Is Divorce Mediation Better Than Litigation In Florida?

In the best interests of you and your children, you have decided to legally separate from your spouse. Thus far, the proceedings have not descended into acrimony and you would like to keep it that way if you can help it. But how do you do so? One way to divorce peacefully is to engage the services of a divorce mediator. If you need assistance determining if that is in your best interests, please read on, then contact an experienced Pensacola divorce lawyer to learn if divorce mediation is better than litigation in Florida.

How much does it cost to hire a divorce mediator in Florida?

Florida law sets the cost for court-connected mediation: $60 per person for each session when a couple’s annual income is less than $50,000 or $120 per person for each session when the combined income is more than $50,000 but less than $100,000. Conversely, the cost of divorce litigation in the Sunshine State can range from $5,000 to $30,000. If children are involved, the average cost is $13,500, but it may exceed $20,000. The state of Florida has no limit to the potential expenses you might incur.

What happens during divorce mediation and what are its benefits?

Mediation occurs when you and your spouse elect a neutral person, i.e. the mediator, to discuss openly the issues involved in the divorce such as custody of the children and parenting time, child support, division and distribution of the marital property, and alimony. The sessions usually last two hours. After the initial session, the couple attends three to eight one-and-a-half- to two-hour sessions in which the mediator will guide them to make their own decisions on how they wish to end their marriage.

By choosing divorce mediation instead of litigation, you increase the likelihood of a peaceful divorce. Such peaceful divorces offer the following benefits:

• Calmly discussing and deciding the terms of the divorce
• Divorcing without setting foot in court
• Keeping the costs of divorce as low as possible

How can a Pensacola family law attorney help you?

As we have laid out, employing a divorce mediator can spare you from losing precious time and money. It can also prevent an undue rise in stress. If you think that you and your spouse can separate on more or less pleasant terms, then you should reach out to a skilled Pensacola family law attorney to discuss what you should do next. Our firm will inform you of your rights and responsibilities in this matter, as well as provide guidance as to the best course of conduct. Do not let yourself be unhappy. Give us a call today.

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED PENSACOLA FIRM

For decades, the Law Office of James M. Burns has helped countless people through a wide array of legal issues, including those involving criminal law, family law, personal injury law, and will & probate law. If require the assistance of a competent legal team that can effectively guide you through each phase of your legal matter, you’ve come to the right place. Contact the Law Office of James M. Burns today to schedule your initial consultation.