Florida Divorce Mediation: Cost, Process & Benefits

Divorce mediation involves a voluntary dispute resolution process in which a third party mediator helps couples negotiate the important legal aspects of their divorce, such as child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. Divorce mediation offers couples a confidential, cost-effective, and less adversarial process than traditional divorce litigation.

The cost of divorce mediation in Florida varies based on factors such as the couple’s choice to use a court-appointed mediator or a private mediator, filing fees, recording fees, and processing fees. The benefits of divorce mediation include lower costs, less stress for the divorcing parties, and a faster resolution. The alternatives to divorce mediation in Florida include litigation, collaborative divorce, arbitrated divorce, and uncontested divorce.

While Florida law does not require mediation in divorce cases, courts have the discretion to refer divorcing couples to mediation prior to hearing their case. If court-ordered mediation fails, the parties are free to proceed to trial with their divorce case.

How Much Does Divorce Mediation Cost in Florida?

The average cost of divorce mediation in Florida ranges from $3,000 to $8,000. The cost of divorce mediation varies depending on factors such as the use of a court-appointed mediator or private mediator, the complexity of the divorce, the fees of the mediator chosen, and the duration of the mediation. Court-appointed mediation is the least expensive option for couples who qualify based on their annual income. Private mediation is more expensive, but is a better solution for couples with significant income and marital assets.

How Much Does Court-Appointed Divorce Mediation Cost in Florida?

The cost of court-appointed mediation is set by Florida law at $60 per person for each mediation session when the couple’s annual income is less than $50,000 and $120 per person for each mediation session when the couple’s combined annual income is greater than $50,000, but less than $100,000. Couples that earn more than $100,000 annually are expected to pay for private mediation.

The costs of court-ordered mediation in Florida are listed below.

• $60 per person for each mediation session when the couples combined annual income is <$50,000.
• $120 per person for each mediation session when the couple’s combined annual income is >$50,000 but <$100,000.

The cost of a court-appointed divorce mediator and other court costs are determined based on the couple’s combined financial situation under Florida Statutes 44.102 and 61.183 as well as Rule 12.740 of the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure (2021). 

How Much Does Private Divorce Mediation Cost in Florida?

The cost of private divorce mediation in Florida typically ranges between $3,000 and $8,000. The cost of private divorce mediation depends on the complexity of the divorce, the type of mediator (attorney mediator or non-attorney mediator) and their hourly rate, the duration of the mediation, and the need of additional expert involvement such as a CPA or financial advisor. Some divorce mediators offer fixed-rate mediation packages based on the needs of the divorcing couple. The cost of divorce mediation is generally shared between both spouses.

The pricing for private mediation is quoted using the following methods.

• by the hour
• by the session
• by mediation Package

Private divorce mediators fall into two categories: attorney–mediators and non attorney-mediators. An attorney-mediator is a legal professional who is also trained in mediation. Attorney-mediators can be effective in helping parties resolve legal disputes collaboratively by offering legal expertise while promoting cooperation and problem solving.

Non-attorney divorce mediators are professionals who specialize in mediating divorces but who are not practicing attorneys. Non attorney divorce mediators are trained and certified to use mediation techniques and processes to help facilitate open communication and negotiations between divorcing parties.

The hourly charges for attorney-mediators are frequently higher, ranging from $250 to $500. Non-attorney mediators often charge between $100 and $350 per hour. Depending on the mediator’s particular training, credentials, experience, and location, prices for both types vary.

The table below compares the costs and benefits of hiring a private non-attorney mediator, an attorney mediator, and a court-appointed mediator.

Type of Mediator	Cost per hour	Benefits
Non-Attorney Private Mediator	$100-$350/hour	Less Expensive, Specialized Expertise & Training
Attorney Private Mediator	$250-$500/hour	More legal Expertise
Court-Appointed Mediator	$100-$350/hour	Least Expensive

In private mediation, spouses may object to the mediator’s rate of pay (per hour or session), and the judge may determine whether that rate complies with Florida Statutes 44.108 and Rule 12.740 of the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure (2021).

What Are Private Divorce Mediation Packages?

In some cases, private mediators offer flat rate packages for divorce mediation. Private divorce mediation packages that include solutions for many of the legal issues that must be resolved during a Florida divorce. Some private mediators or mediation firms propose a set rate following an initial examination of the case. There are firms that offer comprehensive divorce mediation packages.

In Florida, the cost of a mediation package depends on a number of factors.

• The mediator’s rate and professional background.
• The complexity of your unresolved issues.
• The combined gross incomes of both parties in a family case.
• The mediator’s experience and qualifications.
• The nature of the dispute.
• The mediator’s fee.

