Divorce Mediation Lawyer in Orlando, FL

Name: Mediation
Brand: O’Mara Law Group
Rating: 4.5 (71 reviews)

It is common for spouses to disagree on divorce terms when a marriage ends. Some issues in contention are child custody, child support, parenting plans, division of assets, and alimony. These issues can complicate divorce, resulting in needless frustration and wasted resources. The skilled divorce mediation lawyers in Orlando at the O’Mara Law Group are here to ensure you are well-represented at the mediation table and in court. Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential consultation.

Divorce Mediation Overview

Understanding Divorce Mediation Is Mediation Required Divorce Mediation Benefits How Attorneys Help Why Choose O'Mara Law Group FAQs

Resolving Divorce Outside Court: Mediation Lawyer in Orlando

When marriages end, separating spouses may disagree about property division, spousal support, and child custody. Emotions can run high, complicating the divorce process in court and during mediation. When a divorce is not amicable, one or both parties may feel misunderstood, making it difficult to reach an agreement. That is where the mediation attorneys in Orlando at O’Mara Law Group can help. We listen to your story with compassion and can ensure your rights and interests are protected by the experienced legal representation you deserve. We are ready to evaluate your situation and help you present the best possible case, whether in court or in mediation. Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential consultation with a skilled Orlando divorce lawyer.

What Is Divorce Mediation?

Mediation is meant to provide a non-adversarial setting to resolve legal disputes, including those involved in divorce. In a divorce mediation, a neutral third party known as the mediator helps separating spouses express their desires, voice their concerns, and ultimately come up with a mutually satisfactory solution to any issues involved in the dissolution of their marriage. Essentially, the mediator provides guidance in the discussion to assist the former marriage partners in coming to an agreeable post-marriage arrangement.

Resolve Complex Divorce Issues through Mediation in Orlando

Mediation is less contentious than litigating a marriage dissolution in court, allowing both parties to work out their differences in a less charged atmosphere. Our mediation attorneys in Orlando bring exceptional knowledge of the laws governing divorce. This expertise means they are well-equipped to help the parties resolve even the most complex problems.

Further, because a full-fledged divorce trial in court can become expensive and dig into marital assets, mediation can also serve as a worthwhile cost-saving alternative. Our legal team has extensive experience handling divorces in court and mediation. Let us put that experience to work for you.

Is Mediation Required in Florida?

The legal system strongly encourages mediation when handling civil disputes, including divorce cases. Mediation helps reduce the number of divorces that an overburdened court system has to handle. It also encourages parties to find as amicable an arrangement as possible for their lives after divorce. Though mediation is not always required, judges often order divorcing spouses to attend mandatory mediation before proceeding further in court.

In some cases, divorcing spouses may resent being forced to mediate their case. However, it is worth remembering that a successful mediation can save high costs that would otherwise cut into marital assets. At the O’Mara Law Group, our divorce mediation lawyers in Orlando work closely with our clients to secure the best possible result. We are ready to do the same for you in mediation or court.

What Are the Benefits of Divorce Mediation?

Mediation has become popular in recent decades as a form of “alternative dispute resolution,” also known as ADR. Again, mediation offers multiple benefits when compared to traditional litigation in court. This section explores a few of those benefits.

1. Timing

Sadly, the court system in Florida and many other states has more cases filed than they can realistically handle promptly. Divorcing spouses can wait many weeks and months to finalize their divorce in court. Mediation provides a more flexible alternative, allowing you to schedule a convenient time to sit down with a mediator rather than let your case languish on a court docket.

Further, there is less pressure to resolve all issues in one sitting, as you can schedule a follow-up appointment with the mediator more quickly than you can schedule a hearing with a court. Further, there are fewer deadlines to worry about. For these reasons, a successful mediation can reduce complications and significantly speed up the timeline of your divorce.

2. Cost

Not only are divorce trials time-consuming, but they can also be costly. These two considerations generally go hand in hand. Mediation may be an attractive alternative simply because it can significantly reduce the cost of your divorce. If a divorcing couple works out most of their differences in mediation, the final hearing in court will take place to work out any remaining issues and finalize their out-of-court agreements.

3. Confidentiality

Many people forget that court proceedings and divorce decrees are usually public records. During mediation, the negotiations are entirely confidential. For many divorcing couples, this discretion is valuable. The issues in a divorce are incredibly personal. Mediation provides a safer space for spouses to discuss the critical issues in a divorce instead of airing these private issues in open court.

