Mediation

Q: Are Mediation And Arbitration The Same Thing?

No. They are different.Both arbitration and mediation are considered alternative dispute resolution methods. However, arbitration is more formal and has more rules and procedures than mediation.Arbitration is more like “court-lite.” Where an Arbitrator will conduct the arbitration, hear evidence, and render a decision which may or may not be binding.

Divorce Mediation

Orlando

You need a divorce and don’t want to spend a fortune.

We can help you achieve your goals for your divorce through our mediation services. Whether you want to minimize harm to your children, secure your financial future, or maintain an amicable relationship with the other parent of your children, we can help you.

A Smarter Way Through Divorce

Not every case needs to become a fight. We help you explore resolution where possible—and prepare you when it’s not.

How It Works

What Is A Divorce Mediator?

A Mediator is a neutral professional who will help you communicate about your conflict or dispute in a way that helps resolve the problems. Your mediator will not make any decisions for you like a court judge. They will not advocate for you or anyone else involved in your conflict. In other words, they don’t take sides.

Leap Frog Divorce mediators are licensed Florida attorneys and Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediators. Two of our mediators have a post doctorate degree in dispute resolution from the world-renowned Straus Institute at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law. All of our mediators have a passion for helping people and look forward to helping you.

What Types Of Divorce Mediators Are There?

Mediators come from all industries and backgrounds. Here is an incomplete list with some examples:

Lawyer mediator
Former judge mediator
Therapist mediator
Financial mediator
Construction contractor mediator
Student volunteer mediators
Doctor mediators
School teacher mediators

The list could go on and on with as many industries represented as you can think of.

What Are Divorce Mediation Benefits?

Divorce mediation has the following benefits:

Saves money
Saves time
It is flexible to your schedule
Less stressful
You keep the power to make decisions
You decide what you will accept in settlement
It can preserve relationships
It is private and confidential

What Does Divorce Mediation Look Like?

The details of the mediation process will likely be different from mediator to mediator. However, these are typically informal negotiations between all of the parties involved in the case.

For example, some mediations take place in a private office. Others may happen in a courtroom or even a virtual conference.

At Leap Frog Divorce, we host these sessions over Zoom, which allows all participants to be in a familiar, comfortable space. (It also avoids a downtown parking fee!)

During the mediation, the two of you will discuss the various topics related to your case in order to reach a mutually agreeable solution. In most cases, this involves dividing your assets and debts, developing a child visitation schedule, and discussing alimony payments.

If you have gone through mediation before, you know that the process is designed to minimize conflict as much as possible. You may also know that this is rarely what happens!

At Leap Frog Divorce, you have the option of having a single mediator or co-mediators. Both have their benefits and we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us to explore what might be best for you. Our mediators are fully trained and experienced in conflict resolution, so you can rest easy knowing your mediation will be conducted in a way that supports open communication, civility, and dignity for everyone at the table.

Does Divorce Mediation Work?

Mediation is successful much of the time with about 86% of all cases being settled. Whether a mediation is “successful” depends on how you define success.

At Leap Frog Divorce, our definition of mediation success includes one or more of the following:

Only 5% of civil cases go to trial while 95% of civil cases settle before trial. Mediation has a substantial impact on the high percentage of cases settling before trial.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce Mediation

What Does Divorce Mediation Cost?

It depends on who you hire as your mediator. Mediators come from various professional backgrounds and have different skills, education, experience, and expertise. In Florida, mediator hourly fees are generally between $150 and $500.

Although we did have a client who selected a $1000 per hour mediator for his case!

Compared to litigation and the normal back and forth of negotiations over the phone or Email, mediation can save a lot of time and money.

Is Divorce Mediation New?

No. It has been around since the 1970s and has been successfully used around the world for over 50 years.

Is Divorce Mediation Required?

In Orlando, every family law case is required to mediate before you can have a hearing on temporary custody or support, and before you can go to trial. Trials are uncertain and expensive and should be avoided if possible or used as a last resort.

When Should You Mediate?

As soon as possible or as early as possible in your conflict. The earlier you can begin talking and negotiating with the people you are in conflict with the better.

How Many Times Can You Mediate?

As many times as you need to in order to reach a settlement. There are no restrictions on the number of mediations you can have.

Are Mediation And Arbitration The Same Thing?

No. They are different.

Both arbitration and mediation are considered alternative dispute resolution methods. However, arbitration is more formal and has more rules and procedures than mediation.

Arbitration is more like “court-lite.” Where an Arbitrator will conduct the arbitration, hear evidence, and render a decision which may or may not be binding.

Our Team

Meet Your Leap Frog Divorce Team

A.J. Grossman

Attorney at Law • Certified Family Mediator

Kiki Grossman

Lead Conflict Resolution Specialist • Attorney at Law

Banda Nadeau

Attorney at Law • Certified Family Mediator

April Phillips

Litigation & Trial Paralegal • Certified Guardian Ad Litem

Brett Castro

FRP, Discovery Specialist

Yarissa Castillo

Paralegal

Brianna Hendricks

Legal Assistant

Let’s Start Moving Forward

Contact an Experienced Orlando Divorce Mediator Today

Resolving disputes can be complicated. It is important to have a guide who can help you talk about what matters most to you in a way that leads to settlement. Having a great mediator who focuses their practice 100% on family law and divorce is essential because you need a professional who understands everything about divorce. The anger, the fear, the betrayal, and the anxiety about your financial future.

Divorce and divorce-related situations is all we do here at Leap Frog Divorce. We’re ready to help you today, and we have supportive options.

Call us today at 407-377-7108 or send us a message. Just let us know what you need help with, and we will contact you quickly!