Orlando Divorce Mediation Attorneys

Resolve Family Law & Divorce Cases without Court

While our team of family mediation lawyers in Orlando, FL pride themselves on their trial advocacy skills, we also understand that settlement negotiations and mediation are effective means of resolving divorce, paternity and other family law cases to the best interest of the parties. Many of our clients have never participated in a mediation prior to their family law case.

During almost every family law proceeding, either the parties will request mediation or the court will order the parties to participate in mediation. The main goal of mediation is to create an environment that is conducive to resolving disputes. The process is overseen by a mediator who as extensive training in mediation services. The mediator’s role is to make sure the mediation is conducted in accordance with the Florida rules and statutes that govern all mediations in Florida family law cases.

In particular, Florida law requires mediators to:

• Be neutral- the mediator and the mediation process should be conducted without any bias toward either party
• The mediator should not force the parties to reach an agreement
• Mediation is always to be conducted in a manner that focuses on the mutual good of the parties

Our Orlando divorce mediation attorney’s goals align with most mediators: we aim to create a positive environment that fosters communication between the parties regarding potential settlements. In order to promote an environment that fosters this communication, and allows the parties to freely negotiate, communications had during mediation are confidential and cannot be disclosed to the court.

If an agreement is reached in the family law case at the mediation, the mediator and your attorney will draft a settlement agreement right there at mediation. The agreement will be signed by all parties, then filed with the court. Once the court has reviewed the agreement and all other statutory requirements have been met, a final judgment will be entered by the court accepting the terms thus bringing the case to a conclusion.

Many of our divorce mediation attorneys in Orlando, FL have received the extensive training necessary to successfully conduct Family Law Mediations and have represented countless clients with their family law mediations throughout the state of Florida.

Is Mediation Required for Divorce in Florida?

If you are in the process of filing for divorce, you may be asking yourself if mediation is required. Yes, Florida law makes mediation mandatory for any couple wishing to go this route. Most of the time, divorce mediation is not a tool to have couples reconcile and rethink their marriage. Rather, it’s a chance for two people to negotiate the terms of their divorce which ultimately saves time and money. While having an attorney by your side is helpful, it certainly is not required for mediation sessions. The mediator will not provide legal recommendations, as their job is to promote healthy resolutions and facilitate discussion.

How to Prepare for Divorce Mediation

So much of your success from mediation will stem from your preparation. Couples who diligently prep for their upcoming session are more likely to see positive results. Here are several suggestions we recommend adopting so that you can get the most from this experience:

• Keep conflict between your spouse at a minimum before and after your session(s). Having respect for one another, even in this emotional time, is critical to expediting your divorce timeline.
• Come prepared with a list of topics you wish to discuss. You should take the time to research these topics, with your attorney if applicable, and identify issues that are worth pursuing.
• Having an open mind can dramatically improve your experience. Expect the unexpected, as your spouse will most likely be bringing issues up that you may not know had existed. Be patient and respectful and keep an open mind about the resolutions presented.
• Locate all necessary documents prior to your first session, which may include federal/state tax returns, W-2s, utility bills, prenuptial/postnuptial agreements, wills/trusts, etc.

If you need the assistance of an attorney, we can guide you through the mediation process and give you further clarity on what to expect.

Call our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced Orlando divorce mediation lawyers to learn more about mediating your family law case.