There may be different levels of service or benefits in different mediation packages, so it’s important to look at the details when comparing costs. For instance,

• Some mediation services charge a flat amount for unlimited hours, while others limit the number of hours and charge extra for additional sessions.
• Some services employ attorney mediators with experience in family law, while others employ non-attorney mediators or a combination of the two.
• The bundle may or may not include the preparation of a formal settlement agreement and/or the processing of other divorce paperwork.

In Florida, both parties are responsible for paying for divorce mediation. If the parties choose a private mediator, they pay a fee directly to the mediator. If the court appoints a family mediator, the court order will dictate which party pays for the mediation.

Court-Ordered Mediation vs. Private Mediation Services

All parties to a contested or uncontested divorce have access to mediation through court-based or private mediators, both of whom must be court-certified. Even if court-ordered, divorcing couples whose combined income exceeds $100,000 may engage a private mediator. All divorced couples with combined incomes of less than $100,000 have access to court-appointed mediators. Although private mediators are more expensive than court-appointed ones, they typically have greater scheduling flexibility. Court-based mediators may require two to four months to schedule a mediation due to court scheduling restrictions.

Private mediation is voluntary, whereas mediation ordered by the court is not. If spouses cannot resolve their issues in court or if the detrimental information they are sharing to win their case is harmful to their children or reputation, judges may require them to participate in this process.

Couples who would rather collaborate on solutions rather than have a family court impose decisions may choose to hire a private mediation service.

In private mediation, both parties must consent to participate, as well as to the mediator. There are a variety of mediators available, each with a unique set of skills and areas of expertise. Choosing the appropriate mediator is a crucial decision that can impact the mediation’s actual success. When using a private mediator, the mediation can be scheduled at a time that is convenient for both parties, but there is a fee for the mediator’s time. It is recommended that each party pay one-half of the cost of private mediation to ensure that both parties are financially invested in the process and motivated to reach a settlement.

In Court-Ordered Mediation, the Court may order this form of mediation if neither party is represented by an attorney and neither party can afford private mediation. It is also known as an Alternative Dispute Resolution/Settlement Conference (“ADR”). Similar to private mediation, ADR still involves a neutral third party mediator, and the parties’ objective is to reach an agreement. With ADR, however, spouses will be assigned a date and time to attend, and the mediator will be selected at random from a list maintained by the court. ADR is free of charge for the disputants, unlike private mediation.

Private mediation and court ordered mediation has their own pros and cons. Court-ordered mediation is less likely to be successful than private mediation. The rationale is that since both partners have chosen this path, they possess the right attitude needed to work together and find solutions to problems.

Private mediation has two primary disadvantages. One is that the mediator is paid by the spouses right away so, couples who successfully complete divorce mediation ultimately save money on both court and legal bills. Another drawback is that, even though couples have invested time and money in mediation, they are not any closer to divorcing if it is unsuccessful.

Court-ordered mediation has the advantage that spouses will probably spend very little for the mediation. The drawback is that if couples haven’t made any progress toward resolving their dispute up to that point, they’re likely tense and may feel that the mediation process is a waste of their time and money. That kind of mindset lessens the possibility.

Is Divorce Mediation Cheaper than Litigation?

Yes, divorce mediation is significantly cheaper than litigation because it reduces attorney and court costs. A divorce settled in mediation is can be as inexpensive as $3,000, while the cost of a contested divorce in Florida averages $13,500 and for couples with children can exceed $20,000.

Settling a divorce through mediation is advantageous to litigating a divorce at trial because mediation provides couples with an accurate cost estimate up front, while a trial involves attorney’s fees and court fees that are unknown until after the divorce is settled.

What Fees Are Involved in a Mediated Divorce?

Mediation Divorce involves court filing fees, recording fees, attorney fees and legal process fees if the mediation is court-ordered.

Legal Fees

Legal Fees involves the cost of legal services provided by divorce attorneys during the Divorce mediation.  The two primary fee models used by the majority of divorce attorneys in Florida are hourly rates and flat fees.  The hourly rate model charges spouses according to the amount of time an attorney spends on their case. According to Florida law, attorneys who file lawsuits in the state’s family courts are paid an hourly rate that is set in advance.

The national average hourly rate for family lawyers is between $225 and $310. Family law attorneys typically require an initial retainer payment, from which they deduct their hourly fees as the work progresses. The average retainer ranges between $2,000 and $5,000.

The final fee is greatly influenced by how long the dispute lasts before the couple comes to an agreement and whether the matter needs to be resolved in court because these fees are based on billable hours.

Court Fees

Costs related to bringing the case before the court are included in court fees.

