Court-Ordered Mediation? You May Still Have a Choice.
- melissagadrix
- Jun 25
- 2 min read
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 an income-based reduced-fee mediation program for qualifying individuals and families. Because these services are provided under agreements with the court, participants in the reduced-fee program must use one of the court's contracted mediators.
If you and the other party are not using the court's income-based reduced-fee mediation program, you can generally agree to select your own Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator. This allows you to choose a mediator whose communication style, availability and commitment to affordable, high-quality mediation best fit your needs. For many families, choosing a private mediator also provides the opportunity to select someone they feel comfortable working with during an important and often emotional process. Having confidence in the person guiding the conversation can help create an environment where productive discussions and meaningful agreements are more likely.
The important thing to remember is that filing for divorce doesn't necessarily mean you've lost the ability to choose who helps guide your mediation. Knowing your options can help you move through the process with greater confidence and fewer surprises.
My goal is simple: to help people understand the mediation process so they can make informed decisions and have access to a professional, affordable mediation option when it is available to them. If you're interested in working with me, I'd be happy to let you know whether I can serve as your mediator based on your circumstances and answer questions about my mediation process.
