactics and post-separation financial abuse. This was not a neutral, balanced, or professional mediation. I spent time and money trying to resolve this legally — and left with nothing. I would not recommend this mediator to anyone, especially those in high-conflict or abusive divorce cases.
Apr 13, 2025 · Luis WilliamsMy office has utilized Attorney Durkin's mediation services multiple times in both simple and complex divorce and parenting cases. Attorney Durkin is always prepared, respectful, and efficient. John has a very unique ability to get through to people and make them concentrate on making important business decisions in their lives rather than emotional ones, but also being able to make them feel as though they have been heard. All around, I truly believe that Attorney Durkin is one of the best mediators in all of New Hampshire and cannot recommend him enough.
Feb 06, 2023 · Matthew R PassalacquaJohn is a highly respected Attorney and Mediator in New Hampshire. He has decades of experience, and it shows in how he effectively handles his cases, cares for his client's needs, and is able to appropriately resolve issues in a cooperative fashion. There are so many area Attorneys whose first choice for a Mediator is always John Durkin, this includes myself. As a Family Law litigator, John is always willing to fight for his clients interests, but he does it in such a professional manner that the Judges actually listen to what he has to say. I highly recommend John, as both an Attorney, and as a Mediator.
Jul 07, 2021 · Jeffrey RungeAttorney John Durkin helped me through my divorce. He is highly knowledgeable and straight forward. He responded promptly to my questions and concerns and I was able to settle through mediation and avoid a court trial. I would definitely recommend Attorney Durkin.
Jun 14, 2022 · Melissa TaberAttorney Durkin is my "go-to" mediator in domestic relation matters. He has a unique ability to present information in a manner that everyone can understand. With his blunt (but kind) approach, litigants are able to see the strengths and weaknesses of their positions, which helps greatly with reaching an agreement. Attorney Durkin is always prepared and willing to go above and beyond to assist parties in reaching a resolution to move forward with their lives.
Apr 10, 2023 · Melaney HodgeThank you for visiting our website! If you have any suggestions or thoughts, please share them—we value your feedback!
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