Mediation

Mediation is a collaborative process where an impartial third party, the mediator, assists the parties involved in a family law matter to come to an agreement. The Florida Supreme Court defines mediation in Rule 10.210 as "...a process whereby a neutral and impartial third person acts to encourage and facilitate the resolution of a dispute without prescribing what it should be." It is an informal and non-adversarial, de-conflict process intended to help disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

The mediator does not make a decision regarding the matter, rather, the mediator assists the parties to come to their own decisions regarding the conflict or issues in the case. In Rule 10.220 the Florida Supreme Court states that the "...mediator is to reduce obstacles to communication, assist in the identification of issues and exploration of alternatives, and otherwise facilitate voluntary agreements resolving the dispute. The ultimate decision-making authority however, rests solely with the parties." While most family law cases are highly emotional, the mediation process is a positive way to resolve all matters in a timely, efficient, and less stigmatized environment while striving towards full resolution.

Additionally, in most of the Second Judicial Circuit, mediation is required prior to the ability of the Parties to attend a Final Hearing. Due to the almost twenty years experience in family law and matters affecting families, Cheryl Gentry eagerly has added family law mediation as a part of her practice while still maintaining a full family law case load and she looks forward to assisting you.

The costs of mediation is determined based upon the combined income of the parties as follows:

Combined Income of the Parties	Hourly Rate
Up to $50,000.00	$150.00/hour
$50,001.00 to $75,000.00	$175.00/hour
$75,001.00 to $100,000.00	$200.00/hour
$100,001.00 to $125,000.00	$225.00/hour
$125,001.00 to $150,000.00	$250.00/hour
$150,001.00 and above	$275.00/hour

Mediation is usually scheduled for a minimum of four (4) hours, but may be scheduled for any amount of time as the attorneys/parties agree is appropriate. We do not charge an early cancellation fee. Payment for mediation services is expected at the conclusion of the session regardless of settlement or impasse.

If you are interested in scheduling mediation or seek additional information, please contact our office at (850) 222-0052.