Polk County Divorce Mediation Lawyer

Compassionate Counsel for Florida Couples

When it comes to divorce, many couples automatically picture traditional divorce litigation in crowded courtrooms. However, there are alternative paths to divorce that can offer couples a more peaceful and amicable resolution after deciding to end their marriage. One method is mediation, which allows couples to stay in control and work through issues with assistance from a neutral third party. 

At Advocate Law Firm, P.A., we understand the financial and emotional challenges that come with divorce. That’s why our Bartow mediation lawyer is here to guide your steps effectively in family court. We can evaluate the specific circumstances of your case to help you decide whether mediation is right for you. With over 20 years of experience, our firm can provide sound counsel while keeping your family’s best interests at heart, empowering you to turn the page and start a new chapter. 

Preparing for a divorce? Our Polk County attorney can represent your best interests. Contact us online to discuss your case. 

What Is Mediation?

Divorce mediation, also known as family mediation in Florida, is a type of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that allows couples to resolve their disputes outside of the courtroom. Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process in which a neutral third party, known as a mediator, assists both spouses in reaching mutually acceptable agreements.

Compared to a traditional divorce, mediation provides a more collaborative and cooperative approach. Unlike traditional divorce litigation, where a judge makes the final decisions, mediation offers couples more control over the outcome, allowing them to work together toward a favorable resolution that accommodates the interests of both parties. Mediation can be used to resolve a variety of divorce-related decisions in Florida, such as: 

• Alimony
• Child support
• Child custody
• Property and asset division 

What Is the Mediator’s Role? 

During mediation, the mediator is a neutral third party whose role is to facilitate constructive discussion and help both spouses reach a final agreement. The mediator isn't there to make decisions on behalf of the parties, but to help them communicate effectively and reach a mutually satisfactory solution.

Our experienced mediation attorney has extensive experience in family law mediation. We can guide you through this process while ensuring your rights are properly protected while promoting cooperation between you and your spouse.

Benefits of Choosing Divorce Mediation

Choosing mediation as an alternative to traditional divorce can have numerous advantages. Common benefits of divorce mediation include:

• More privacy: Mediation gives couples the opportunity to resolve divorce-related matters outside of crowded courtrooms, allowing them to work through disputes without the added pressure of an audience in traditional divorce litigation.
• Cost-effective: The lack of traditional divorce litigation in mediated divorces can help spouses save time and money in the courtroom. 
• Easier on children: If you and your partner have children, choosing mediation can make the divorce process easier on kids. Choosing a mediated divorce can offer families more privacy to address divorce-related decisions in a quieter, calmer environment, limiting children’s exposure to tension or drama in the courtroom. 
• Lasting relationships between spouses: Mediation is more likely to result in lasting civil relations between couples. This is especially beneficial for co-parents who intend to share custody of children, making the transition easier for everyone involved. 

Keep in mind that mediated divorces don’t have to be lawyer-driven. Our advocate has an in-depth knowledge of family law to facilitate the mediation process for you, saving you time and money. 

Is Divorce Mediation Right for Me? 

While divorce mediation can offer couples a range of benefits, such as minimizing the time and money they spend in court, it’s important to consult with a trusted family lawyer to determine if a mediated divorce is right for you. 

Our Bartow mediation attorney has over two decades of experience advocating for Florida families and couples in a range of family matters, making her well-equipped to consider your specific needs and guide your legal steps wisely. 

Mediation can be an excellent option for many couples, but may not be ideal in certain circumstances, such as: 

• One spouse doesn’t want to get divorced
• Couples currently experiencing domestic violence
• Couples with a history of spousal abuse in their marriage
• Marriages with a power imbalance, financially or otherwise
• Excessive hostility, such as one spouse blaming the other for the divorce

While divorce is never easy, our firm empowers couples to exercise their agency by thoroughly reviewing the legal options available to them. We offer compassionate counsel to help our clients choose the best path to divorce for their unique circumstances. 

Skilled Representation for Polk County Families 

Advocate Law Firm, P.A. is a certified mediator with over 20 years of legal experience. Our team has represented Bartow families in various family law matters, from adoptions to same-sex divorces. We understand the sensitive nature of family disputes, which is why our team is dedicated to providing the sound counsel your family needs and deserves. Our knowledgeable attorneys can help you navigate the legal intricacies of family court to make the proceedings as stress-free as possible, empowering you to move forward and take back your life. 

Our family lawyers offer reliable representation for divorcing couples in Bartow, Lakeland, and beyond. Call (863) 644-5566 to schedule a free consultation.