Mediation

What is Mediation?

In mediation, couples learn how to communicate with each other to solve problems, even if they can’t stay together. The process encourages empathetic, practical and creative solutions. Mediated settlements create a solid foundation for restructured families to move forward with their lives. Elaine mediates with couples who choose to proceed without their own lawyers in the mediation room.  She also works with couples and their lawyers to build durable resolutions in a confidential, peaceful setting.

All conversations with the Mediator are private. Couples meet with Elaine acting as the impartial mediator, for as few or as many two-hour sessions as it takes to reach an agreement.

Couples can figure everything out before any papers are filed with the court, or at any time after divorce papers have been filed.  Often agreements are reached in 3 to 5 meetings.

Benefits of Mediation

In Mediation, couples have the opportunity to work through challenging issues in a safe and non-judgmental space.

• Mediating a divorce with a neutral skilled family mediator is often a less expensive path to divorce.
• Mediation gives the two people who have the most knowledge of the economic and emotional situation the opportunity to shape the divorce, putting the children front and center.

Is Mediation Required?

Florida law requires couples to mediate before they can bring their case to a Judge. With voluntary mediation, couples can work with a mediator at the beginning of the divorce process, before filing anything with the court. This preserves the family’s privacy and keeps the family in control over the outcome – instead of lawyers or a judge.