When couples agree to divorce, in most situations, it is not an easy decision, especially when kids are involved. The process could have emotional, physical, and financial implications. Like any other state, Florida’s divorce processes involve diverse decisions and legal procedures expected of the parting parties. The good thing is that there is now a much better path that couples could take to ease the financial and emotional drain involved in divorce procedures, called mediation.
Amy Bernard-Marx stated on the P-Word podcast hosted by Rushka Lee Pedro that filing for divorce when kids are involved might be complex and may involve family conflict, but when the parting couples have an experienced mediator involved, navigating the legal aspects might not be as complex. According to Attorney Samah T. Abukhodeir of The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm, “Most couples nowadays choose the mediation approach as litigation expenses tend to be quite expensive, and mediation is usually a much healthier procedure for couples, especially when children are involved.”
What are the Benefits of a Divorce Mediation Procedure?
One of the most significant benefits of mediation is that all you say during the session is confidential. It cannot be made public. However, there are other tremendous benefits that parting couples could enjoy:
● Prevents Future Legal Problems
Compared to when a court is involved in your divorce process, things may get heightened, and there is a guarantee that conflicts might arise even after it seems both parties are at peace. However, by choosing the mediation method, all issues will be resolved amicably because the couple will have the chance to respectfully let out whatever they want to disclose.
● You Are in Control of Your Time
The traditional divorce process includes mandatory attendance at court proceedings and any court-fixed sessions. These include fixing a time that does not work for you. The mediation method is flexible because you can choose the timing for each session.
● It Is Cost-Effective
Traditional divorce processes are not only frustrating and daunting; they can be quite expensive, too. That includes seemingly endless meetings with attorneys and constant sessions in court. Mediation can include at least an attorney or two, and each session can be held in the comfort of your home or your attorney’s office, whichever is convenient.
● Ensures Satisfying Solutions
Most of the time, when conflicting parties can have a face-to-face dialogue about specific issues, it guarantees possible solutions. This dialogue encourages effective communication and ensures positive approaches to tax savings.
● Saves Time and Is Less Daunting
A divorce litigation process could take an extended period. If your situation is somewhat complex, the process could take between nine months and two years. Mediation is much faster. In just a few months, you will have the divorce you need. According to Amy Bernard-Marx, the mediation process is party-based; that is, it is based on what the couples want. She further states that when helping couples, she gives them assignments and ensures they do enough preparation before attending the mediation.
Building Agreements That Last
Mediation lets you address the practical aspects—like schedules and support—without turning every issue into a fight. Couples can talk through what matters and agree on long-term solutions. When both sides feel heard, there’s less resentment later. This means fewer surprise trips back to court and more peace in the years ahead.
Mediation Cost in Florida
Mediation costs in Florida might be based on the state’s statutes, which allow couples to pay a reduced fee of less than $100,000. The divorcing parties must file a financial affidavit to establish the required fees.
Conclusion
Divorce mediation sessions are supposed to be informal or semi-formal meetings for resolution purposes before these marital issues are taken to court. Compared to a public meeting like in courts, mediation sessions often take place at a Zoom meeting or an in-person meeting in an office space or around a table. A divorce mediation attorney often facilitates this option.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
