Resolve Your Family Law Case Through Mediation
Divorce can be costly, time-consuming, and emotionally draining. We consider it very important to work quickly and with a problem-solving attitude in order to get you through the procedure swiftly. Mediation is an extremely effective tool that Florida divorce lawyers can use to help resolve all types of issues that might arise during the course of a divorce. It involves the use of a neutral, independent mediator familiar with divorce law (generally this person is also a family lawyer) to help negotiate a settlement between the divorcing parties.
The entire process is geared to be informal and amicable and it is entirely confidential. The purpose is for both sides to reach an agreement with which they can be happy. Offers and counteroffers will be made between both sides until an accord on the divorce settlement can be reached. Of course, either side could decide at any point that they want to take the process to court; however, mediation is a quicker and more economical choice if you are going through a divorce. Most people do not want to bear the costs of litigation, and mediation is the logical choice for individuals who are looking to settle at least a percentage of their issues out of court.
Florida Divorce Mediation: Fact and Fiction
There are many myths about the mediation process. If you are considering mediating your divorce, consider the following:
- Mediation does not mean that you and your spouse have to agree on all the issues. In fact, it is assumed that you do not agree. Mediation aims to resolve issues of contention.
- Mediation is often less expensive than traditional divorce. Cases are resolved outside of court and mediation is quicker than traditional divorce cases, eliminating court fees.
- The price for mediated divorce is actually decided by statute. Most individuals pay $120 per session. If you and your spouse have a combined income below $50,000, the rate is reduced to $60 per session.
- The mediator in your case does not act as an attorney but can also be an attorney by trade.
- Courts can sometimes order mediation when they believe it is appropriate based on their discretion.
Florida Divorce Mediation Lawyer
The Tampa mediation attorneys at our law firm are all very experienced in presenting cases to mediators and going through the entire process. Even if you and your spouse choose to go to trial after working out some of the disagreements in mediation, you still have the added benefit of having come to a solution to some of the contentious issues.
Obviously, our goal is to work with you and the other side to get a settlement quickly with which everybody can be happy. Over half of the cases that come through our office are successfully mediated, avoiding the heavy financial and emotional costs of divorce litigation. We can help you through this difficult time.
Contact a Tampa mediation attorney at Robert Sparks Attorneys to discuss your Florida divorce.
