Sarah Hechtman

Sarah Hechtman

Civitas Family Law PLLC
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Sarah Hechtman

Mediator | Collaborative Attorney | Divorce & Family Law | New York
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Overview

Sarah Hechtman is a New York-based mediator, collaborative attorney, and experienced matrimonial and family law practitioner with nearly two decades of experience resolving divorce, custody, and family disputes.

Her practice focuses on high-conflict and high-stakes matters, including cases involving substantial financial assets and contested parenting issues. Through mediation and collaborative law, she helps clients reach structured, resolution-oriented outcomes with clarity, control, and dignity.

With a background as a prosecutor handling domestic violence and sensitive family matters, as well as civil rights litigation on behalf of children, Sarah brings both strength and sensitivity to the mediation process.
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Mediation Approach

Sarah’s approach is centered on helping clients resolve disputes in a way that aligns with their individual needs and circumstances.

She emphasizes:
• Clear communication and understanding of all perspectives
• Structured, interest-based negotiation
• Practical and durable agreements
• Maintaining dignity and reducing conflict

Her work allows clients to retain control over outcomes, rather than relying on court-imposed decisions.
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Professional Background

Sarah has extensive experience handling complex matrimonial matters, including:
• Financially sophisticated divorce cases
• Highly contested custody disputes
• Sensitive family and domestic issues

Prior to focusing on family law, she served as:
• Prosecutor, New York County District Attorney’s Office
• Civil rights attorney representing children in class action litigation
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Approach to Resolution

Sarah’s work reflects a commitment to resolving family disputes thoughtfully and constructively—helping clients move forward with clarity, stability, and a framework that supports long-term outcomes for both individuals and families.
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🔹 Mediation Areas

Divorce & Matrimonial

  • Divorce and separation
  • High-asset divorce matters
  • Pre- and post-nuptial agreements

Child Custody & Family

  • Child custody and parenting agreements
  • Parenting coordination
  • Family offense and domestic matters
  • Child support and enforcement

Specialized Family Matters

  • Fertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART) matters
  • Surrogacy and donor-related agreements
  • Grandparent visitation and family rights

Collaborative & Court-Connected Work

  • Court-appointed matrimonial mediator
  • Trained Collaborative Attorney
  • Certified Parenting Coordinator
  • Private and court-referred mediation

Professional Affiliations

  • New York Association of Collaborative Professionals (NYACP)
  • American Bar Association
  • New York State Bar Association
  • Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York
  • Westchester Women’s Bar Association

Education

  • Columbia Law School, J.D.
  • London School of Economics, M.Sc., Public Policy
  • Harvard University, A.B., Psychology

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