GROWING APART; WORKING TOGETHER – What Is Mediation? Mediation is a method of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in which the parties on both sides of a dispute work with a neutral third-party (a mediator) to settle their dispute. Whether it is for a dissolution of marriage, paternity, a separation agreement, or other family law matter, at Gleason Hope Law, our family mediators meet with you to problem-solve and come to a mutual agreement that satisfies both parties.
Our Jacksonville family law mediators will help guide you and your spouse or partner towards a unique agreement that is tailored to meet your family’s specific issues and needs. We listen to what each person desires from the mediation process, to ensure that everyone involved will benefit. Unlike traditional attorney representatives who advocate for the interests of only one side of a dispute, our Jacksonville family law mediators assist the parties to reach the best outcome for you and the other party equally.
Gleason Hope Law works with families of all kinds, including our former and active duty military men and women and their families, as well as families with children with disabilities or children who receive exceptional student education services, as well as LBGT partnerships. We are here to help you come to an amicable settlement, quickly and cost-effectively, and with the lowest level of conflict possible.
Why choose mediation? It is less stressful, more cost-effective, and quicker than traditional attorney-driven litigation.
Save money: It’s just a fact – family law mediation is significantly less expensive than traditional family law litigation where both parties must hire (and pay) their own attorneys. The adversarial process of traditional family law litigation also too easily and often turns into costly extended battles.
Reduce conflict: Family law mediation is a forward-looking problem-solving process that helps you avoid getting bogged down in rehashing old conflicts. It is less stressful and less contentious/antagonistic than traditional attorney-driven family law litigation. Reducing conflict is particularly important when you have children together, and will need to continue to parent them together following your separation.
Quicker resolution: The family law mediation process takes significantly less time than traditional family law litigation. In our experience, most cases can be resolved in mediation within a matter of hours, and at most, a few weeks. By contrast, resorting to the courts to resolve your dispute, regardless of whether you are represented by an attorney or are representing yourself, takes significantly more time – many months longer, and sometimes years, compared with family law mediation.
You are in the driver’s seat: Mediation yields an out-of-court resolution where you are the deciders, rather than having your future be decided in public (the courtroom) by a stranger (the judge) who doesn’t know your full family situation. You are the decision-makers about your family and your future.