Florida Divorce Mediation Attorneys

Don’t Drag Your Divorce Out – Call Our Divorce Mediators in FL

Simply put, mediation occurs when both parties come together with a neutral third-party and attempt to come to terms. While the mediator is generally an attorney, advocating for either party is not allowed. Because of this neutrality, certified mediators have proven effective at negotiating the conflicts that typically involve family law disputes.

At the Virga Law Firm, P.A., our Florida divorce mediation attorneys are effective both inside and outside of the courtroom.

What Is Mediation?

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that is used in a private forum before a case is filed in court. During this process, a third party provides assistance to help the involved parties define issues and create plans to deal with such problems. The role of the mediator is to sit down with each party to discuss the various options and to develop various proposals in order to have the case resolved with little to no disputes or resentment between the parties.

The mediator is required to keep the negotiation confidential. By listening to the desire of both parties, the mediator will attempt to construct a suitable plan. Often, this requires a give and take process between parties. Successful mediation likely involves a series of concessions from both sides.

Skillful settlement negotiation can sometimes lead to satisfactory solutions without ever going through the arduous process of full litigation. We will work closely with mediators to both represent your legal goals and reach any suitable agreement. Through our extensive background, we are prepared to help you capitalize on the opportunity mediation provides.

Should your mediation conclude with an agreement, a small number of additional steps exist before finalizing the judgement. All parties will sign appropriate documentation for court submission. A Florida court will review said documentation to ensure statute requirements have been met. Only then, will a judge approve of the negotiated terms and proceed with final judgement.

Divorce Mediation vs. Litigation

• Divorce Mediation - Mediation allows divorcing couples use to negotiate acceptable divorce agreements with the assistance of a mediator, who helps them communicate and negotiate. While a mediator can make suggestions, a mediator does not make any decisions for couples. Mediation is often simpler, faster, less stressful, and more affordable than litigation.
• Divorce Litigation – Litigation is most-often used in contested, high-tension divorces to resolve disputed issues. In most cases, litigated divorce cases cost more than mediated divorce cases due to trial expenses, delays, pricey attorney fees, and more.

The Benefits of Choosing Mediation Over Divorce

While mediation and litigation can both be used to finalize a divorce, many find it easier and less emotionally taxing to use mediation over litigation.

To help individuals understand, our attorneys have created a graph, which compares mediated and litigated divorce cases:

Using Mediation to Resolve Time-Sharing Disputes

Determining a time-sharing arrangement for your child can be one of the most stressful aspects of a custody dispute. Many parents worry about how decisions regarding their child’s schedule, daily care, and upbringing will be made, especially when these matters are left to a judge. Mediation offers an alternative that allows parents to take control of the process, collaborate on a time-sharing plan, and reach an agreement that prioritizes the best interests of their child.

Mediation in time-sharing disputes follows the same structured approach as other family law mediations but focuses on resolving issues related to:

• Weekly and holiday schedules for parenting time.
• Transportation and exchanges between parents.
• Decision-making responsibilities regarding education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.
• Communication guidelines for when the child is with the other parent.

During mediation, both parents work with a certified family law mediator, who remains neutral and facilitates discussions to help them reach a mutual agreement. Mediation sessions are confidential, allowing parents to speak openly without fear that their words will be used against them in court.

Mediation offers several benefits for parents looking to resolve time-sharing disputes. These include: 

• More Control Over the Outcome – Parents, not a judge, decide the details of their time-sharing plan.
• Less Conflict and Stress – Mediation fosters cooperation and reduces hostility compared to courtroom litigation.
• Confidential Process – Unlike court proceedings, mediation discussions remain private.
• Encourages a Healthy Co-Parenting Relationship – Working together in mediation helps parents set a foundation for future cooperation.

While mediation is a flexible and collaborative process, it is still important to have an experienced family law attorney by your side to ensure your parental rights are protected and that any agreement reached serves your child’s best interests.