Mediation is a process designed to make difficult conversations more manageable. Whether you’re facing divorce, custody decisions, or other family-related issues, mediation offers a respectful, efficient way to resolve disputes outside the courtroom. It isn’t about deciding who’s right or wrong—it’s about creating space for both parties to be heard and to move forward.
As a certified Florida Supreme Court mediator, I serve as a neutral third party. I don’t take sides, offer legal advice, or make decisions for you. My role is to guide the conversation, keep it productive, and help you and your spouse (or co-parent) explore solutions that work for your unique situation.
Mediation works because it allows people to stay in control of the outcome. Instead of handing over your decisions to a judge who doesn’t know you or your family, you remain the decision-maker. Mediation invites both parties to collaborate, even if communication has been strained in the past.
Here are a few of the reasons many people choose mediation over litigation:
One of the most common concerns people have when going through a divorce or separation is cost. Attorney fees and drawn-out court battles can be financially draining. Mediation typically costs 50–70% less than litigation. Sessions are billed hourly, and the cost is often shared between the parties. Because you’re working toward resolution together, the process tends to move more quickly, which helps keep costs lower.
A typical court-based divorce can take months—or even years—to resolve. Mediation, on the other hand, can often be completed in just a few sessions. While the timeline depends on the complexity of the issues and the willingness of both parties to collaborate, mediation is almost always quicker than the litigation process.
Court cases are part of the public record. Mediation is not. The conversations we have during mediation are private and protected. This confidentiality allows both parties to speak freely without fear that their words will later be used against them in court.
Mediation is designed to reduce conflict—not escalate it. While it’s normal for emotions to be high, the structure of mediation helps keep discussions focused and respectful. Many clients find that even if they start out far apart, mediation gives them a way to meet in the middle.
If you have children, you will need to continue communicating and coordinating with your ex-partner even after the divorce is finalized. Mediation encourages cooperative communication and helps lay the groundwork for effective co-parenting. Together, we’ll explore parenting plans that reflect your children’s needs and your family’s lifestyle—not a generic one-size-fits-all court order.
Courts are limited in what they can order. Mediation allows for flexibility. If there’s a creative arrangement or compromise that works well for your family, we can explore it in mediation. The goal is to find solutions that feel fair and workable to both of you—not just what’s legally standard.
People are more likely to follow through with agreements they helped create. Because mediation encourages ownership and collaboration, the resulting agreements tend to be more practical, sustainable, and respected over time.
Mediation is not just for couples who are getting along well or already in agreement. In fact, it’s often most helpful for couples who have tried to work things out on their own but are feeling stuck.
Even if you’re not on good terms, if both parties are willing to try, mediation can save significant time and money.
Mediation can help preserve a sense of calm and cooperation that benefits your children during and after the divorce.
Even if you’ve tried to talk things through before, having a neutral third party present can shift the dynamic and allow for progress.
Mediation allows you to tailor decisions about property, parenting, support, and scheduling in a way that reflects your actual lives—not just legal templates.
If you’re concerned about privacy, emotional stress, or preserving dignity during the divorce process, mediation offers a respectful alternative.
While mediation is a powerful tool, it’s not the right fit for every situation. If there’s a history of domestic violence, extreme power imbalances, or if one party is completely unwilling to participate in good faith, mediation may not be safe or productive. I always assess whether mediation is appropriate based on the details of your case. If I have concerns about safety or fairness, I’ll be honest with you and help point you toward a better path.
It’s completely normal to walk into mediation with unresolved issues. Many couples reach agreement on most—but not all—topics. That’s okay. Even a partial agreement reduces the number of issues that have to be litigated, saving you time, money, and stress. We’ll document the areas of agreement and help you determine the best next steps for anything that remains undecided.
Mediation is not an “all or nothing” process. Every bit of progress helps.
To prepare for mediation, it’s helpful to gather relevant documents (financial records, lists of assets and debts, schedules, etc.) and take some time to reflect on what’s most important to you. You don’t have to have all the answers—we’ll work through the details together. I also encourage clients to speak with an attorney for legal guidance before signing any agreement. While I don’t provide legal advice, your attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Divorce is hard—but it doesn’t have to be destructive. Mediation gives you a chance to move forward thoughtfully, with clarity and control. You don’t need to agree on everything to begin. You just need to be willing to try.
If you’re ready to consider mediation or want to learn more about whether it’s the right path for you, I invite you to reach out. I’m here to answer your questions and support you through the process in a calm, neutral, and structured environment.
Ready to take the next step? Reach out with your questions or to schedule a consultation—I'm here to help.
