Mediation Informational Videos

So many cases drag along for years because people say they can’t afford an attorney and don’t know what documents they have to file. A private mediator can help you and your ex-partner through this process and potentially save you money!
Heads up! Parenting plans are considered court orders once they’re issued as part of a final divorce decree. You can’t withhold time sharing or make unilateral changes without going back to mediation or through the court.
Many people wonder, what do I need to be prepared to discuss in mediation? Here’s a quick way to remember.
A central theme of family mediation is Self-Determination, which means putting your fate in your OWN hands, not in a judge’s! Going to divorce (aka domestic relations) court is always rolling the dice on how your divorce will unfold. Resolving issues
Did you know you can hire a family mediator before you file for divorce? This has the potential to really speed the process along so you don’t spend years in limbo.
Attorneys are NOT required for divorce mediation, however it’s always a good idea to consult an attorney so you come in as prepared as possible. Pro se, or self-represented, mediations can be productive and save you money.
When I filed for divorce, I didn’t realize that it’s not just a choice between DIY and “lawyering up”. There’s a third option: hire a family mediator. We’re certified by the Florida Supreme Court to create marital settlement agreements, parenting pla
What’s the difference between a contested and uncontested divorce? Uncontested basically means all issues are resolved; contested means there are still issues needing to be resolved. P.S. Mediators can help you with both. Even when issues are resolve
How do judges make decisions in family law cases? They consider factors like precedent, logistics, and most importantly, what’s in the best interest of the child. (Remember, when you go to mediation, the decisions are left to you - not the judge.)
An effective mediator can help relieve tension, not escalate it. Unless there is a serious concern for intimidation or abuse, parties are encouraged to try to negotiate in the same room during mediation, especially if you have children together - bec
Here’s an idea: think of a family mediator as the halfway point between a therapist and an attorney. I’m not here to help you stay together - but I’m not here to fight either. I’m here to help you settle your divorce as amicably as possible.
FYI: In Florida, child support is considered the right of the child. It’s a set calculation based on the number of overnights each parent has, as well as who is paying specific child-related expenses like daycare and insurance. (P.S. A certified fami
What counts as a marital asset? Even if the asset was bought before the marriage, such as a house, it can be considered a marital asset if both spouses contributed a substantial amount to maintain and grow that asset.
Imagine what a relief it would be to have a calm and respectful mediation with your former partner. How would you prepare to come in clear and focused?
When you’re separated, it’s never a good strategy to start overspending so that you end up with less to give the other party in your divorce. If a judge believes that you are wastefully depleting marital funds on non-marital expenses, they can still
When someone going through a divorce is unemployed, or underemployed by choice, you may see a judge impute income to them. This means they’re held responsible for earning a certain amount, which is usually determined based on income potential and pas
Here’s why I love doing mediations virtually: 1. The physical space is always equal 2. The magical mute button 3. The ability to quickly move anyone into separate rooms when needed. For me as the mediator, it’s much easier to maintain a fair and calm
Some divorces are brutally drawn out, expensive, combative, soul-crushing experiences. Other divorces are quick, affordable, mostly amicable starts to a new chapter in life. Which kind of divorce do you want?
Here are some common 50/50 time sharing schedules for co-parents. What works best for you and your kids?

Excerpts from "The Mediator Mindset” CLE Workshop

Here’s a clip from a recent CLE webinar I gave on mediation techniques, with a classic example of the difference between positions (what you want) and interests (why you want it).
What exactly is the role of the mediator? Here’s an excerpt from my webinar “The Mediator Mindset” that explains it.
Two weeks until my free Mediator Mindset workshop! Here’s an excerpt about how mediators focus on the future rather than the past.
My free mediation workshop is one week away, and it counts as Ethics CLE credit for attorneys! In this excerpt, I discuss how to ask questions that set the tone for discussion, not defensiveness.