Divorce Mediation - Pinellas County, FL

Divorce Mediation - Pinellas County

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a family-center process in which an impartial third party assists the participants to negotiate a consensual and informed settlement.

In mediation, decision-making authority rests with the parties. The role of the mediator includes reducing the obstacles to communication, maximizing the exploration of alternatives, and addressing the needs of those it is agreed are involved or affected.

Mediation is based on principles of problem solving that focus on the needs and interests of the participants; fairness; privacy; and the of all family members.

Most require that parties to a family dispute participate in mediation before trial. Mediation is a forum in which an impartial person (the mediator) facilitates communication between parties to help promote reconciliation, settlement, or understanding among them. The parties (or their attorneys) may choose a mediator, or if a lawsuit has been filed, the parties may request that the judge appoint the mediator.

A mediator is an individual, who is often an attorney that serves as a "go-between" for the parties. Although all mediators are not attorneys, an attorney-mediator experienced in family law might be desirable in a complicated family dispute. There are mediators and organizations who will perform mediation based on the ability of the parties to pay, but generally the parties to mediation split the cost equally.

Some mediators will allow the parties to participate in mediation without attorneys, while most require that attorneys be present. Mediation may bring about one of three results: no settlement, partial settlement or full settlement. If an agreement is reached during mediation, a final court order is normally required, to define the rights, duties, and responsibilities of the parties, and to insure that the agreement is enforceable. If the parties are unable to reach a full agreement, either party can then request a trial on the remaining issues, if one has not already been set by the Court.

Back to the top

This educational content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, home improvement or health advice. Content on this page is provided by Ask The Experts and not the featured advertiser.