Mediation is an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) tool that allows people in conflict to discuss their issues and concerns with a Mediator, a neutral third party, in order to maintain a respectful and meaningful exploration of issues with a goal set to formalize a settlement agreement of the issues at hand.

Mediations can take place and complete in as little as 2-4 hours and often in a single meeting (generally when couples are already separated and have a working agreement in place).                                                      A more complex mediation can be completed during a business day, or over the course of several scheduled meetings. There is no such thing as an ‘average’ or ‘typical’ mediation as every couple and their issues are unique. Some things to consider that will The average mediation requires several meetings days depending on the number of issues needing review, the complexity of finances, children/no children, and level of emotion of the participants.

You will receive your settlement agreement (all or in part) at the time of your mediation. You may take the document for notarization and filing at the courthouse the same day. From there, you will receive a date to appear within 1-4 months (generally)

The mediation process is a purposeful, easy, and clear process for resolving marital issues between separation and divorce. Parties may utilize a legal representative to support their case. The parties may choose to have additional persons present, such as experts or psychologists. (You do NOT have to have a n attorney in mediation). If you have an attorney, they will present your view of the facts and any discussion of the law which is applicable. The Mediator will facilitate an open and respectful environment and/offer parties privacy for their discussion, when needed.

Both parties are given the opportunity to express themselves. It is critical for the parties to personally tell their stories and be heard by the opposing party and/or attorney.

If the parties listen carefully, they will generally come to an understanding, and see where the opposition’s perceptions, demands, and preferences, are different from their own. Awareness of these differing opinions and perceptions on what led to the dispute is valuable. The parties get to carefully consider their differences on the issues, and they can determine the course of the settlement by being open to discussion.

The mediator will never decide the case. Both parties will discuss their ideal settlement and take time to negotiate so that both sides win on some of the issues.

The agreement is written and the parties are ready to proceed to the filing stage.

In a Family Mediation, the parties named in the divorce must be present, with or without legal assistance. Each party is allowed to invite professionals or witnesses to attend. Both parties must agree to allow anyone else to participate.

The mediator is always present unless they parties in the matter are having separate session (parties are in different rooms to allow privacy during the negotiation process or to interrupt an argument).

To prepare for mediation:

1. Each of you must bring your financial Affidavit
2. Each of you must bring proof of current income
3. Each of you must bring proof of any credits or debts to be divided
4. Each of you must bring a list of marital items you wish to leave with
5. Bring proof of Paternity where necessary
6. Bring proof of property ownership to be included in the decision

Expect a call to confirm your consultation the day before it is scheduled.

Expect a call to confirm your Mediation the day before it is scheduled.

Arrive 15-minutes before your scheduled mediation.

Communicate any special requirements or accommodations*.

*Please report cases with history of Domestic Violence to have separate rooms.

Mediation is a fraction of the cost of litigated cases. Avoiding a courtroom battle will save untold thousands of dollars and will save a lot of time spent in a courtroom.

Mediation with Peaceful Mediation South Florida will cost $200/hour. Most parties split/share the cost equally, unless otherwise agreed upon. (Sliding scale available for those with combined income under $100,000.)

There are filing fees, court costs, and Notary fees that are not included in the mediation.

Every mediation case is different.

In order to keep things moving and keep costs down as low as possible, it is imperative that both parties arrive on time, have all of their documents ready for review, and have their financial affidavits handy.

If there are children involved and you already know what you want your shared-parenting/visitation schedule to be, bring written documentation to be entered into the final agreement.

Bring all proofs required in the section: How do I prepare for mediation.

Once settlement of the dispute is reached, it is written into a Settlement Agreement document (at the same time of services). The document is signed by the parties and their legal counsel if applicable.

Your Settlement Agreement can be taken to your local courthouse and entered on the Court Calendar the same day (before Courthouse closes) or any business day afterward, once the documents are notarized.

Having your documents in hand at the time the mediation comes to an end will allow you to save time and lock you into an agreement that goes into effect immediately.