Divorce Mediation by the Hour
If you’re interested in mediation for your divorce but don’t want to retain a lawyer’s full (and potentially pricey) services, we’re here to help.
Untying the Knot offers a five-hour mediation package, as well as pay-by-the-hour mediation. These services include assistance with all the paperwork required to file and see the divorce through final judgment.
No matter how you approach it, divorce is difficult. We can’t necessarily make your separation less painful, but we can streamline it through productive mediation sessions.
Spend less time dealing with court proceedings and more time moving forward with your new life. Reach out to learn more about mediation by the hour today.
$250 per hour
$3,500 for five-hour package
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR MEDIATION PACKAGE
Our mediation package includes comprehensive assistance with all necessary paperwork for your divorce. Whether you booked the five-hour allotment or are paying by the hour, you’ll have the chance to meet with a divorce mediation lawyer via phone or video call.
You have questions, and we have answers. In fact, many of us have even been in your exact shoes, and we’ll cut the legal jargon so you understand exactly what’s happening throughout the mediation process.
THINGS WE CAN DISCUSS IN MEDIATION
Child Custody & Visitation
Parenting plans are often a big topic during mediation. We’ll discuss appropriate childcare schedules and responsibilities.
Division of Assets & Debts
Your divorce mediation lawyer will help you explore how your marital property (such as real estate, investments, and debts) will be split.
Alimony (Spousal Support)
During our sessions, we can determine if spousal support is necessary and agree on a fair amount and duration.
Child Support Payments
Mediation offers a place for productive discussion concerning financial support for your children.
BENEFITS OF OUR DIVORCE MEDIATION PACKAGE
We get it – retaining a lawyer for your divorce proceedings can be expensive, especially if things get drawn out.
At Untying the Knot, our mediation services offer a more efficient and affordable way to separate – without the complications of court scheduling and extra procedural requirements.
Both our hour-by-hour and five-hour mediation arrangements are designed to be…
- Cost-effective
- Less stressful
- Save you time
- Protect your privacy
- Encourage clear communication
- Maintains your relationship
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What will happen in your first mediation meeting?
In your first divorce mediation meeting, you and your spouse will meet with a mediation lawyer who acts as a neutral third party. The mediator will explain the mediation process, its benefits, and the ground rules for communication and behavior during sessions.
During this session, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your goals and concerns regarding the divorce. Your mediation lawyer may also outline the topics that need to be addressed, such as child custody, division of assets, and support payments.
In short, this initial meeting sets the stage for open communication and collaborative problem-solving, aiming to help you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse reach mutually acceptable agreements without resorting to lengthy court battles.
Q2. What questions do divorce mediation lawyers usually ask?
Divorce mediation lawyers typically ask questions aimed at understanding your perspective on key issues such as…
- Children and pets
- Parental relocation
- Time-sharing
- Financial disclosures
- Division of property
Your attorney may also inquire about your goals for the mediation process, any concerns or fears regarding the divorce proceedings, and your preferred outcomes. They will also gather information on financial matters, including income, expenses, and assets, to facilitate fair negotiations.
Remember, we’re on your side. The more information we have, the more successfully we can pursue a fair, expedient outcome for your divorce.
Q3. Do you negotiate in mediation?
Absolutely. Negotiation is a central component of effective divorce mediation.
During mediation sessions, you and your spouse (with the guidance of a mediation lawyer) will engage in discussions toward mutually acceptable agreements on various divorce-related issues.
This includes negotiating terms related to child custody and visitation schedules, division of marital property and debts, spousal support, and other financial matters. The mediator facilitates these negotiations by helping to clarify interests, exploring alternative solutions, and promoting open communication.
Successful negotiation in mediation can lead to comprehensive and customized agreements that address your specific needs and prioritize the well-being of any children involved.
Q4. What are the five stages of mediation in Florida?
In Florida, divorce mediation generally follows five stages:
- Introductory Stage: The mediator introduces themselves and explains the mediation process, confidentiality rules, and the roles of each participant.
- Information Gathering Stage: Both parties share their perspectives and concerns regarding the issues to be mediated, such as child custody, division of assets, and support payments.
- Problem Identification Stage: The mediation lawyer helps identify the underlying issues and interests of each party to uncover common ground and areas of disagreement.
- Negotiation Stage: Parties engage in collaborative negotiation facilitated by the mediator to explore options and reach agreements that satisfy both sides.
- Conclusion Stage: Once agreements are reached, the mediator drafts a settlement agreement summarizing the terms. Parties review and, if acceptable, sign the agreement, which may then be submitted to the court for approval and incorporation into the final divorce decree.
These stages are designed to promote constructive dialogue and enable parties to resolve disputes amicably and efficiently.
How long does it take for a divorce to be final after mediation ends?
The timeline depends on several factors, including the complexity of the issues involved, court processing times, and whether the parties have reached agreements on all divorce-related matters during mediation.
In Florida, once mediation concludes and agreements are reached, the mediator typically drafts a settlement agreement outlining the terms. If both parties approve the agreement, it is submitted to the court for review and approval. The court then incorporates the terms of the agreement into a final divorce decree.
The entire process, from the end of mediation to the finalization of the divorce, can take several weeks to a few months, depending on court scheduling and any additional requirements specific to your case.