Mediation is a process whereby a neutral and impartial third party – The Mediator – facilitates a meeting
where the parties can successfully negotiation the issues they are facing.  The Mediator’s goal is to
encourage those involved to resolve their own differences.

These differences may include:

Child Visitation


Child Custody


Child Support and/or Spousal Support


Distribution of Personal Property – Assets and Debts

Mediation gives all participants the opportunity to speak and be heard. We help you to identify the issues that need to be resolved, to generate and consider possible solution options, to reach a mutually agreeable solution and put the agreement into a written form in understandable language. There does not need to be a “winner” and a “loser” in a divorce as long as it is kept from becoming a legal battle.

Family mediation can be effective even if there is conflict between parties. Our mediators maintain a neutral role and do not take sides. Mediators cannot give legal or financial advice, do not pass judgment on what is right or wrong, and do not have decision-making authority. Mediation is a voluntary process and may be stopped by either party at any time, or by the mediator, if deemed necessary.

Your Mediator is impartial and neutral and will make no decisions determining the outcome of the Mediation process.

Mediation is conducted by a Certified Florida Supreme Court Family Mediator who will assist both parties in addressing and resolving the issues related to their family law matter.  These issues may arise from:

1. The need for a divorce
2. The need to modify an existing final judgment of divorce by adjusting child support or visitation schedules
3. Or to mediate matters concerning a temporary marital separation.

In Florida, all divorce cases will be referred for mediation prior to a court date. So even if you retain separate attorneys, your case will still be referred to mediation.

The strength of mediation lies in its practical approach to the issues at hand. This is particularly helpful for couples wishing to establish a positive co-parenting plan for the benefit of their children. Mediation helps couples set aside their differences, and focus on solutions that meet the interests and needs of all involved, both the adults and the children.

However difficult it may be to work on a parenting plan, there is one undeniable truth: you are the only people who know your children, their needs, and the ability of each parent to meet those needs. By working together to make a plan that fits both your lives, you avoid the court's cookie-cutter solutions. Statistics show that parents who prepare a plan jointly are more likely to comply with it than if a plan is imposed upon them by a Judge who doesn’t know anything about the family.

Mediation is not like going to court.  You are in a relaxed atmosphere where the necessary issues that must be addressed regarding your divorce will be discussed in a respectful manner.

While it is not necessary to retain the services of an attorney, Mediation is not intended to be a substitute for legal counsel.  The Mediator may not give legal advice and each party is encouraged to consult with an attorney if they have any legal questions or concerns.

While your Mediator may be a Mental Health Professional, you will not receive counseling or therapy during Mediation.  Should one or both of you feel you are in need of psychological services, you should agree to seek those services from someone other than your Mediator. 

A Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator will not:

   
• Provide Legal Advice
  
  
•  Provide Financial Advice
  
  
• Pass judgment on what is right or wrong
  
  
• Make any decisions regarding the issues of your divorce