Palm Beach County Family Law Mediation and Collaborative Divorce Attorneys

Whittel & Melton, LLC
3700 Airport Road #303
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Phone: (561) 367-8777

Generally speaking, mediation is an informal, voluntary process where a mediator--who is trained in negotiation techniques-- assists the parties to reach a consensus. Mediation is different from litigation in that the mediator does not impose a solution, but rather guides the parties to find common ground. The benefit of mediated agreements in divorce cases is that since divorces often involve unique solutions involving families and children, a mediation can address these specific issues and yield unique solutions. In addition, mediation is generally more cost-effective than litigation.

Most Florida Divorces involve mediation. While it is not required that the parties are represented by an attorney at mediation, it is highly advisable.

Mediation is non-binding unless both parties agree to a settlement-- but that doesn’t mean that you should go to a mediation without legal representation. Without counsel, there is no one to look out for your rights in a mediation and there is no way for you to know what you are entitled to under the law. It is not the mediator’s responsibility to protect your interests, as their main objective to get the parties to agree on a resolution.

This is where the attorneys at Whittel and Melton can help. Our divorce attorneys have handled divorce cases in litigation and in mediation throughout Palm Beach County, including cases involving clients in Boca Raton and West Palm Beach.

Under Florida Law, what is said in mediation is confidential and cannot be used in court as evidence at a later time,--unless both parties agree it can be used. There are three exceptions to this rule: when there are allegations of child abuse, allegations of elder abuse or if there are statements made that show an intent to commit a violent crime. These circumstances trigger a mediator’s requirement to report these types of statements to the proper authorities.

The Collaborative Divorce Attorneys at Whittel & Melton are committed to finding creative solutions to our clients’ divorce problems and helping them efficiently use their resources.

Collaborative Divorce is a method of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in Florida Family Law. The parties voluntarily enter into an agreement and commit to resolve all divorce issues through cooperation and negotiation and agree not to litigate. It is akin to a pre-suit mediation and is geared to resolution of issues prior to the lengthy litigation process. One of the benefits of Collaborative Divorce is that there is a team of professionals—attorneys, a neutral facilitator and a neutral financial professional—to assist the parties in reaching a resolution to their dispute. During a series of conferences, the parties work together toward a negotiated settlement. Avoiding litigation saves the parties time and financial resources.

If you are thinking about divorce or are in the midst of a divorce please contact us at (561) 367-8777 or online to discuss your case. Our Palm Beach County Family Law Mediation Attorneys are here to help you through this difficult time.