Mediation

Resolving the Most Complex Cases

During their litigation, Florida couples will be required to meet with a mediator during divorce or family law proceedings as a means to end costly and emotionally taxing litigation. In divorce matters with high net-worth asset division, child custody or alimony issues, litigants have more control of their case in mediation because they have an opportunity to craft a careful and detailed settlement.

In addition to being a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, Daniel E. Forrest is a specialist and expert marital and family law attorney who exclusively practices high-asset family law. Only a select few of attorneys in South Florida have received this distinction and are able to provide the level of legal knowledge and expertise to ensure no detail in your mediation conference or settlement agreement is overlooked.

Why Mediate at the Law Offices of Forrest & Forrest, PLLC?

​ Our Success is Predicated on Your Case Resolution

Resolving your case during your mediation or settlement conference is the only outcome we are interested in. In addition, Mr. Forrest serves as a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, giving him insight and a unique perspective. Our role is to provide objective and unbiased insight that will help the parties reach a settlement as quickly as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law Mediation

Here are answers to some common questions to help you better understand how mediation works in Florida family law cases.

What types of family law cases can be resolved through mediation in Florida?

Virtually all family law matters can benefit from mediation. This includes divorce proceedings involving both simple and complex asset division, child custody and parenting time disputes, alimony and child support determinations, post-judgment modifications and paternity cases. Mediation is particularly effective for high-net-worth divorces where privacy concerns and detailed financial arrangements require careful attention. The process allows parties to craft creative solutions tailored to their unique family circumstances that might not be available through traditional court proceedings.

What happens if we don’t reach an agreement during mediation?

If a full agreement isn’t reached during mediation, you have several options. First, you may agree on some issues while leaving others for the court to decide, which still narrows the scope of your litigation. Second, you can schedule additional mediation sessions after gathering more information or taking time to reflect on proposed solutions. Third, you may proceed to court for a judge to decide the unresolved issues. Importantly, participating in mediation, even without full agreement, often helps clarify each party’s position and priorities, which can facilitate settlement discussions later in the process.

How confidential is the mediation process?

Mediation in Florida is strictly confidential under state law. All communications, statements and documents specifically prepared for mediation cannot be introduced as evidence in any subsequent legal proceeding. The mediator cannot be called as a witness regarding anything discussed during mediation. This confidentiality encourages open and honest communication between parties without fear that disclosures will later be used against them in court. The only exceptions to this confidentiality are situations involving child abuse, elder abuse or threats of violence.

Are there any cases where mediation is not recommended?

While mediation is beneficial in most cases, it may not be appropriate in situations involving domestic violence, substance abuse or significant power imbalances between parties. Florida courts can waive mandatory mediation requirements in cases where there is a history of domestic violence or when one party cannot participate effectively due to fear or intimidation. Additionally, cases involving parties with serious mental health issues or those who categorically refuse to negotiate in good faith may not be suitable for mediation.

A Mediator Who Prepares in Advance

Prior to each mediation, Daniel Forrest speaks to counsel from both sides and reviews all relevant orders to ensure that he is educated on the issues that need to be resolved BEFORE the parties arrive.

Comfortable and Professional Setting

Law Offices of Forrest & Forrest, PLLC are located in the heart of South Florida’s most desirable communities, Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton. Both offices located in corporate office buildings staffed with security, private conference rooms, a private lobby, and exceptional staff. Whether the parties wish to conduct the mediation in separate conference rooms or jointly, the staff is able and willing to accommodate just about any reasonable settlement conference request.

Proximity

Law Offices of Forrest & Forrest, PLLC is centrally located in both Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, Florida just minutes from I95, and 595. Our offices are minutes away from Mizner Park and from Las Olas Boulevard, respectively.

Family & Marital Law is All That We Do

Law Offices of Forrest & Forrest, PLLC does not practice in any other areas outside of family or marital law. Our primary focus is high-asset and complex litigation matters and we are familiar with the common issues of asset division for affluent or celebrity clients who require specific expertise and the utmost discretion.

Contact us now to schedule your Mediation at our Fort Lauderdale or Boca Raton office.