Nicole Vette is a Florida Family Law Certified Mediator and can help you resolve your family law case quickly. Sometimes this can be done without the unnecessary expenditure of fees on litigation. Mediation is a confidential, neutral and voluntary process where parties involved in a family law dispute attempt to reach agreements on issues. As the mediator, I will assist both parties in exploring options to resolve problems, and will help to provide creative solutions to the points the parties disagree on. Mediation charges are $200 an hour for mediation services or $1,200 flat rate for a full day. When the settlement is reached I assist with the preparation of the parenting plan (if applicable) and mediated marital settlement agreement.

What is mediation? When parties to a marital divorce, child custody dispute or family law matter disagree you can hire a mediator. this is a neutral third party trained in assisting with conflict resolution. When I mediate, I propose creative solutions to help with resolving the dispute. Mediation is a confidential process so that offers and negotiations cannot be disclosed to third parties or to the court. It is a voluntary process and requires both parties to be motivated to reaching resolution. If parties cannot settle then mediation ends. There is no ruling at the end or required outcome. Mediation is a more affordable option as compared to contested litigation. You can use mediation to resolve disputes involved with divorce cases and custody matters. I offer in-person mediation, as well as Zoom mediation.

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) where a neutral third party, known as a mediator, assists the disputing parties in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement. Unlike a judge or arbitrator, the mediator does not impose a decision on the parties. Instead, the mediator facilitates communication, promotes understanding, and helps the parties explore solutions to their conflict.

Key Characteristics of Mediation:

1. Voluntary: Participation in mediation is typically voluntary, though in some cases, courts may order mediation before allowing a case to proceed to trial.

2. Confidential: Mediation sessions are usually confidential, meaning that what is said during mediation cannot be used in court or shared with others outside of the mediation process.

3. Neutrality: The mediator remains neutral and does not take sides or make judgments about who is right or wrong.

4. Controlled by the Parties: The parties retain control over the outcome and any agreement reached. The mediator does not decide the case but helps the parties find common ground.

5. Flexible and Informal: The mediation process is less formal than court proceedings and can be adapted to fit the needs of the parties.

Process of Mediation:

1. Introduction: The mediator explains the process, sets ground rules, and establishes a comfortable and respectful environment.

2. Statement of the Problem: Each party presents their perspective on the dispute without interruption.

3. Information Gathering: The mediator may ask questions to clarify issues and gather more information.

4. Negotiation: The mediator helps the parties communicate, identify interests and priorities, and explore possible solutions.

5. Agreement: If the parties reach a mutually acceptable solution, the mediator helps them draft an agreement, which can be legally binding if formalized in writing.

Benefits of Mediation:

• Cost-effective: Generally, mediation is less expensive than going to court.
• Time-saving: Mediation can be scheduled quickly and resolved faster than litigation.
• Preserves Relationships: Mediation fosters cooperation and communication, which can be important in disputes where parties have ongoing relationships, such as family or business disputes.
• Customized Solutions: The parties can create tailored solutions that better meet their needs compared to a court-imposed judgment.

Mediation is widely used in various contexts, including family law, workplace disputes, commercial conflicts, and community issues.

To schedule mediation contact me at nicole@vettelaw.com or 561-531-9132.