In every divorce case, the spouses are responsible for paying court costs and filing fees to initiate a process. The court charges spouses with filing and additional court expenses if they file divorce proceedings. In Florida, the clerk charges about $400 to file for a divorce. There may also be extra costs for getting the divorce papers to the other spouse.

In addition to the initial filing fees for a divorce, it is essential to consider the costs associated with filing various motions. Court costs and filing fees are payable directly to the court, and it is prudent to confirm the exact filing fees and court costs that apply.

Spouses who live on a fixed income and can’t pay the filing fees might be able to ask for a determination of civil indigent status. If this is approved, spouses don’t have to pay any fees to file.

What factors impact the cost of divorce mediation?

The following factors impact the cost of divorce mediation in Florida.

• The complexity of unresolved issues in the case: The greater the number of issues that mediators must assist with, the longer spouses will require their services and the greater the costs.
• Professional Background of the mediator: Attorney mediators are more expensive than non-attorney mediators.
• Skill and experience of the mediator: Mediators with more professional credentials, more years of experience, and a better reputation for assisting clients are likely to charge more.
• Location of the mediator: In some locations, mediators charge more than in others
• How spouses communicate and compromise: If the relationship between the spouses is volatile and compromise is difficult, mediation will take longer and cost more.

There are a variety of estimates for the average cost of divorce mediation, with some sources estimating that mediators cost between $3,000 and $8,000 on average, and others estimating that the total cost of a mediated divorce ranges from $7,000 to $10,000.

How Does Divorce Mediation Work in Florida?

In Florida, divorce mediation works as a cooperative process in which a neutral mediator helps divorcing spouses negotiate a settlement of their disputes that is acceptable to both parties. The mediation process consists of the initial consultation, information gathering, identification of issues, negotiation sessions, agreement drafting and legal review & finalization.

First consultation: Both spouses meet with the mediator for an initial consultation to discuss their individual divorce-related objectives and concerns.

During the initial consultation the mediator clarifies the mediation procedure and verifies that both parties comprehend their respective roles and responsibilities. The divorce mediator explains that mediation is confidential, informal, and allows parties to communicate their perspectives and interests. If a party has questions, they can consult a family member or expert (such an accountant).

Gathering information: The divorce mediator learns about the parties and issues. Attorneys often submit written memorandums to the mediator before the hearing. The mediator assists the couple in collecting all pertinent financial and personal information required for negotiations. This transparency ensures that both parties are aware of the marital assets, liabilities, and other pertinent details.

Identification of Issues: The divorce mediator identifies legal issues and creates a plan to resolve them. Most divorces involve multiple legal issues. The mediator assists the couple in identifying the most important issues to be resolved, such as child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. The mediator meets separately with each spouse to gather information and gain a better comprehension of their respective needs and interests.

Negotiation: The divorce mediator utilizes negotiating and mediation skills to assist the parties’ compromise. The mediator facilitates discussions, encourages constructive dialogue, and guides the couple toward fair and balanced agreements. The objective is to discover solutions that satisfy the needs and interests of both parties. The mediator attempts to bring the spouses to an agreement on the outstanding issues by bringing them together.

Drafting the Agreement: The mediator helps the parties establish an agreement or outline one. Mediators then check with both parties to ensure accuracy. Once the couple has reached an agreement on all or some problems, the mediator drafts a formal written agreement outlining the terms of the divorce settlement. Both parties review the paper to ensure that their decisions are appropriately reflected.

Legal Review and settlement: The attorneys for each party review the completed agreement.

When an agreement is reached, the divorce mediator registers the agreement with the court clerk, prepares a report detailing what transpired, and provides copies of the final agreement to the parties and their attorneys. The agreement is presented to the court for approval and becomes enforceable after all parties are happy with it. The mediator drafts a written divorce settlement agreement for the couple to sign if a settlement is achieved under Florida Statute 61.183 (2021).

When Does Mediation Take Place in a Divorce?

In Florida, mediation can be used used before filing for divorce, after filing but before the trial, before the final hearing, and post-divorce (post-judgement). In most cases divorce mediation takes place after both spouses exchange financial information. In the State of Florida, this usually occurs 2-3 months after a divorce case is filed.

The list below describes when mediation is used in the Florida divorce process.

• Pre-filing
• Post-filing but pre-trial
• Prior to the final hearing
• Post judgement

Before Filing for Divorce

Pre-filing mediation is used by couples before officially filling for divorce. Pre-filing divorce mediation can provide a faster resolution, more discretion, greater flexibility and control, and a less contentious atmosphere. It is ideal for parents with young children, high-net-worth couples, and couples looking for a fast resolution.

