You can do this! I can help you achieve a sensible pro se mediated divorce. You'll save money and your sanity.
I Can Help You
I am a Florida Supreme Court-Certified divorce mediator dedicated to helping divorcing couples like yourselves negotiate and resolve their differences so that they can get divorced with as little turmoil, cost, and heartache as possible. I have been mediating divorces, both simple and complex, since 1989. I draw on more than 25 years of experience as a lawyer representing both husbands and wives in contentious and difficult divorces. I have developed a reputation for engaging even the most reluctant divorce participants and helping them actively participate in the mediation process to achieve reasoned, enduring outcomes.
I will help you complete the necessary forms and draft an enforceable agreement that accurately reflects the terms of your settlement. I will recommend that a lawyer review the document to provide an independent opinion. This ensures that the written agreement matches your exact understanding. That way, you pay only for the time it takes to work through the issues of your divorce. Watch my video about divorce mediation below.
The Case for Mediated Pro Se Divorce
Avoid hiring separate lawyers and paying two retainers
Avoid depositions, interrogatories, hearings, and a trial
Control the outcome to meet both your needs and those of your children
Cross the finish line in a reasonable time frame
There were approximately 75,000 divorces in Florida last year, no two of which were exactly the same. Nevertheless, many couples got divorced and did it themselves – called Pro Se – without doing irrevocable damage to themselves or their children. Some simply needed guidance in filling out the myriad of forms. Others managed to resolve some but not all of their issues and needed help in negotiating and settling the ones that remained. Finally, there were people who were dead-set on fighting until the bitter end and required a judge to call winners and losers. If you have decided together to avoid being in the last category of couples, here’s what I can do to help you take a sensible divorce across the finish line:
help you develop a working agenda that includes all of the issues that your particular circumstances with which you to required to deal.
help you negotiate a settlement of the difficult issues that have kept you from reaching a comprehensive agreement on your own such as:
time sharing with children, if applicable
child support, if applicable
division of marital assets
alimony, if applicable
help you in writing your separation and/or divorce agreement
ensure you have filled out the myriad of forms correctly
send you confidently on your way to the Clerk of Courts to begin your mediated pro se divorce
A Note Regarding Non-Married Couples
Non-married couples who wish to separate face many of the same challenges as married couples. Their lives become intertwined both emotionally and financially. Mediation offers sensible, binding solutions to financial, property, sweat equity, and custody disputes. I have considerable experience assisting non-married couples navigate a sensible and equitable separation.
Choosing The Right Divorce Mediator
Divorce mediators must have an in-depth understanding of family law. One of the important services provided by a divorce mediator is assistance in completing the many forms required by the Court. These may include a marital settlement agreement, financial affidavits, and the forms that relate to children. The divorce process is, after all, a legal process and mastery of the law is essential. I can answer your questions authoritatively.
My Florida Supreme Court certification ensures familiarity with legal issues related to divorce. It is also important that you’re both comfortable talking to your mediator. In this regard, an experienced mediator will have worked with a wide range of (difficult) personalities. Call me (727-822-0357) and I will give you an honest assessment of your situation and whether or not a pro se mediated divorce is right for you.