As difficult as any family legal issue can be, not all of them lead to bitter, contentious court battles. In fact, many disputes can be resolved by the parties involved long before any court hearing. If you are dealing with a problem stemming from divorce, child custody, or child support, you should know that you have the option to pursue more peaceful ways of finding a resolution.
One alternative might include mediation. This may be an option for people who are willing and able to negotiate resolutions with the help of a neutral party. Generally speaking, this can be one of the most amicable ways to resolve family law disputes.
During mediation, a mediator helps both parties discuss the issue and identify potential resolutions. Even in the most peaceful splits, there can be disagreements and the mediator is there to help people manage expectations and find creative, effective ways to solve a problem. They can help keep discussions in perspective, on topic, and moving forward.
In accordance with Florida state laws, there are a number of rules and guidelines that must be observed when it comes to mediation. For instance, statutes are in place to define how and when mediation ends, which communications are considered confidential, and how the cost of mediation will be handled.
While there are these rules and guidelines to follow, the solutions themselves will largely be left up to the people involved in the dispute. This can be of great comfort to people who want to have more control over how these matters are settled and don’t want to leave it up to a judge or arbitrator who is not as familiar with the details of a particular case.
If you are hesitant about addressing legal matters because you are scared or intimidated by the concept of litigation, you should understand that mediation — and arbitration — can be effective alternatives. Discussing these options with an attorney can help you make an informed decision about how you may want to proceed.