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When two parties dispute over a civil, corporate, or family matter and cannot agree on a solution together, the help of a legal professional may be in order. However, many people want to avoid the formality and costs of a court proceeding. When this happens, using a mediator may be the best solution to help reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

What is a mediator? 

A mediator is an impartial, third-party entity with no prior relationship to either party that helps settle a dispute. Many mediators are lawyers with special mediation training. Mediation services are a structured and legal way to resolve conflict without a courtroom or a judge’s intervention. Often, mediators are the final attempt by both parties to settle a dispute without a formal courtroom proceeding. During a mediation conference, both parties meet and discuss their disagreement with the mediator. The goal of the meeting is for both parties to sign a settlement. This settlement is then sent and approved by a court. If the parties cannot agree, the case goes to a hearing before a judge or jury. 

Advantages of using a mediator 

The main goal of using a mediator is to use a formal party that is impartial and works to seek a common solution to the problem that benefits both parties. One of the most significant advantages of using a mediator is avoiding the formal court proceeding process and its associated costs. Both parties also control the outcome of their dispute instead of letting a judge or jury decide. Due to this, many people find they are happier with the result than if they would have allowed a judge to decide on the case. 

When to hire a mediator

Mediators work with clients to resolve a variety of conflicts, from divorce proceedings to corporate disputes. Here are a few of the common reasons someone may seek the services of a mediator:

Family law

In Florida, mediators are required for family law proceedings. Family law disputes commonly refer to conflicts during a divorce or estate administration. Mediators can help resolve disputes over topics such as the division of assets, alimony, and parenting plans. 

Corporate mediation 

Corporate mediation services include business disputes between employees, shareholders, and partnerships. One benefit to using a mediator for corporate disputes is the confidentiality avoiding a courtroom provides both parties. A mediator may oversee contract disputes, employment claims, and partnership conflicts. 

Civil disputes

Mediators can help resolve conflict for a large variety of civil disputes. One of the main benefits of using a mediator for a civil lawsuit is that both parties remain in control of the case’s outcome. 

Mediation services at The Boutty Law Firm, P.A.

We use proven negotiation strategies to help settle a wide variety of complex disputes through our mediation services without the formality of a court proceeding. We work with clients in Maitland and surrounding communities. Call our office at (407) 622-1395 to learn more about our mediation services.