Understanding Florida Divorce Mediation

If you live in the state of Florida and you and your spouse have decided to divorce, mediation could be an option for you. Often referred to as family mediation, the process is when a couple meets to discuss a marital settlement with the guidance of a trained professional. While the neutral third party is there to help the couple work through disputes, the agreement is still, in essence, designed by the people who will be impacted the most.

To learn more about mediation, connect with a knowledgeable Orlando divorce lawyer. There are a range of issues that can be identified and worked through during the mediation process, including parental responsibilities, property and asset division, spousal payments, and child support.

Mediation Is Confidential and Less Expensive

There are many reasons why mediation is the resolution option of choice for many couples going through the divorce process. Mediation sessions are private, unlike court proceedings. And when the people involved are able to land on an agreement they both find to be satisfactory, thousands in legal fees can be saved.

Sometimes a Florida judge will require the pirates to undergo mediation when they feel it is a path to resolving family issues. If this happens to you, there will be a fee attached to mediation connected to a court recommendation. Typically, the fees are connected to the income level of the divorcing couple if you attend court mediation.

• Combined income of under 50k annual will result in a fee of $60 per person.
• Annual income of under 100k but over 50k leads to a $120 fee per person.

Naturally, these numbers are per session. Sometimes more than one mediation session is required when there are thorny disputes.

If you attend private mediation, the fees are generally shared by the parties and usually range from $100 to $350 per hour.

Often it is advisable to go through the mediation process before moving forward with a divorce. Doing so is less complicated because some of the issues between the individuals divorcing will have already been resolved, leading to a smooth settlement process. It can be particularly helpful for parents who will be navigating child custody and support payments. A parenting plan could also be crafted and agreed to as you undergo mediation.

Control Over Outcomes

One of the main benefits of mediation is it gives you control over what will happen in the future. For example, if you and your spouse are open to flexibility in your parenting plan, that can be included. In the past, before the popularity of mediation, couples had to accept the final decision of an outside party. Design the divorce agreement you want, connect with an Orlando divorce lawyer to talk through your priorities.

Do you want to learn more about mediation and how it could be a constructive tool for you as you move toward divorcing? Whether you have already started the divorce process or not, the knowledgeable family law attorneys at the Donna Hung Law Group have the experience to secure the future you want. Let our attorneys guide you toward the best resolution possible given the details of your situation. We are qualified in mediation and divorce negotiations. Call or contact the office today to schedule an initial evaluation.