During the Divorce

Post-filing but pre-trial divorce mediation is used after a couple has filed for divorce but before the case goes to trial. Post-filing pre-trial mediation is often mandated by family courts after the divorce petition is signed in order to reduce the case load on courts.

Before the Final Hearing

Mediation can be ordered by a judge before the final hearing in an attempt to reach resolve remaining disputes and avoid a full trial. This is done to give the couple an opportunity to reach a final settlement, and to reduce the court’s case load.

Post Judgement

Mediation is used to negotiate post-judgement modifications in a Florida divorce. Post judgement mediation is used to modify child custody and visitation, child support payments, spousal support, and parental relocation modifications.

What to Expect in Florida Divorce Mediation

Some important information to know about divorce mediation includes the role of the mediator, whether or not it is necessary to hire an attorney, whether or not the agreements made during mediation are binding, and whether or not a settlement agreement can be changed after mediation.

What is a Divorce Mediator?

A divorce mediator is a neutral third party, specially trained in mediation techniques, who helps divorcing spouses by facilitating communication and negotiation with the goal of reaching mutually acceptable solutions to the legal aspects of divorce, including the equitable division of assets, child timesharing (custody), child support, and spousal support. There are two main types of divorce mediators including attorney mediators and non-attorney mediators.

What Does a Mediator Do In a Divorce?

The mediator’s role in the family mediation process is to assist spouses during divorce negotiations by facilitating conversation, helping to explain concerns, and looking into potential solutions. Mediators attempt to ensure that solutions are found that reflect the interests of all parties, especially when children are concerned.

Confidentiality is a priority for divorce mediators. Unlike court processes, where personal facts may become public record, mediation assures that a spouse’s personal problems remain private.

Choosing a mediator is frequently the first act of mutual trust made by divorcing couples.  While the mediator does not have the authority to decide the outcome of the case or to represent either side in court, the mediator’s choice of spouses can have a significant impact on the efficiency and final settlement. 

Mediator’s role include:

• Administration: Establishing and upholding procedural guidelines is one of the mediator’s most crucial responsibilities in keeping the peace.  The meetings are managed by the mediator to give everyone the opportunity to speak, consider, and answer.  In addition, the mediator informs both spouses of the next steps and assists both parties in navigating the divorce process.
• Information: Mediators supply a variety of information by drawing on their expertise, experience, and case-specific analysis.  For example, spouse may receive a legal explanation, an educated opinion on a legal matter, or a forecast of a court ruling.
• Accountability: Active listeners are also mediators.  They pay close attention to what their wives have to say.  In order to understand the core of what spouses are attempting to accomplish, the mediator ask spouses further questions or reframe the issue if something needs to be clarified or elaborated.  This promotes clear communication, fruitful dialogue, and accountability.
• Creativity: The role of the mediator is to think creatively.  When an issue calls for the services of outside specialists, such accountants or tax experts, a recommendation from an impartial third party is frequently beneficial.  Additionally, mediators frequently offer ideas that neither party would have thought of when pursuing their own objectives.  In the de-escalation of difficult situations like child custody and asset distribution, mediators play a crucial role.  The mediator are a great resource for spouses during the divorce process.

Is It Necessary to Have an Attorney During Divorce Mediation? 

It is not a legal requirement to have an attorney during divorce mediation in Florida, but there are many advantages in retaining legal representation before mediation.

The list below contains the advantages of involving an attorney in the divorce mediation process.

• to provide legal advice
• to advocate for on the client’s behalf to ensure their interests are adequately represented. An attorney can explain legal rights and the implications of any agreements
• to review documents before signing to ensure the agreement is legally sound, fair, and meets the needs of their client.
• to help navigate complex legal issues such as child support, child custody, and financial issues.

What Is a Divorce Mediation Attorney?

A divorce mediation attorney is a licensed attorney who specializes in family law and divorce. Divorce mediation lawyers have in-depth legal expertise and can provide legal advice to both parties during the divorce mediation process. A divorce mediation attorney may also have expertise in psychology or counseling, allowing them to offer help with both the legal and emotional aspects of divorce. Divorce mediation attorneys may charge more per hour than standard divorce mediators.

A divorce mediation attorney is a good solution in divorces that involve complex legal issues, significant differences on the legal aspects of divorce such as child custody or property division, and when one or both parties require legal representation.

What is a Non-Attorney Divorce Mediator?

A non-attorney divorce mediator is a trained mediator who specializes in facilitating communication and negotiation between couples going through the divorce process. These mediators cannot provide legal advice, but they are skilled in techniques such as conflict resolution and negotiation.

