Tampa Mediation Attorney
Mediation in a family law case can allow the parties to reach a resolution without needing to go through the litigation process. Depending on the specific county in which you will be filing for divorce or going through a child custody case and other factors in your divorce, mediation can be voluntary or court-ordered. In Hillsborough County, where Tampa is located, a judge may order mediation, or you can voluntarily request to go through mediation for your case. Ultimately, if the parties cannot resolve their dispute through mediation, a judge can hear both sides of the case and can issue a court order that decides the matter, whether it is a divorce dispute, a child custody case, or another issue in family law. Contact our experienced Tampa mediation attorney today to find out more about how mediation could be right for you.
What is Mediation in Tampa?
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) through which parties who are in dispute about one or more issues can engage in dialogue and communication with one another with the aim of resolving their dispute.
It is important to understand how mediation works. In a family law mediation, there is a neutral third party called the “mediator.” The mediator’s job is not to hear both sides of the case, but rather to facilitate communication between the disputing parties. If the parties are able to resolve their dispute, they can enter into an agreement that can be binding. Yet mediation is never binding if the parties cannot reach an agreement. In such a case, the parties can present their sides to the judge who will consider the relevant factors to issue a decision.
When mediation is court-ordered, it is important to understand that the mediation session is not designed to save your marriage or to encourage you to avoid divorce. Rather, it is a way to resolve existing disputes so that your divorce can occur in a timely and cost-effective manner. For many parties who voluntarily request mediation, they want to move from a contested divorce to an uncontested divorce, which can be possible through mediation.
Benefits of a Tampa Mediation for Family Law
There are a wide range of benefits to family mediation in Florida, including but not limited to the following:
- Spouses can resolve issues in dispute to have an uncontested divorce;
- Save time since the dispute will not need to go through a court hearing before a judge;
- Save money since you will avoid a court hearing;
- Improve communication with your ex, which can be particularly beneficial for parties who share minor children and will be co-parenting after the divorce or separation; and
- Keep private issues outside the public realm, since all mediation proceedings are confidential.
Contact The Law Office of Laura A. Olson, P.A. Today
If you are going through a difficult divorce or have another type of family law dispute, mediation could help you to resolve the issue in a timely and cost-effective manner. Contact our experienced Tampa mediation attorney today for assistance with your case and to find out more about how mediation could benefit you.
