In the state of Florida, mediation is a requirement before the court can rule on the various important issues in your divorce.
Such issues include property distribution, alimony, child support and your parenting plan. Prepare well, and organize your thoughts ahead of time.
Learning how it works
Mediation is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution with the goal being to reach a divorce agreement satisfactory to both parties. Communication is key. You and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse will sit with a trained mediator, a neutral third party whose job is to offer guidance as you work toward creating your agreement. Mediation is a private process that can reduce the stress and anger of litigation, and the mediator will ensure that communication between the two of you is respectful and productive.
Making useful notes
The well-being of your children is top priority. Compared with traditional divorce in court, participants find that mediation is much less stressful for everyone, especially the children. The parenting plan you develop will address matters that cover all parenting plan elements, including:
- Custody and the visitation schedule
- Plans for the transition between homes
- Decision-making responsibilities
- Visits during holidays and vacation periods
- Communication details
- Daily decisions, such as discipline, chores and allowance
- Decisions for medical and dental care
Putting your thoughts down on paper will help you remember points that you want to bring up about the parenting plan as you approach your mediation sessions.
Coming to an agreement
If you and your spouse can work as a team to produce a satisfactory divorce agreement, you will save time, money and considerable anxiety. Once you sign the agreement, all that remains to do is present it to the court. The judge will sign off on it, thereby finalizing your divorce. With that done, you are ready to take up your parenting plan in earnest and help your children transition to a new chapter in their lives.
