For Attorneys
As an attorney, and an advocate for mediation, you’re aware of how family mediation can effectively resolve disputes. Families embroiled in legal disputes are often difficult to resolve without the help of an outside source. With a mediator, families can confidentially discuss the problems through open communication. This allows families to reach a compromise based on different beliefs.
An impartial third party can help all parties see another side of the issues, which is why this component of litigation can be especially effective in resolving family conflict.
As your mediator, I understand the importance of finding the right balance between your client’s legal needs and the need to settle the case in a timely and efficient manner. As an experienced full time mediator with extensive knowledge in financial matters, I can add value to an attorney driven mediation.
While mediation is far more cost effective than traditional litigation, it’s not entirely inexpensive for all. If you combine the cost of the mediator with the hourly cost of the attorney, and along with the value of the parties time away from their own businesses, can add up to an expensive day for your client, and so it’s important to choose a mediator that has a high likelihood of settling the case.
Not all family mediators are created equal.
In making that decision, consider the following:
- The mediator’s experience, especially in family law matters
- The mediator’s training and credentials
- The mediator’s reputation for professionalism, impartiality and competency
Deborah’s mediation experience proves she:
- Has conducted more than 1,000 family law mediations in parenting issues and financial settlements
- Conducts mediations for the 17th Judicial Circuit Court Mediation Department
- Has mediated for the 11th Judicial Circuit Court Mediation Department
- Is knowledgeable of what the courts in South Florida expect to have addressed in a mediation agreement
- Is a Supreme Court Family Certified Mediator
- Has additional training in pro se divorce mediation for when the opposing party Is not represented
- Has experience in financial matters and can identify creative financial solutions in settlement
Deborah’s flexibility:
She provides face-to-face mediation, lawyer-assisted mediation, shuttle mediation where the parents are in two different rooms, and online mediation via Skype on a secure platform (especially useful for out of state parties).
She conducts mediations in her office in Boca Raton, or she will travel to your office or a neutral location at no additional cost
Deborah’s professionalism, understanding and courtesy:
- She is aware of what separated parents are enduring
- She provides a mediation process that puts parents most at ease
- She ensures that any power imbalances between parents do not affect the mediation process or influence its outcome
Deborah’s writing
Deborah provides written agreements that are detailed and precise. She is detail oriented and proficient in financial matters, so you’ll be comfortable that calculations for child support, equitable distribution and other financial issues are done accurately.
Success comes from focusing on three key areas during the mediation process:
When does mediation “not work”
Sometimes mediation wastes time and money because of the antagonistic attitude of one or both of the parties, the timing of the mediation in the discovery process or due to the lack of preparation for mediation by one or both of the parties.