A non-attorney divorce mediator is a better solution in simple and amicable divorces, uncontested divorces, and when the cost of mediation is an issue.

How Long Does Divorce Mediation Take?

In Florida, divorce mediation sessions last 2-3 hours. Many couples resolve their disputes in the first session with the divorce mediator. The amount of time required differs by case. More complex divorces will require multiple mediation sessions to ensure both parties are satisfied with the outcome.

There are several factors that impact the duration of divorce mediation, including the complexity of the case, the mediator, and the willingness of the parties to negotiate.

• The complexity of the case: The complexity of the case is one of the most important aspects that can influence the length of mediation. Mediation can take longer than planned if there are many problems to resolve or if the parties cannot agree on anything. In rare situations, extra sessions may be required to address new concerns that surface throughout the mediation process.
• The number of parties involved: The number of mediator participants can also influence the duration of the process. Sessions involving only two parties are typically shorter than those involving multiple parties.
• The mediator: The mediator spouses choose is another factor to consider. Some mediators may be more effective than others in resolving conflicts, given their varied approaches to conflict resolution. The style of the mediator can affect the duration of the mediation process and the time required to reach a resolution.
• The parties’ ability and willingness to negotiate: The duration of the mediation process will ultimately be determined by how rapidly the parties can reach an agreement. The mediation procedure is voluntary, and both parties must be willing to collaborate to reach a resolution. If spouses are amenable to compromise and committed to resolving their differences, mediation may be completed in less time than anticipated.

How to Prepare for Divorce Mediation

Preparing for divorce mediation involves familiarizing yourself with the mediation process, gathering financial documents, identifying your goals for mediation, preparing questions for the mediator, considering child custody goals, and logistical planning for the mediation session itself. This Florida divorce mediation checklist ensures that no important details are forgotten.

What Happens After Divorce Mediation in Florida?

In Florida, divorce mediation ends when the parties reach an agreement on some or all of their disputes, the mediator declares and impasse, or the mediation session is adjourned for the day.

Mediation ends in one of the following three ways.

1. the divorcing parties reach an agreement on some or all issues.
2. the mediator declares an impasse because one or both parties are unwilling to continue the mediation process.
3. the mediator adjourns the mediation session for the day and schedules the next session.

If the spouses reach an agreement during mediation, the final documentation is filed with the court. To finalize a divorce in Florida, spouses appear before a judge. The court evaluates the settlement agreement during this hearing and approves it if everything appears reasonable

When court-ordered mediation fails, the mediator reports to the Court that they did not achieve an agreement, without making any other comments or recommendations. If spouses have not achieved a settlement agreement during mediation or later in the divorce procedure, they continue to a divorce trial. The same is true if mediation is only partially successful, resulting in agreement on certain problems but not others. Following a hearing, the court makes a decision for the spouses on any unresolved concerns.

What are the Benefits of Divorce Mediation in Florida?

The benefits of divorce mediation in Florida include increased control and flexibility of outcomes, increased privacy and confidentiality, greater focus on the future, potential cost savings and voluntary participation.

Increases Control and Flexibility of Outcomes

Control and flexibility of outcomes refers to the ability of divorcing spouses to create customized solutions that fit their unique circumstances. Divorce mediation allows couples to craft their own solutions, make decisions collaboratively, and prioritize important issues such as child custody and time-sharing. The increase control and flexibility of divorce mediation leads to more satisfying and durable agreements.

Increases Privacy and Confidentiality

Privacy and confidentiality refers to the ability of divorcing spouses to discuss and resolve their disputes without the details of their discussions becoming public record. In divorce mediation, any verbal or written communications, agreements, talks, or revelations are strictly confidential. Only the final settlement agreement is submitted to the court. This confidentiality facilitates more honest and forthcoming discussions, and protects the privacy of sensitive personal or financial information.

Increases Focus on the Future

A focus on the future refers to the emphasis on creating solutions and agreements that are sustainable and beneficial after the divorce is finalized. Divorce mediation encourages spouses to think about the long-term well-being of all family members, especially children. Mediation aims to reduce hostility and establish an amicable relationship going forward enabling spouses to adapt to future changes.

Reduces Costs

Costs refer to the various expenses couples incur during the divorce process. Divorce mediation reduces a couples costs by minimizing attorney fees, eliminating numerous court filings and their associated fees, reducing the billable hours necessary to reach a settlement, and minimizing discovery costs. This makes mediation a cost-effective alternative to divorce litigation.

Voluntary Participation

The voluntary nature of divorce mediation offers several benefits including increased commitment to the process, better cooperation, a more collaborative environment, increase satisfaction in the final outcome, an increase in the likelihood of compliance with agreements, and a better foundation for future interactions.

