Mediations / Alternative Dispute Resolutions

Mediation versus Litigation-The winner is clear…Your Family!

Often Family Cases Can be Resolved Before You Hire an Attorney

If you have not yet hired an attorney, The Law Offices of Cindy S. Vova, P.A. offers mediation services to unrepresented parties (referred to as pro se) in our central Broward County offices. Although our firm is a full – service family law practice, Ms. Vova firmly believes that mediation is the most effective way to resolve the issues facing a family, whether a couple is divorcing, resolving time sharing and child support in a paternity matter, relocating, or seeking modification of a prior court order. As a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator since 1998, Ms. Vova has successfully mediated hundreds of family cases, and brings to the table not only her 30 years of experience as an attorney (and, for in person mediations, really good snacks) but a true desire to help families. You make the right choices for your family, and not a judge who doesn’t know your family.

We Offer Mediation Services in Person and Via Zoom:

Mediation is a process where both parties are free to speak openly and to exchange ideas to resolve their issues because unless and until a mediation agreement is signed, with few exceptions, the process is totally confidential. Although as a mediator Ms. Vova cannot give legal advice, she can still assist unrepresented parties in identifying the issues requiring resolution, help calculate child support guidelines, and help the parties formulate a blueprint for a full settlement agreement, whether for a divorce, paternity, child support, modifications, or any other family law matter.

During the mediation process, the parties have the opportunity to discuss their issues face – to – face, in a neutral, calming environment. We work towards resolving problems and creating solutions. Your agreement is tailored to your family’s specific needs, yet includes everything necessary to address all issues needed to resolve your case. If appropriate, during the process a party may choose to speak with Ms. Vova separately, with the knowledge that anything discussed in confidence (with the exception of those matters precluded by statute that, essentially create a hazard) will not be shared with the other party unless she is given express authority to do so. Ms. Vova’s experience helps guide couples in the right director towards resolution and steer them away from unproductive banter that frequently diverts couples from resolving their issues. If an agreement is drafted, we do suggest you have it reviewed by an attorney before signing same.

In certain situations, we may suggest that additional professionals assist in resolving your case including, depending on your circumstances, mental health professionals, parent coordinators, and forensic accountants. Of course, the primary benefit of mediation is that the decisions are all yours…not those of a judge nor of an attorney. Statistics have found that couples who resolve their issues through alternative dispute resolution processes such as mediation, tend to honor their agreements because they created them.

Mediation is a Cost – Effective Way to Resolve Your Case

Through pro se mediation clients have an opportunity to preserve their assets, maintain a supportive parental structure for their children, and understand that divorce is not a battle to be won, but a stage to pass through with a fresh beginning on the other side. Our goal is to help turn the ripples that start at the beginning of a family law case into calm waters through the mediation process.

What does Mediation Cost?

Our mediation fees are based on an hourly rate (or any part thereof). How long resolving your case through mediation takes depends in part about the willingness of the parties to resolve their matter. Our customary hourly rate is $350. However, we do work on a sliding scale to serve a broader clientele. Please call our office at 954 – 316 – 3496 to get a quote for your case.

Keep in mind, one does not have to have any qualifications to conduct a mediation. Even non – lawyers can become Certified Mediators, but many of those mediators are not licensed attorneys admitted to the Florida bar. So, although a mediator may offer lower prices, you get what you pay for.

Even if You Have an Attorney and your Case if Filed, You Will Still go to Mediation Before Going to Trial

At some point during your family law case, before going to trial the Court will require you to go to mediation. Typically, the atto rneys will select a mediator for your case. However, since it is your case, feel free to ask about the mediator selected, his or her background and experience to make sure the mediator is right for you.