Family Law Mediation
Family Law Mediation
In family law cases, the most commonly used service (outside of the hiring of legal counsel) is mediation; perhaps the most attractive aspect of mediation is that it can be tailored to suit the needs of each individual dispute. The mediator can play a conciliatory role or take on a more proactive role by making suggestions and probing for convergent interests.
At Cox & Associates, we can guide you through the process as the neutral, third-party mediator.
Divorce Mediation
Divorce Mediation
The decision to divorce and the next steps to take is one of the most stressful events in one’s life. There are alternatives to divorce without ever having to go to court by utilizing the mediation services at Cox & Associates.
We are dedicated to providing couples seeking a divorce with information and guidance about non-litigation alternatives to enable them to select the process best suited for their family and personal needs.
Frequently asked questions.
At Cox & Associates we want our clients to be informed. Here are some our most common questions asked regarding mediation.
Settlement discussions are private and confidential in a comfortable and informal setting. The process of mediation is affordable and cost effective. The parties maintain control over their individual and family’s future. The mediation process is less stressful and has less animosity.
Mediation is a settlement meeting where a neutral, impartial third person, called a mediator, helps the parties to come to agreements about their family issues. The mediation conference is informal, confidential and non-adversarial. The conference takes place in a private conference room where the parties meet together or in separate rooms. The purpose of mediation is to open up lines of communication and to explore all possibilities of settlement in order to resolve family issues. The role of the mediator includes helping the parties identify issues, fostering joint problem solving, exploring settlement options and finding creative solution to family matters. If the parties reach a settlement in mediation, the mediator can draw up a written agreement for the parties to sign.
Parties can mediate their family issues at any time. Often parties have a settlement conference before either of them file papers in the court. After the filing of a divorce, paternity action, custody dispute or post-judgment matter, the courts in Florida usually require the parties to go to mediation before any routine hearings are scheduled. Parties cannot address issues with a judge regarding custody, timesharing, child support, alimony, their home or their finances until they attend mediation.
The mediation conference can take place at the mediator’s office, at the courthouse, virtually, or at an attorney’s office.
Anyone who has family issues that need to be resolved. At the settlement conference, only the parties who will be making decisions should attend. However, if both parties are comfortable, other friends and family members may attend the mediation conference for comfort and support. It is not usually a good idea for either party to bring children to the settlement conference. The parties should discuss who they want to bring to mediation with the mediator before the conference takes place.
Mediation is a settlement meeting where a neutral, impartial third person, called a mediator, helps the parties to come to agreements about their family issues. The mediation conference is informal, confidential and non-adversarial. The conference takes place in a private conference room where the parties meet together or in separate rooms. The purpose of mediation is to open up lines of communication and to explore all possibilities of settlement in order to resolve family issues. The role of the mediator includes helping the parties identify issues, fostering joint problem solving, exploring settlement options and finding creative solution to family matters. If the parties reach a settlement in mediation, the mediator can draw up a written agreement for the parties to sign.