4. Freedom To Make Decisions

If spouses cannot develop solutions to resolve their differences, key issues will be left for a judge to decide. The result can be difficult to predict and cannot be guaranteed. Mediation is an excellent way to take matters back into your own hands. Where a judge would be forced to apply rigid standards required by law, mediation allows divorcing spouses to come up with more flexible and workable solutions among themselves.

Real Client Testimonial

For the second time I trusted Mark and his team to help me in my most difficult times. Words can’t explain how grateful I am for this firm. Thank you all, I’m forever thankful.

M.R.

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Do You Need a Lawyer in Divorce Mediation?

Strictly speaking, no. Practically speaking, absolutely yes. There are many reasons why hiring a mediation attorney in Orlando from the O’Mara Law Group to help you in mediation is a prudent alternative to taking it on alone.

Legal Expertise: First and foremost, our family and divorce lawyers deeply understand Florida’s governing law. Trying to make sense of substantive law and civil procedure while applying it to their case is unrealistic for most people. Attempting to do so can seriously compromise your legal rights and options. Once the damage is done, it may be irreversible.
Professional Objectivity: Second, most divorce cases can be very emotionally charged. Our compassionate team of attorneys is here to hear your story and work closely with you to pursue your desired outcome. That said, as seasoned professionals, we can also take an objective look at the facts of your case and how they interact with the governing law. This professional outlook empowers us to create an effective legal strategy to achieve the best results possible. As your counselors at law, you can count on us to handle your case with utmost care and provide honest feedback.
Legal Paperwork: Third, our Orlando divorce mediation lawyers are ready to handle the significant paperwork inherent to legal cases, both in court and in mediation. We have decades of experience handling divorce cases on behalf of our clients, and we guarantee that yours will be handled professionally. We find this approach yields the best results for our clients.
Effective Representation: Finally, mediation is meant to be a flexible alternative to a court trial. However, it is still best to have a legal professional evaluate your situation to craft the strongest arguments possible. Our role as attorneys involves two steps: (1) work closely with our clients to understand their goals and (2) develop an effective legal strategy to achieve those goals.

Why Choose the Orlando Mediation Attorneys at O’Mara Law Group?

The Orlando mediation attorneys at O’Mara Law Group have the skills and experience to handle even the most complex divorce cases. We offer personalized legal counsel and top-quality legal services. When working with our all-star team of family law and divorce attorneys, you can be confident that the mediation is being handled by the best of the best.

Mark O’Mara: Founding partner Mark O’Mara has over 40 years of experience as a Florida divorce and family lawyer. He is certified as a Supreme Court Family Mediator and Circuit Civil Mediator. He serves as President of the Central Florida Family Law American Inn of Court.
Bert Barclay: Attorney Bert Barclayis also Board Certified in Marital and Family Law in Florida. He is a highly experienced and respected family law and criminal defense attorney, and a well-known figure in Central Florida courtrooms, representing clients for over 35 years.

Our experienced team of Orlando divorce mediation attorneys is committed to helping our clients find the best path forward to life after marriage. We understand that divorces can be extremely difficult for our clients and their families. We are here to help.

Divorce Mediation FAQs

Why do Florida courts encourage divorce mediation?

Florida courts encourage divorce mediation because it helps couples resolve disputes without going to trial, saving time, reducing costs, and allowing both parties more control over the outcome. It is often required before a case can move forward in court.

Can mediation still work if communication is difficult?

Yes. Our mediation attorneys in Orlando often see mediation succeed even in high-conflict cases. A neutral mediator helps guide discussions, reduce tension, and keep both sides focused on resolving issues rather than escalating them.

Do I still have to go to court if mediation is successful?

Yes, but only to finalize the agreement. Once terms are reached, they are submitted to the court for approval and become part of the final divorce order. O’Mara Law Group can help ensure your agreement is properly drafted and protects your rights.

How long does divorce mediation usually take in Florida?

It depends on the complexity of the issues and how willing both sides are to compromise. Some cases resolve in a single session, while others may take multiple meetings before an agreement is reached.

What if my spouse refuses to be reasonable in mediation?

Our mediation lawyers in Orlando prepare clients for this possibility. If one party refuses to negotiate in good faith, mediation may not fully resolve the case, and the remaining issues will proceed through the court system for a judge to decide.

Our Divorce Mediation Attorneys Are Here for You

Handling a divorce, whether in trial or mediation, can be difficult without help. The best way to ensure you know your full legal rights and options is to work closely with a skilled divorce attorney. The stakes can be high, and the wrong decision can result in unnecessary expenses and a divorce decree that falls far short of your desired outcome. The divorce mediation attorneys in Orlando at the O’Mara Law Group have the skills and experience to handle your case from start to finish. Reach out today to learn more in a free consultation.