Fort Lauderdale Family Court Mediation

Family court matters in Fort Lauderdale deal with sensitive issues that impact the rights of individuals regarding relationships, property, and assets. When mutual agreements are impossible to reach, mediation may be ordered through the court. It opens channels of communication and aims for outcomes that benefit everyone involved. Our Fort Lauderdale family lawyer explains more about Broward County Family Court mediation and when it might be the best course of action in your case.

How Fort Lauderdale Family Court Mediation Works

Mediation is a type of alternative dispute resolution process used in the Florida Courts. It is particularly common in Fort Lauderdale family court cases, which are often heated. As these often center around the breakup of a couple, it is not uncommon for hard feelings to exist that can prevent the parties from resolving disputes amicably.

When legal negotiations fail, mediators can help in reaching mutually beneficial agreements. Mediation is particularly common in divorce and can be used to determine each party’s rights regarding the following:

• Equitable division of marital property and assets;
• Alimony or spousal support payments;
• Parenting plans and child time-sharing arrangements;
• Child support payments.

A mediator is an impartial third party approved through the court that has the skills, training, and experience needed to help resolve serious issues in Broward County family law cases. They generally meet with each party individually, get their take on the proceedings, and then offer suggestions on how to resolve issues and settle matters without taking the case to court.

Is Mediation The Best Option In Your Fort Lauderdale Family Court Case? 

Mediation can provide numerous benefits if you are going through a divorce or paternity proceedings in Fort Lauderdale. These include:

• It saves money, as arguing your case in court typically takes longer, resulting in more legal fees;
• It saves time, preventing you from having to schedule and make numerous court appearances;
• It protects your privacy by preventing you from having to reveal sensitive information in a public court setting;
• It allows for more customized arrangements, taking into consideration all the specific details surrounding your case;
• It opens lines of communication, which can make implementing any final court orders issued easier.

Mediation may be an option if you are getting a divorce and there are serious disputes over the rights to property and assets, or if child time-sharing arrangements are otherwise needed. Be aware that under the Florida Statutes, mediators are not authorized to make any type of legal rulings, merely suggestions. It will still be up to the family court judge to approve any agreed-upon arrangements and issue a final order in your case.

Discuss Your Legal Options With Our Fort Lauderdale Family Lawyer

When dealing with potentially complex or hotly contested Broward County Family Court matters, get the trusted legal guidance you need at the law office of Vanessa L. Prieto. To discuss legal options that can help protect your rights, call or contact our office online and request a consultation with our Fort Lauderdale family lawyer today.

Sources:

flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Alternative-Dispute-Resolution/Mediation-in-Florida

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0044/Sections/0044.405.html