What Are the Disadvantages of Divorce Mediation?

The disadvantages of divorce mediation include lack of legal protection, unsuitable for certain relationship dynamics, no guaranteed outcomes, potential of manipulation, and the need for court approval.

Lack of Legal Protection

Mediators cannot provide legal advice, which can leave the parties vulnerable if they do not understand their legal rights or have not hired an attorney to represent their interests.

Not Suitable for All Cases

Mediation is not appropriate in divorces between couples that have a history of domestic abuse, mental health issues, or other circumstances in which there is a potential power imbalance. A power imbalance could also be due to one spouse having more knowledge, resources, or assertiveness, resulting in an unfair outcome. Divorce mediation is not recommended when these circumstances are present.

No Guaranteed Outcome

There is no guarantee that mediation will result in a mutually agreeable settlement, in which case the couple must pursue litigation, increasing both the time and costs associated with the divorce process.

Potential for Manipulation

Mediation does not require the formal process of discovery, potentially allowing a dishonest spouse to exploit the mediation process by hiding assets or manipulating the other party since there is no legal mechanism to compel full disclosure of all marital assets.

What Happens When Divorce Mediation Fails in Florida?

When divorce mediation fails in the State of Florida, the involved parties have several alternative options to negotiate the terms of their divorce such as litigation, collaboration, arbitration, and an uncontested divorce.

What Legal Aspects of Divorce Can Be Resolved Through Mediation?

Legal Aspects of Divorce that can be resolved through mediation include the determination of alimony (Spousal Support), child custody (time-sharing), child support, and the division of marital assets. In divorce cases, mediation law allows spouses to resolve key issues by working with a neutral third-party mediator who helps them reach a mutually acceptable solution.

Determining Alimony (Spousal Support) in Mediation

Determining alimony or spousal support in Florida is an important step to ensure that both parties have financial stability following the divorce.  Divorce mediation reduces these conflicts by focusing on the future rather than on what has already been said. Mediation for divorce acknowledges that alimony is not about retribution, but rather about ensuring that both spouses can live comfortably after the divorce. Mediation provides spouses with an alternative, more tranquil method for resolving alimony disputes in court, where alimony disputes can lead to intense conflict. Mediation is conducted by a neutral third-party with family law expertise and additional mediation training. The mediator facilitates the conversation, offers suggestions, and assists the parties in reaching compromises.

Mediation usually considers these variables while calculating alimony.

• Discussion of financial resources, assets, and liabilities for each party.
• The time needed for either side to get relevant education or training for suitable job.
• Contribution of each party to marriage, including homemaking, child care, education, and job development. 
• Age and physical/emotional health of each party.

Determining Child Custody (Timesharing) in Mediation

Child custody mediation can be requested by either parent or required by the court. The court will schedule mediation if custody, visitation, or both are contested. Parents are not required to agree during child custody mediation. Mediators base child custody decisions on children’s best interests.

During child custody mediation, both parents meet with a mediator who evaluates the circumstances of their case and makes custody recommendations. The mediator introduces themselves during a mediation session and then requests that each party present their case. The purpose of mediation is to facilitate discussions between the parents in order to reach a custody agreement in the best interest of the child. If they reach an agreement, the mediator helps them compose the written agreement, which is then presented to the court for approval.

Licensed attorneys with experience practicing family law frequently serve as mediators and can provide valuable insights gleaned from their background.  Before the mediation, each parent talks with their counsel about their aspirations for custody, so each person enters the mediation with clear expectations.

Mediation can determine physical and legal custody, parenting plan, visitation schedules, and how and when parties will exchange custody of the child, similar to a custody case filed with the court. Each parent may provide the mediator with whatever evidence he or she believes is necessary for a thorough evaluation of the case.

Mediation regarding child custody may be court-ordered or private and voluntary. Often, court-ordered mediation is free, low-cost, or priced according to the parents’ incomes. Even if a judge has ordered parents to participate in custody mediation, they always have the option of selecting private mediation over the court-sponsored program.

Child custody mediation is also less expensive than going to court because one mediator assists the spouses in reaching an agreement rather than both paying hourly costs to separate counsel.

Determining Child Support in Mediation

Child support is a legal requirement that ensures both parents contribute to the financial upbringing of their child. The Florida Child Support Guidelines provide a formula for calculating the quantity of child support to be paid. A mediator’s job is to help parents talk to each other in a positive way and guide them through the process of figuring out child support. The mediator talks about the Florida Child Support Guidelines and makes sure that both sides understand how the calculations are done.

