If the divorcing spouses cannot reach a resolution of their differences through talking with each other or negotiations through their lawyers, the judge will require them to go to mediation before going to trial.

Mediation is a process where an independent Florida divorce lawyer helps the parties resolve their differences. The mediator doesn't make rulings like a judge does. Instead, the mediator works with the spouses to find a middle ground between their positions where they may be willing to go to reach an agreement. It is not a formal proceeding like a trial and the expert divorce lawyers do not have to spend days preparing witness testimony and document exhibits.

As a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator myself, I have experienced great satisfaction in seeing a divorcing couple reach a settlement in this way. It is certainly better for the couple to decide these things than for a judge, who only sees them for a few hours during a trial, to do it.

Bottom Line: Mediation is an effective way to resolve divorce differences without expensive and divisive litigation.

(copyright Stann Givens 2009)