Mediation is a voluntary and informal process. As mediators, we have no authority to make decisions or impose a settlement on you. Instead, our role is to guide your discussions and help you negotiate a resolution that you both find acceptable. We do not provide legal advice, testify in any future court proceeding, or present your case in court.
How mediation works in a divorce
Mediation in a divorce works much the same way it does in other civil matters. You and your spouse meet with the mediators in a confidential setting, and the mediators help the two of you work toward an agreement on the issues in your case. The mediators may meet with you together, individually, or move back and forth between you. Mediation may take more than one session, depending on how much time is scheduled and how quickly you are able to reach agreement.
The most common issues we help resolve
- Parenting - parental responsibility and time-sharing with your minor children.
- Equitable distribution - dividing the marital assets and debts.
- Alimony - whether support will be paid, how much, and by whom.
- Child support - amounts are generally calculated using a formula set by Florida law.
- Everything else - any other matters the two of you wish to address.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of mediation. We treat information disclosed before and during mediation as confidential, except where disclosure is required or permitted by law. Everyone who attends mediation is also expected to keep mediation communications confidential, which helps both of you speak openly as you work toward an agreement.
Financial disclosure
Before your divorce is final, each of you will be expected to fully disclose your financial information to one another and to the court. In general, the financial picture falls into four categories: income, debts, assets, and expenses. It is a good idea to begin gathering this information early. If you have minor children, financial affidavits are an important part of the process.
Separate sessions
If it would help the negotiation, we may hold a separate session with one of you - in person, by phone, or by email - and either of you may request one as well. Anything you prefer we keep private from these separate sessions stays private unless you tell us otherwise.
If this approach sounds like a fit, reach out for a free consultation and we will walk you through the next steps.