Jacksonville Mediation Lawyer

Helping You Make Divorce Affordable and Amicable

When you come to Charles E. Willmott, P.A. for help with your divorce, you can benefit from the fact that I am not only a Board Certified Jacksonville divorce attorney, but have also been a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law mediator since 1999. What does this mean for you? It means that, if you and your spouse are willing to work together to reach a compromise on the issues involved in your divorce, I can help you pursue a swift and amicable uncontested divorce which minimizes the stress and expenses involved in legally ending your marriage.

Ready to get started? Contact the firm today!

Advantages of Mediation

Mediation does not depend on you and your spouse already agreeing on how to settle your divorce, but it does require that you are both willing to engage in respectful and constructive communication and can work together to settle the case outside of court.

When facing a legal dispute, it's important to consider alternative methods of resolution that can save you time, money, and emotional stress. Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process where a neutral third party, known as a mediator, helps parties in conflict reach a mutually acceptable agreement. At Charles E. Willmott, P.A., we offer professional mediation services in Jacksonville, FL, to help individuals and businesses resolve their legal disputes peacefully and efficiently.

Benefits of choosing mediation include:

• Cost savings: Mediation is generally more cost-effective than litigation, as it eliminates the need for lengthy court proceedings and attorney fees.
• Time efficiency: Mediation allows parties to resolve their disputes faster than traditional court processes, which can take months or even years.
• Preservation of relationships: Mediation promotes open communication and collaboration, helping parties maintain a more amicable relationship after the dispute is resolved.
• Control over the outcome: Unlike court rulings, mediation allows parties to have a say in the final resolution, ensuring that their needs and interests are taken into account.
• Confidentiality: Mediation proceedings are confidential, providing a safe and private environment for parties to discuss sensitive matters.

Mediation can be especially beneficial for divorcing parents, since they commonly learn new skills of communication and establish frameworks for discussion while avoiding arguments in the negotiation process. This can make the transition amicable, as both parents understand ways of communicating effectively in regards to their children.

Whether you're dealing with a divorce, business dispute, or any other legal conflict, our experienced Jacksonville mediation lawyer is dedicated to helping you find a fair and satisfactory resolution. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore how mediation can benefit your specific situation.

Understanding Divorce Mediation

The divorce courts in Jacksonville and throughout the state require couples to attend mediation before the judge will hear their case, unless they come to court with a settlement agreement already worked out. Mediation as an alternative dispute resolution approach for settling a divorce is different from the traditional image.

Some issues that are discussed in the mediation process include:

• Child custody
• Child support
• Property division
• Alimony

Instead of having your own legal representation and entering the courtroom for a heated and often drawn-out battle over issues, you and your spouse come to the negotiating table with the purpose of reaching a mutually beneficial set of agreements on the issues involved in the divorce.

How to Prepare for Mediation

Mediation is a process that spouses enter to work through conflicts related to legal issues such as divorce or other family matters. This alternative solution can be beneficial as the couples settle concerns and issues outside the courtroom. Should conflicts arise or tempers flare, the mediator will intervene and guide discussions so that both spouses can remain calm and focus on the issues on hand. Here is what you can do to prepare for your session.

• Make a list of your top concerns and issues – while you may have a long list of things to say, it would be better suited to have a short list of your top priorities.
• Avoid any “blame statements” – expressing your frustration is natural and normal. Present your case as informative as possible. By this manner, you are addressing the problem and not the blame. The most effective way to get your point across is that you should refrain your emotions from being the focus of the statement. As an example, saying “this is your fault” can create the other person to be defensive and uncooperative.
• Be open minded – both participants should remain open to new ideas for a better solution. Each person should be willing to understand each other’s needs and work together to find a compromise.

In cases where the parties have an ongoing relationship, parties may focus on their respective values and communication styles. The mediator will work with the parties to determine what kinds of discussions appear to offer the best prospects for settlement.

Retain a Seasoned Jacksonville Mediation Lawyer

It is important to understand that the divorce mediator is present as an entirely neutral third party. The purpose of the mediator is to facilitate discussions between you and your spouse and to help keep the environment amicable. While he or she may help to clarify legal issues, the mediator may not advise or advocate for either spouse.

The mediator also cannot represent you in court at your final divorce hearing. Mediation is not the ideal solution for every couple, but when it is the best approach it can often make the divorce faster, more affordable, and far less stressful for everyone involved. I can provide the skilled mediation counsel so you and your spouse can move forward amicably through this process.

To learn more about Florida divorce mediation and to begin working on your own case, contact Charles E. Willmott, P.A. now for an initial consultation.