Mediation

Providing Divorce Mediation Solutions in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch and Venice, Florida

The more you and your spouse can agree to during your divorce, the less the court is involved

Even if divorce is inevitable, there is an alternative to litigation that allows you and your spouse to reach agreement in a civil, practical, cost-effective and fair way. At the Law Offices of Matthew Z. Martell, P.A., located in Lakewood Ranch, Florida and Sarasota, Florida, we find that clients who are able to settle differences in a non-adversarial way report a higher level of satisfaction with the results. We are there to help by assisting you before and during mediation to help you make informed decisions and the best possible choices.

Frequently asked question about Florida divorce mediation

Mediation has gained in popularity in the last few decades as more and more couples choose to take charge of their own destiny rather than put it exclusively in the hands of the court. Here are some of the questions our divorce mediation clients have asked us about the process.

Q: How does mediation work?
- A: During the initial mediation session, you and your spouse need to identify and discuss with the mediator the issues to be addressed. Since finances are frequently an element, you and your spouse negotiate issues until an agreement is reached.A marital settlement agreement is then created for you, your spouse, and your respective attorneys to review.
Q. How do I know the mediator won’t take sides?
- A. Mediators are ethically and professionally obligated to remain impartial, unbiased and neutral. Their role is to support and encourage parties to make their own decisions.
Q. What issues can be covered in a divorce mediation?
- Almost all issues that would otherwise be litigated can be mediated, including alimony, division of marital property and debts, child support, alimony, the Parenting Plan (which includes parental responsibility and time-sharing), and attorney’s fees and costs. Anything that has to do with your children must be in their best interest, not yours.
Q. Do I need to be represented by a lawyer at mediation?
A. Technically, no, but an attorney who understands mediation will help you know what to expect from the process and how it works with the courts.

Our lawyer, Matthew Z. Martell, is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator. When you work with our Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota law firm, you get a legal team that really understands the mediation process and will make sure that you are well prepared for mediation. As both an attorney and a licensed family law mediator, Attorney Martell drafts a Marital Settlement Agreement that spells out all of the terms and conditions necessary to get your case settled.

Learn more about divorce mediation in Manatee and Sarasota Counties, Florida

Contact us or call our office at (941) 556-7020 to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your case. We take care of your personal needs during mediation and work hard to get your divorce settled out-of-court in a civil, fair, and more cost-effective manner.