During mediation, the mediator assists parents in obtaining the necessary financial information, such as income and expense statements. This information is indispensable for calculating child support accurately. By maintaining neutrality and focusing on the child’s best interests, a mediator assists parents in navigating potential disagreements and finding a resolution.

Once a child support agreement is reached through mediation, a legal agreement is formalized. This involves crafting a written agreement that outlines the terms of child support, custody, and any other relevant matters.  The court has the authority to review and ratify the mediated agreement to ensure that it is in the best interests of the child. This action provides an additional layer of safety for the infant.Florida child support computations are complicated, but mediation can resolve disagreements quickly and effectively.

Determining an Equitable Division of Assets

Mediation gives couples the chance to be involved in making their own settlement agreement instead of leaving these important choices to a judge alone. When a couple gets a divorce with the help of a mediator, they can split their property however they want. Both sides sign an agreement and give it to the court. This agreement is then included in the final divorce orders.

During mediation, a third-party mediator helps the couple have fruitful conversations. Open dialogue and the opportunity to consider original alternatives are made available by this approach, which might not be feasible in a trial.

Couples are able to discuss special situations and priorities during mediation. Although the court’s rules are necessary, mediation enables customized agreements that represent the unique requirements and preferences of the couple.

The mediator may require an inventory of the information listed here.

• Income: Obtain tax returns for each spouse for the past five years or longer if income varies and Unrecorded income sources e.g., Social Security, pension benefits.
• Real Estate: The appraised value of the family’s current house and any other real property owned jointly.
• Other Physical Assets: List of owned motor cars and their values, home furniture value and, Appraised value of Artwork, coin collections, antiques, jewelry, etc.
• Non-Physical Assets: A minimum of three years of statements for each savings and checking account, a complete list of investments, patents, copyrighted works, and predicted revenue.
• Family Business: Profit and loss accounts over the past five years for a joint family business held by spouses.
• Benefits: The cost and value of life insurance premiums, Costs and values of health insurance premiums, and Retirement account, pension, or 401(k) values.
• Expenses: Costs include mortgage, utilities, and taxes on family house and other real properties, as well as car insurance, maintenance, payments, and rental fees, Bankruptcy payment schedule and, Current child care or schooling expenses.
• Debts and other liabilities: Personal loans, Consumer debt (E.g., credit card debt) and Education loans.

Each spouse is accountable for compiling an inventory of the family’s assets and liabilities during the process of dividing the marital estate.

What are the Alternatives to a Divorce Mediation in Florida?

The alternatives to divorce mediation include litigation, collaborative divorce, arbitration, and an uncontested divorce.

Divorce Litigation

Litigation is a more conventional divorce method that entails going to court to have a judge decide the terms of divorce. If spouses cannot agree on the terms of divorce or if one party is unwilling to negotiate, litigation may be an alternative option.

Most disputed divorces culminate with a family court judge-led trial. During divorce litigation, spouses can represent themselves, but many retain lawyers to advise, debate, and negotiate the court system.

Due to the timeframe and limited number of family court judges, contentious divorces can take a year or more to finalize. When choosing between divorce mediation vs litigation, factors such as those listed below are important considerations.

The following are disadvantages of using litigation to settle a divorce.

• Less Control of outcome: Courts are utilized in litigation to settle disputes. The judge decides the case based on the evidence and legal arguments presented by each party.
• Adversarial Process: Each party seeks to defend its own interests and presents arguments against the other party’s position during the course of litigation. This adversarial approach can exacerbate family conflict and impair familial ties.
• Lack of confidentiality: Disputed divorces are a matter of public record, so the details of case, including financial and personal information, may be accessible to the general public.

The following are advantages of using litigation instead of mediation to settle a divorce.

• Complete Discovery: Both parties can view documents and learn more about the opposition than they could during the mediation process.
• Ability to Appeal: Both parties have the right to appeal any judge’s decision in an effort to achieve a better outcome in the future.
• Witnesses: The presence of witnesses at a jury trial strengthen and win favor for either party.
• Public record: Disputes are resolved through the courts and become part of the public record.
• Evidence: In the courtroom, the laws regarding admissible evidence are more stringent. Those with a strong case may have a significant advantage, as there is less space for distractions such as conjecture and speculation.
• Safety: If a spouse fears for their the safety or that of their children, litigation may be a better option. When there is a history of abuse or one spouse threatens the other, litigation can provide a secure environment for resolving disputes.

In spite of this, only a small percentage of litigated cases proceed to a courtroom trial, the vast majority are resolved through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration first.

