10/03/2023
Mediation is extremely important, and usually required to finalize your divorce or paternity case in Florida. It will be very difficult for you to come to an agreement at mediation if you don't follow our tips:
(1) Review all documents - you need to understand your case, particularly the finances, to be in a position to come to an agreement. Not understanding the numbers means you won't be satisfied with the numbers presented at mediation.
(2) Consider Multiple Options & Scenarios - it's important to discuss different options/offers because mediation is a negotiation, not a "take it or leave it" scenario. Don't become fixated on just one option.
(3) Think Long Term - what you may think works for you today may not work in the long term. This is particularly true in situations where a monthly vs. lump sum payout is on the table, or you are considering staying in a home for an extended period of time. Lots of "what if" scenarios are lurking, and if you don't think long term you may find yourself coming to an agreement that you ultimately regret.
(4) Understand Best/Worst Case Scenarios - Most people don't resolve their case at mediation to their best case scenario in court because that is the other side's worst case scenario and leaves no incentive for the other party to agree. The other party may want to instead roll the dice with trial because nothing worse than what you are offering could happen. You also need to consider this in accepting and formulating an offer, because depending on your particular pain point, trial may be worse off for you than accepting what is on the table.
Ultimately, having a long, detailed meeting with your attorney covering all of these matters is the best way to prepare for mediation and hopefully finalize your case without unnecessary litigation.
Contact us today!