Divorce Mediation
In April I completed the training to become a Florida Supreme Court Certified family law mediator. This summer The Law Office of Christine Diorio will begin offering divorce mediation services. I believe that divorce mediation is the most beneficial and cost effective way to settle your divorce case. This article breaks down what divorce mediation is, how the process works and how much it costs.
What is divorce mediation?
In divorce mediation, a mediator (or neutral third party) assists the parties and their attorneys, if represented, in coming to a settlement agreement and parenting plan for their divorce. The idea is to use creative problem solving skills to find mutually acceptable resolutions for any issues in dispute. Divorce mediation is a requirement in Florida for all family law matters before the case can proceed to the litigation or trial process. It allows the couple to be in control of the final terms of their divorce instead of a judge.
How does the process work?
Most divorce mediations are typically on zoom. The mediator will begin the session by making an opening statement. The Mediator will usually ask if you are comfortable beginning the process in the same zoom room for the opening statement or if you would like to begin in separate breakout rooms. You will likely remain in your breakout rooms for the remainder of the session and the mediator will go back and forth between the two parties to assist them in reaching a settlement that everyone can live with. Once the couple reaches terms, the mediator will draft a settlement agreement and parenting plan for signatures.
If the parties are unable to reach an agreement, there are two options. The parties can either declare an impasse and begin litigation or agree to reconvene at a later date with the mediator. In the state of Florida 95% of all cases will settle out of court.
What is the cost?
The cost of divorce mediation is substantially less than going to trial. The average divorce trial in Florida will cost each party anywhere from $30k to $100k in legal fees. Whereas mediation is much less. At our office we charge $500 for the first 2 hours, and each additional hour is $250. The cost of mediation is typically shared between the two parties. It is much more cost effective than going through litigation and is one of the main benefits of the process.
Mediation is a highly effective tool to reach settlement in family law cases. Remember, especially where there are children involved, you will have an ongoing co-parenting relationship with each other. Divorce mediation is great way to come to terms that you both agree on and are mutually beneficial.