West Palm Beach Mediation Lawyer
Divorces can be emotionally charged processes and lead to costly court battles. Mediation can be a useful alternative to resolve your concerns about these important issues, while coming to a fair and amiable agreement. As a West Palm Beach mediation lawyer with over three decades of experience practicing law, I have helped West Palm Beach clients settle their divorces through mediation without having to engage in lengthy and costly litigation. My name is William Wallshein, and I understand how hard divorces can be on a family. I strive to make sure my clients are able to resolve the issues that come up when marriages are being dissolved. I help protect their interests in mediation regarding matters such as child custody and support, alimony, and distribution of property.
Mediation in South Florida
In divorce proceedings, either party may request or the court may order that the case engage in mediation. This is an alternate process to resolve disputes. The parties in mediation are able to come to an agreement for contested issues with the aid of a neutral, independent mediator. A mediator is required by statute to remain neutral, not force agreement onto either party, and always work toward the parties’ mutual goal. Everything said during mediation remains confidential, unless otherwise provided by law. This process allows cases to be resolved more quickly, and it gives parties more control over their case’s outcome, rather than relinquishing control to a judge.
A Florida court will not allow parties to proceed with a trial in a divorce action without attempting mediation first. The mediator is chosen by mutual agreement from both parties’ attorneys and is there to resolve issues in the divorce to avoid lengthy court proceedings. During mediation, parties will try to agree on the important matters in their divorce, including:
- Property division: fairly distributing marital assets and debts
- Parental responsibilities and time-sharing agreements: creating a plan for each parent’s obligations to a minor child, including time-sharing and decision-making
- Alimony: discussing if either spouse is seeking alimony, whether it would be permanent or temporary, and the amount needed
- Child support: deciding who is responsible for what costs and the amount
- Additional entitlements: resolving how a family business or retirement plans may be treated, for example
If the parties reach a settlement on all issues before mediation, they may file a Marital Settlement Agreement with the Clerk of Court. Mediation is less expensive than going to trial and can successfully resolve the major issues in divorce proceedings. Having the aid of a competent family law attorney is vital to utilizing the cost-effective and less lengthy process of mediation.
West Palm Beach Legal Representation in Mediation
Mediation is an important step in making sure your rights and interests are protected in divorce proceedings. An experienced West Palm Beach certified mediator, can make sure you are properly represented throughout the whole process of marriage dissolution. I am William Wallshein, and I have helped clients resolve their concerns through mediation as a family lawyer for the vast majority of my 30+ year career. I represent clients throughout Palm Beach, Martin, and Broward Counties in all aspects of divorce and family law proceedings. Please call 561-533-1221 to schedule a free initial consultation, or contact me online. We accept credit cards.