What is Mediation?

Mediation is a confidential process between the parties where they attempt to resolve all issues pending before a neutral third party.    The process consists of joint sessions and private caucuses with the mediator moving between the parties to discuss all aspects in their case. 

As an unbiased professional, the mediator maintains neutrality but does not encourage or dissuade one party over the other in working towards an agreement.  Florida law requires both parties to attend mediation prior to a judge setting the final hearing in their case. Notwithstanding, mediation can take place prior to a case ever being filed, whether the parties represent themselves (pro se) or are represented by counsel.

Advantages of Mediation

Mediation is less costly than divorce litigation.

Through mediation, parties can potentially save a significant amount of time and money.  Litigation is very costly and results in a vast amount attorney’s fees and costs.  

Mediation allows a party to control their future.

By mediating the issues in a particular case, the parties have the power to take control over the outcome of their case rather than having a Judge decide.

Mediation allows a party to preserve a working relationship with their spouse. 

One of the most overlooked benefits of mediation is that it can help preserve relationships that likely would have been destroyed as a result of acrimonious litigation. The goal of mediation is for the parties to reach an amicable resolution of their case.  Mediation typically tends to preserve the relationship between the parties to the greatest extent possible. If the parties have children, mediation makes it more likely that parents will be able to work together and jointly co-parent their children. If the parties reach an agreement at mediation, the terms of the agreement are memorialized in writing and the parties are then able to file an uncontested divorce petition, if they have not already done so, and set their case for a final hearing where the Judge will enter a Final Judgment. 

Mediation is much quicker and less time consuming than traditional litigation. 

With the court dockets almost full year-round, mediation allows a more reasonable timetable for parties attempting to resolve their dispute. 

Mediation typically allows for better results and greater compliance. 

For all the abovementioned reasons, parties generally report a better outcome as a result of mediation since there is no “winner” or “loser” and the parties mutually agree upon their settlement terms.  In addition, because mediation produces better results in a more cost effect and timely manner, compliance with mediated agreements is generally higher than with lawsuits. 

ABN Law Group provides comprehensive mediation services in a comfortable environment.   Ms. Naderpour will also travel at no additional cost in order to accommodate the parties.