Orlando Divorce Mediation Family

Divorce Mediation

Divorce is never pleasant, but divorce mediation can make the process less adversarial and more manageable. If you reside in Central Florida, Orlando Family Team is available to provide you with the skilled divorce mediation services that will lower your stress level while working out a compromise with your ex-spouse that will meet your needs.

How does divorce mediation work?

Unlike divorce litigation, mediation is a voluntary, informal process. The mediator, a neutral third party, has the well-honed skills to deflect conflict and assist the couple in avoiding arguments and moving toward workable solutions.

The mediator will help the couple focus on achieving their goals rather than punishing the other party. Because both parties go into the mediation process with the desire to avoid confrontation, and because they are being guided by a mediator who is informed in all aspects of Florida divorce law, they are likely to succeed in coming to a mutually beneficial agreement. 

Divorce Mediation Is Not for Everyone

Of course, for mediation to have a successful outcome, both parties must be negotiating in good faith. There are situations in which mediation is not a good option, such as divorces in which there are domestic abuse issues or in which hidden financial records are suspected. If you and your spouse are unable to have a civil conversation, your divorce will most likely require vigorous litigation since it is highly unlikely that divorce mediation will work in your case. 

Nonetheless, for many divorcing couples, mediation makes the divorce process both less painful and more efficient. Although Attorney Andrew Nickolaou is both a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator at Orlando Family Team and also a divorce attorney, he cannot side with either nor advise either party during the mediation process as he is in a different role and cannot “switch hats” from mediator to attorney.

You can always consult with another lawyer as you go through the mediation process to clarify whether a particular decision is in your best interests, but if you feel the need to have an aggressive divorce attorney at your side during mediation sessions, the process is probably not right for you. 

There Are Many Advantages

Divorce mediation has numerous advantages to a courtroom trial, including that mediation:

  • Is faster and less expensive than divorce litigation
  • Does not involve scheduling court dates and frequent delays
  • Is private and avoids the publicity, drama, and public records of a courtroom trial
  • Is easier on any children involved, precipitating less emotional trauma
  • Is empowering to both spouses and demeaning to neither
  • Prepares all members of the restructured family for a more peaceful transition
  • Paves the way for more cooperative co-parenting

Also, because both parties have, with the mediator’s guidance, crafted the divorce agreement together, each has a vested interest in adhering to its stipulations. 

At Orlando Family Team, our family law attorneys are well-trained in the mediation process. More than that, we have the sharp communication skills to assume a diplomatic role in order to facilitate the resolution of the complicated issues of divorce. Contact us to discuss whether mediation is a good option in your particular circumstances.

Divorce Issues Mediation Can Help to Resolve

Difficult decisions have to be made during the divorce process, and in most cases, such decisions can be better arrived at in peaceful, informal surroundings. The mediator will help the spouses resolve sticky issues involving:

  • Separation Agreements
  • Division of marital assets and debts
  • Child custody and parenting time arrangements
  • Child support
  • Paternity issues
  • Alimony (spousal support)
  • Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
  • Grandparent visitation
  • Transportation arrangements
  • Decision-making re: healthcare, education, religion, extracurricular activities
  • How modifications to the divorce agreement will be made if necessary

The mediator may ask each spouse to do some homework between mediation sessions to make sure that both parties put all their cards on the table — providing information about  bank accounts, owned real estate and other assets (e.g. automobiles and valuable collections), as well as coming clean about any and all outstanding debts. Each party will also be asked to prioritize what they want from the final divorce agreement.

Why Orlando Family Team Is the Right Choice

We are a family law team that is genuinely committed to helping you divorce as amicably as possible. We have extensive experience with divorce mediation and believe in its potential for enduring results. In addition to being family law attorneys, we are connected to a network of accountants, appraisers, child psychologists, and social workers should we need to consult about specific matters pertaining to your case.  

Contact Our Skilled, Compassionate Divorce Mediation Team Today

We know the turmoil of divorce can be confusing and overwhelming as well as heartbreaking and that divorce litigation can make the process all the more painful. That’s why we suggest that you consider whether mediation might be a better alternative for your family. Contact us soon so that we can help you evaluate if divorce mediation is the best way to move forward into your new life.

Orlando Family Team helps families with divorce mediation in Orlando and other locations in Florida including Maitland, Orange County, Osceola County, Sanford, Seminole County, Volusia county and Winter Park.