Category Archives: Mediation

Seven Ways Alimony Reform Will Affect Divorcing Couples in Florida

August 16, 2023Child custody, Mediation, Parentingamediate523

The Alimony Reform Bill in Florida, effective July 1, 2023, eliminates permanent alimony and sets clear, definitive guidelines when considering and calculating the amount of alimony in Florida. Before alimony reform passed in Florida alimony, there was no fixed formula. Alimony reform applies to all initial petitions for dissolution of marriage or support unconnected with dissolution of marriage pending or filed on or after July 1, 2023. Alimony, or spousal support, is a legal obligation on a person to provide financial support to their spouse before, during or after divorce. The obligation arises from the divorce laws of each state....Read More

Rule 12.740 Relative to In Person Mediations:

January 4, 2023Mediationamediate523

As we move into 2023, I expect that online mediation will continue to be even more commonplace. As life begins to look a bit more normal, Deborah Beylus and South Florida Mediation Services want you all to be aware of the change in Rule 12.740 relative to in person mediations (amended through November 17, 2022). Every effort must be made to expedite mediation of family issues. Such referral, or written stipulation of the parties, may provide for mediation or arbitration in person, remotely via audio or audio video communication technology, or a combination thereof. https://casetext.com/rule/florida-court-rules/florida-family-law-rules-of-procedure/rule-12740-family-mediation As South Florida Mediation Services...Read More

The Outlook for Mediation in the New World of Covid-19 in 2021

January 29, 2021Mediationamediate523

The unexpected COVID-19 pandemic is transforming how we live and work in ways profound and superficial alike. In light of the crisis, those changes will dramatically shift the way many in the mediation industry function permanently. While many of the sources and causes of disputes and conflict continue, the coronavirus and efforts to contain its spread have led to new and immediate conflicts. Managing workforces becomes more difficult while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Tensions in households have skyrocketed since the pandemic. Small disagreements that would be no big deal in a pre-Covid world is enough to start a major...Read More

Top Ten Must Do’s to Prepare For Divorce Settlement Negotiations

December 16, 2020Divorce, finance, General, Mediationamediate523

There are so many financial and emotional aspects of divorce that have to be balanced that if parties aren’t careful, they can end up in a big mess. As a mediator, cases that settle most smoothly in mediation are those where the parties have done their due diligence and are realistic about settlement. Following these ten tips will help you and your client ensure a more productive mediation to negotiate settlement. Identify the Marital Estate: During the course of the marriage, a couple accumulated assets and liabilities and it must be divided in the divorce. Until your client knows what...Read More

Misconceptions About Mediating Conflict

October 26, 2020Divorce, Mediationamediate523

COVID-19 has wreaked havoc with the judicial dockets, schedules and the entire court system. Mediation has proven to be an especially valuable method of conflict resolution during these trying times. Pandemic restrictions have led to an increase in the number of mediations in Florida and it is expected that online mediations will likely continue long after the pandemic restrictions have been lifted. It is crucial to seek accurate information about how the mediation process works. There are many different mediation misconceptions that are simply not true. While mediation continues to fulfill its promise of being the “wave of the future,”...Read More