Definition of Mediation
Mediation is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Mediation is a non-litigious and confidential process, typically protected by State Law. A Mediator is hired to assist the the disputing parties in reaching an agreeable decision. Typically Mediators do not make any decisions for the parties, nor do Mediators give specific legal advise. Mediators however assist the parties by clarifying and focusing the discussions on relevant issues. Agreements reached in mediation are contractual and may be enforced in a court of law.

Our Style of Mediation
Currently there are three distinct styles of mediation: Facilitative, Evaluative and Transformative.
As a firm we have adopted the evaluative approach to mediation. An evaluative mediator assists the parties in reaching a resolution by pointing out the strengths or weaknesses of their case and predicting what a judge or jury would be likely to do.
We believe in equity, legal concepts of fairness and the individual interests and legal rights of the parties. As evaluative mediators we might make formal or informal recommendations to the parties as to the outcome of the various issues. However we remain truly neutral to the parties and we never render legal opinions.

Our Practice

   Divorce Mediation
Divorce mediation is a voluntary process that a married couple may enter into to assist them with the finalization of their marriage. Modernly the Florida courts have embraced the use of Mediators in the family court arena. With the use of a Certified Mediator the divorcing couple would craft an agreeable end to their marriage (marital settlement agreement), work out issues of spousal support (alimony) and parenting plans (visitation). Before the advent of divorce mediation, this was an emotional, time consuming, and very costly endeavor on the part of the divorcing couple.

   Mediation to Stay Married
Many times couples are unsure of whether they want to stay together or become divorced. Frequently these couples have been to marriage counseling, mental health counseling and attended other traditional marriage programs. However mediation to stay married uses ADR techniques to flush out the issues that are causing marital discord. Typically when these issue(s) are brought to light, the couple will usually begin a correction process which may lead to keeping the marriage intact.

Contracts, Business & Commercial Dispute Mediation
Traditionally when an anticipatory or present breach of contracts occur, the aggrieved party immediately hires a lawyer and files suit in order to protect his (its) interest. Frankly there is nothing wrong with this approach. However you may want to consider a softer approach to a contracts or commercial dispute by using mediation. In our experience, parties that work out their differences in mediation as opposed to a court proceeding are usually happier and more satisfied with the outcome.

In our practice we handle a wide variety of commercial disputes ranging from; website development projects, software development, homeowners association issues, nuisance issues, community issues, business partnerships, customer service issues, debt restructure, mortgage re-negotiations and professional service issues.