Frequently Asked Questions

The length of a mediation session can depend on the complexity of the case and level of amicability between parties. Many mediations can be completed in 4 - 8 hours. Family Bridge Mediation offers mediation sessions that allow for up to 8 hours for a flat fee. If additional time is needed past the 8 hours, parties are welcome to book additional time,

Both parties in the marriage participate in the mediation at the same time. Parties can choose to meet with their mediator in one room or separate breakout rooms. Parties may also bring along legal counsel to advise them of their rights during the session. Because mediation sessions are strictly confidential, there is not typically any other individuals involved in a mediation session. If a husband / wife wanted to invite an additional person, both parties would need to explicitly agree. 

 Family Bridge Mediation offers upfront, transparent, pricing for mediation sessions. Please view our "Transparent Pricing" page under the "What to Expect" tab of our site. 

Typically each party pays one half of the mediation cost, unless otherwise explicitly agreed upon before the mediation session begins. 

Mediation sessions can be scheduled based on the parties availability. Mediations are scheduled for a full day or half day, based on the complexity of the case and amicability of the parties. 

Mediation can occur virtually (via Zoom) for parties located anywhere in Florida. Mediations can also be scheduled at our shared Central Florida office location in Winter Park, FL. 

While mediation is (in almost all cases) tried as a first attempt to resolve divorce disputes and develop an agreement amongst the parties, there are times when divorce mediation may be contraindicated. If there are safety concerns, especially a documented history of domestic violence, divorce mediation may need to be conducted with extra precautions and / or in a virtual environment. 

A full list of what information and documentation is needed can be found on the "Preparing for Mediation" page, under the "What to expect" tab of our site. This checklist is also emailed directly to all parties after a mediation session is scheduled. Financial information, including banking information, assets, etc., is the primary documentation that parties need to gather to be fully prepared. Parties should also have a prepared list of goals and tentative wishes / wants for their family's future in order to have the most effective mediation session possible. 

The primary benefits to choosing mediation over litigation are lower cost, a faster divorce process, and less stress during the process.  Whenever possible, couples are encouraged to work collaboratively to develop a family agreement during mediation sessions versus requiring a litigious trial where a judge will make the final judgement of your family's future. 

Mediators are strictly forbidden to give legal advice during a mediation session, even mediators who have practiced law prior to conducting mediations. Parties are welcome to bring legal counsel with them to a mediation session for legal advice during the proceedings, or to consult with legal experts before / after mediation session. 

Both divorcing parties will simultaneously attend the mediation session. If the relationship between parties is tumultuous then the mediator can use break-out rooms to speak with the parties separately and facilitate an agreement. If parties retain legal counsel they are also permitted to bring their attorney to the mediation session. Other individuals in the family unit are not typically permitted to attend a mediation session unless it has been explicitly discussed and agreed upon beforehand. 

While parties are invited to attend mediation sessions with legal representation it is not required to bring a lawyer to mediation. All parties who have questions about their legal rights during divorce proceedings are recommended to seek legal counsel before and during the mediation process. 

Your mediator will most typically provide the Marital Settlement Agreement (otherwise called Mediation Agreement) and the Parenting Plan directly to the parties and/or their legal counsel for review and filing with the court. Family Bridge Mediation does provide preparation of full court paperwork packet for an additional fee. 

In almost all cases if an agreement is reached the written Mediation Agreement, and Parenting Plan, is available at the end of the mediation session to be dispersed to parties and any legal counsel for review and filing. In some circumstances where additional attention or editing is needed it may take up to 24 business hours to receive the written agreement. 

If parties need additional time at the end of a mediation session, an additional session can be scheduled. If parties are at an impasse and an agreement cannot be reached, parties will be scheduled for a trial with their local circuit court and the parties (and their applicable legal counsel) will present their positions to the presiding judge who will make a final decision in the case. 

Mediation can occur in a variety of ways. Mediation can be conducted in person or virtually. Mediation is meant to be a non-adversarial process where parties communicate their wishes for their family's future in a cooperative environment. Mediators help facilitate conversations between the parties and help them reach an agreement on division of assets / liabilities as well as plans for parenting and child support.