What You Need To Know About Family Court Mediation

The Broward County Family Court deals with sensitive issues that impact relationships and influence rights to property and assets. The outcome can affect you and those you love most, now and for years to come. In most disputes, the parties involved will eventually need to reach mutual agreements. Family court mediation helps facilitate the process. Our Fort Lauderdale family lawyer explains when this is frequently used and strategies for getting the best outcome from your mediation sessions.

When Mediation Is The Best Option In Florida Family Court Cases 

Serious, sensitive, and difficult-to-resolve issues often arise in Fort Lauderdale family court cases. Despite previous close relationships, the parties involved may not be on the best terms and are likely to take a hostile, adversarial stance towards each other. Unfortunately, this makes reaching mutually beneficial agreements nearly impossible in some cases. Rather than having a judge issue a ruling based on facts and evidence presented in public court hearings, mediation is often considered a better option.

Under the Florida Statutes, mediation is a type of alternate dispute resolution process. It may be used in civil cases, and can even apply in some criminal court proceedings. In Fort Lauderdale family court matters, mediation is frequently used in the following situations:

• In contested divorce cases;
• To determine rights regarding marital property and asset division in divorce;
• Alimony determinations;
• Child time-sharing, support, and parenting plans.

Mediation involves meeting with an impartial third-party, who has been approved by the court. Their job is to act as an intermediary and guide you in reaching agreements. While they can offer suggestions and may provide input to the judge, their opinions are not binding, and they are unable to issue any final orders.

Strategies For Successfully Handling Family Court Mediation In Fort Lauderdale

Resolving family court issues in mediation, such as divorce settlements and child time-sharing arrangements, is often difficult but generally preferable to having a judge decide your case. To begin with, mediation protects your privacy and prevents you from having to divulge potentially sensitive information in public family court hearings. It also allows you to reach more personalized and unique arrangements than would otherwise be available through a judge. Strategies for successfully handling mediation include:

• Put aside any personal feelings you have towards the other party;
• Consider what may be in the best interests of everyone involved;
• Be flexible and realize that you will have to negotiate on certain issues;
• Avoid talking to the other party or reaching any agreements without consulting an experienced Fort Lauderdale family lawyer first.

To Request A Consultation, Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Family Lawyer Today

Family court cases are among the most contentious legal matters, and it is often difficult to reach mutually beneficial agreements. Mediation may help to resolve differences, determine appropriate settlements, and allow for more personalized arrangements. To protect your rights throughout the process, contact experienced Fort Lauderdale family lawyer Vanessa L. Prieto. Request a consultation to discuss your options and how we can help today.

Sources:

browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0044/0044.html