Family mediation is a private, structured process in which a neutral mediator helps both parties discuss the issues, consider possible solutions, and work toward an agreement.

The mediator does not make decisions for you. You and the other party remain in control of the outcome.

Yes. Pre-filing mediation allows you to work through family issues before beginning a court case.

Reaching agreements first can make an uncontested filing more organized, less stressful, and often less expensive than starting with contested litigation.

No. In fact, my practice focuses on clients without attorneys.

However, each party may consult an independent attorney or another qualified professional at any point in the process. An attorney may also review a proposed agreement before it is signed.

No. I serve as a neutral mediator and do not represent either party.

Although I am a Florida attorney, I cannot give either party individual legal advice or tell someone what they should accept.

In the event that an agreement is not reached, I am forever conflicted from representing either party.

Depending on the type of case, mediation may address:

• Parenting plans and timesharing

• Parental responsibility and decision-making

• School, medical care, travel, and activities

• Child support-related issues

• Property and debt division

• Settlement terms

• Specific disagreements between parents

• Terms needed for an uncontested family case

The parties decide which issues they want to address.

The Kids-First™ approach helps parents make practical decisions while keeping their children’s needs at the center of the conversation.

The goal is to protect children from adult conflict while creating a parenting plan that works in everyday life.

For pre-filing and private mediation, both parties must agree to participate.

No one is required to accept a proposal or sign an agreement. Any final agreement must be voluntary.

Partial agreements are also possible.

Mediation sessions are conducted remotely through Zoom. Initial consultations may be held through Zoom or by telephone.

The parties may meet together, in separate private Zoom rooms, or through a combination of both, depending on the circumstances.

The only exception to Zoom mediation is if the mediation is Court ordered and said order mandates in person mediation.

Two-hour sessions provide enough time to make meaningful progress without requiring the parties to make every decision in one long and exhausting day.

Additional sessions can be scheduled as needed. Families may meet weekly, schedule more than one session during a week, or take time between sessions to gather information and consider their options.

Mediation is $225 per hour and is scheduled in two-hour blocks. A two-hour session costs $450 total.

Payment is made before each session. There is no retainer or long-term commitment. Additional blocks are scheduled and paid for only when needed.

When appropriate, I can draft agreed documents based on the decisions made during mediation. Court-document drafting is a separate service from the hourly mediation fee.

I do not represent either party, file documents with the court, or e-file documents for the parties. Court filing fees are also not included.

The agreed terms can be placed into a written mediation agreement for the parties to review and sign.

Depending on the case and services selected, additional agreed documents may also be prepared. The parties remain responsible for filing their documents with the court or obtaining help from an independent attorney.

You do not have to resolve every issue for mediation to be useful. The parties may reach a partial agreement and identify the remaining issues that still need attention.

Either party may stop the mediation process. No one will be forced to accept terms or sign an agreement.

Mediation communications are generally confidential to the extent provided by Florida law.

Confidentiality allows the parties to discuss possible solutions without treating every proposal as a final commitment. Specific exceptions and confidentiality requirements will be explained before mediation begins.

Yes. Although my practice primarily focuses on pre-filing mediation for self-represented parties, I also mediate family cases that have already been filed, including matters involving attorneys.

Safety concerns are addressed privately before mediation.

When appropriate, the parties may remain in separate Zoom rooms and communicate through the mediator. Mediation may be postponed, stopped, or declined when it cannot be conducted safely or fairly.

The process begins with a free consultation to discuss the situation and determine whether mediation may be appropriate.

If both parties wish to proceed, each party completes the required intake, conflict-check, confidentiality, fee, and safety-screening documents. A mediation session is then scheduled after the documents and advance payment are received.