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Preparing for divorce mediation doesn’t require a perfectly organized filing cabinet or every document you’ve collected over the years. Many couples begin mediation with only a general understanding of their finances, property, and parenting arrangements — and that’s completely okay. The real goal of preparation is simply to gather enough information to help us have productive conversations and allow you to make informed decisions. Some items involve documentation, while othe

If you're going through a divorce or establishing parental responsibility in Florida, you've probably heard the term Parenting Plan. Many people assume it's simply a calendar showing when the children will be with each parent. While the time-sharing schedule is certainly one of its largest components, a Parenting Plan addresses far more than dates and times. A Parenting Plan is a written agreement outlining how parents raise their children after separation or divorce. While

"Are we doing this wrong?" I sometimes wonder if that's a question couples ask themselves when they decide they don't want their divorce to become a battle. Movies, television, and even the stories we hear from others often portray divorce as a knock-down, drag out fight. We expect courtroom drama, heated arguments, and spouses determined to "win" at all costs. Unfortunately, those situations exist in real life, but there is another story to tell. There are also couples w

If your divorce case has been referred to mediation, you may assume the court will assign your mediator. While that is true in some situations, it isn't always the case. Understanding your options can help you make informed decisions as your case moves forward. To mediate family law cases referred by Florida courts, mediators must be certified by the Florida Supreme Court. Florida's courts also recognize that mediation should be accessible to everyone. That's why they offer

For many families, one of the most valuable benefits of mediation is privacy. Mediation provides a confidential setting where participants can speak openly about concerns, priorities, and possible solutions without the pressure of a courtroom. Discussions about finances, parenting, family dynamics, and future plans are often deeply personal. Having a private environment can make it easier for people to be candid, explore options honestly, and focus on finding solutions rather

One of the most difficult parts of separation and divorce is the feeling that every decision carries enormous weight. Should I stay in the house? Should we sell it? What parenting schedule is best? Should I agree to that financial proposal? What if I make the wrong choice? Many people enter the divorce process feeling pressure to have all the answers immediately. Every decision can feel permanent, and that pressure often creates fear, anxiety, and indecision. The reality is t

When I decided to change careers to become a Family Mediator, I explained to my mother what mediators do. She tilted her head with a soft, pensive expression and I could see her mentally drift back to the 90’s when my parents divorced. She had an attorney, so she was receiving legal advice. But she acutely felt the power imbalance. My mom had been the quintessential stay-at-home mom of the 70s and 80s while my dad climbed the corporate ladder, carrying the stress of corporate

There are few experiences in life that require people to open every corner of their private world quite like divorce. What many people do not realize at the beginning of the process is that divorce is not simply the ending of a relationship. It is the unraveling and examination of nearly every part of daily life — finances, parenting, routines, communication, priorities, decisions, and even deeply personal habits that were once private within a home. Suddenly, information tha