Is mandatory mediation right for your family law case?

 

Dealing with family law issues can be stressful and overwhelming. The thought of going through a trial to resolve these issues may seem daunting. Fortunately, there is an alternative method to resolving family law disputes – mediation. Mediation involves a neutral third-party mediator who helps the parties reach a mutually agreeable solution. Although mediation may be voluntary in some jurisdictions, it is mandatory in some others, including Florida. In this blog post, we will discuss mandatory mediation in Florida, how it works, and whether it’s right for your family law case.

 

Mandatory mediation is used to resolve disputes in family law cases before trial. In Florida, parties are required to attend mediation before going to trial in many types of cases, including divorce, custody, alimony, child support, and property division. This is because the court system recognizes that mediation is a cost-effective way of resolving disputes without the need for a trial and it is often less stressful for the parties involved.

The mediation process starts with the parties and their attorneys meeting with a trained and neutral mediator, who will facilitate the negotiations. The mediator does not have the power to make any decisions, but instead helps the parties identify their interests and come up with creative solutions to their differences. Mediation sessions are confidential, and anything discussed cannot be used as evidence in court.

Mandatory mediation is not appropriate for all family law disputes. If there is a history of abuse or if one party refuses to cooperate in the mediation process, then the mediator has the discretion to terminate the mediation. In such cases, the parties will have to go to court for a trial.

For parties who cannot reach an agreement through mediation, they will have to go to trial to have a judge decide on the dispute. However, the vast majority of cases are resolved through mediation, resulting in more peaceful resolutions for families without the need for a costly and lengthy trial.

 

Conclusion

Mandatory mediation is a highly effective method of resolving family law disputes and has proven to be beneficial for many families. Mediation is generally quicker and less expensive than traditional courtroom litigation. It provides parties with much more control over their dispute outcome. Mandatory mediation may not be the right solution for all parties, but it can be an excellent starting point for resolving a family law dispute. Our team at Frank Family Law is here to help you discuss whether mandatory mediation can work for your case. We understand that navigating family law disputes can be difficult, and we are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family. If you're looking for a family law practice in Orlando, FL,contact us today to schedule an initial consultation and discuss your family law needs.