Collaborative Divorce

In the Collaborative Divorce process, each spouse works with a collaborative attorney to resolve their differences. The primary objective of the collaborative divorce process is to reach agreement on subjects like property division, child custody, alimony, and other divorce-related concerns. In a collaborative divorce, the parties and their lawyers sign a “no court” agreement, which requires the attorneys to recuse themselves from the case should it proceed to trial. This promotes direct dialogue, compromise, and cooperative problem-solving. Professionals from other fields, such finance, child care, and mental health, could be consulted to offer direction and assistance during the collaborative process.

Divorce Mediation vs Collaborative Divorce

There are several important differences when comparing divorce mediation vs collaborative divorce. In the collaborative divorce process each spouse is represented by an attorney. Divorce mediation involves a neutral third-party mediator. Collaboration utilizes a structured process, while mediation involves a more informal setting.

Arbitration

Arbitration is another alternative to divorce mediation. Divorce arbitration is similar to a litigation in that the arbitrator hears arguments from both parties. This is done in a less formal setting such as a conference room or private office rather than in a courtroom. Spouses offer documentation and witnesses, much as in a court case. After hearing all sides, the arbitrator renders a verdict. The agreement is enforceable in court, albeit under certain specific circumstances, an appeal may be possible.

Arbitration offers the following benefits.

• Cost effective
• Enhanced Privacy
• Legally Binding
• Customizable
• Limited grounds for appeal

There are substantial differences between divorce arbitration and mediation.

Divorce mediation vs Arbitration

There important differences when comparing divorce arbitration vs divorce mediation in Florida. Arbitration is typically quicker and less costly than a divorce trial, but more costly than mediation or an uncontested divorce.

Attributes of arbitrated divorce includes efficiency, privacy, binding, customizable and, limited grounds for appeal.

Arbitration may be the ideal alternative for divorcing couples who want to follow a divorce trial format without having to deal with the official regulations or inefficiencies of a family court. Arbitration for divorce is a relatively recent alternative.

Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce or “simplified dissolution of marriage”, is a divorce in which both parties are in agreement on all issues and have reached a settlement on issues such as child custody (timesharing), child support, spousal support, and the equitable division of assets. In an uncontested divorce, the parties register the divorce petition and related documents with the court, as well as a settlement agreement. A judge examines the information in the documents and, if everything is in order, grants the divorce without a hearing.

Courts prefer uncontested divorces because they are generally advantageous for all parties and do not add to an already overburdened trial schedule. A divorce that is not contested may also involve situations in which one party petitions for divorce and the other party fails to appear at proceedings or respond to the filing.

An uncontested divorce requires both spouses to compose and sign a legally binding settlement agreement outlining the division of marital property, allocation of marital debt, child custody and child support, parenting time, spousal support, and any other pertinent terms.

The following are benefits of an uncontested divorce.

• less expensive due to the fact that lawyers are not required
• faster due to fewer legal proceedings.
• an uncontested divorce frequently improves relationships because spouses must work together.
• couples who reach a settlement together are more likely to follow orders following divorce.

Are Settlement Agreements Made in Divorce Mediation Enforceable?

Yes, settlement agreements that spouses come to during mediation, and that are documented in writing with their signatures are legally binding. The written agreement becomes a court-enforceable, legally binding document.

Under Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.730(b) if a partial or final agreement is achieved, it is reduced to writing and signed by the parties and their counsel, if any, when the parties reach a settlement agreement following mediation. Without the signatures of all parties, a purported settlement agreement that arises through mediation cannot be executed. The purported mediation settlement is unenforceable due to the absence of a formal agreement signed by both parties following the mediation, which goes beyond a simple technological error.

Can You Change an Agreement After Mediation in Florida?

Yes. Unless spouses agree to a change, provisions affecting property, debt, and practically all other financial problems are traditionally regarded as set in stone. To change an agreement, spouses engage into a “Modification Agreement,” which documents the agreed-upon alterations. This revised Divorce Agreement is then included in a new court decree.

Child support, custody, and visitation agreements can be modified if spouses demonstrate that a major change in circumstances occurred after the original order was entered, and/or that a new arrangement is in the best interests of the child. Depending on the terms of the original Divorce Agreement, alimony provisions may or may not be adjustable.

If any spouse wants to change an agreement, they have to submit an appeal or ask for a judgment relief. A spouse’s time to act is limited to one year. A court may order the set aside of a mediated settlement agreement in the following situations:

• The conditions of the agreement are unjust or unreasonable to the party raising the challenge in the given situation.
• Mistakes, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect, such as missing something by accident.
• Newly discovered evidence not available in time for a new trial or rehearing. 
• Fraud, misconduct, or misrepresentation, such as hiding or wasting marital property.

There are no time limits on petitions for relief from judgment based on fraud and similar grounds.