Many people have heard of Mediation. However, a majority really do not understand how it works or how the process will benefit a family, business or organization. Mediation may be your only opportunity to create a desirable settlement.

Mediation is a voluntary and confidential settlement process whereby a neutral third party, called a mediator, acts to facilitate a resolution to the dispute, which is called a mediated agreement. The mediator’s role is that of a neutral, impartial, third party who has no stake in the outcome of the dispute. The mediator acts to facilitate communication between the parties by identifying issues, brainstorming for options and helping the parties to reach a voluntary and “do-able” agreement. The mediator, the parties, or if the parties have attorneys, will formalize the mediated settlement agreement.

Divorce mediation stands out as one of the fastest growing areas for the use of mediation. Couples have the opportunity to create their own agreement. Sensitive issues such as, parental sharing, child support, division of assets, debts, and alimony, can be solved by the parties who are ultimately affected by the decisions reached. Couples are also finding the benefits of mediating divorces because of the financial savings, faster resolution and avoidance of the severe emotional stress associated with a “court battle.” More and more couples are going to mediators before going to attorneys. It is important to select an experienced mediator who is also Florida Supreme Court Family Certified.

Mediation can be used for a multitude of disputed matters, such as business & business partnership conflicts, insurance claim disputes, will disputes, and HOA disputes. It is not a new process for resolving disputes: Indian chiefs and village elders have been mediating for centuries. Contact a mediator before a conflict rises to the level of filing legal action or before the parties are unwilling to communicate.