Are you seeking expert mediation services in Melbourne, FL?
Are you seeking expert mediation services in Melbourne, FL?
Expert Mediation Services Across Florida
Working with people is the focus of the services provided by Torres Mediation. Neighbors, spouses, family members, homeowners, and small business owners can find caring and practical assistance in resolving frustrating disputes. By providing experienced and compassionate mediation services throughout Florida for over 25 years, we help you convert insurmountable problems into workable solutions.
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We respond same day or within 24 hours
Certified Florida Mediator
25+ Years Experience
2,000+ Cases Mediated
Strictly Confidential
Florida Bar ADR Section
Free Initial Consultation
You Are Heard. You Are Safe.
Many people come to Kim feeling uncertain, nervous, or overwhelmed. That is completely normal. The very first call often changes everything. Kim listens without judgment, explains your options clearly, and helps you feel informed and confident — no matter where you are in the process.
"I feel so much better after speaking with you. I didn't know where to start."
"I am so glad I found you. I feel like someone understands where I am coming from."
"I was so unsure when my spouse asked me to go to mediation. Now I'm not worried that it will be one-sided."
Usually responds within 24 hours
Your Voice. Your Choice.
The most important thing to understand about mediation is this: you control the outcome. Kim facilitates the conversation, but nothing is ever decided for you. There is no risk that you will leave feeling coerced into something you didn't want.
You can always say 'no' or 'I'm not ready.' Participation is entirely voluntary.
Resolutions only happen when both parties genuinely agree. Nothing is imposed.
Kim ensures both sides are heard equally, regardless of power differences.
Attorneys and financial advisors can still be consulted alongside mediation.
What We Handle
Kim focuses on families and small businesses and their conflicts, working with interpersonal dynamics and showing compassion for emotional issues.
NADN DIPLOMATE MEMBER
Meet Your Mediator
Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator · 25+ Years Experience
Kim Torres is a highly respected mediator with over twenty-five years of experience, known for her professionalism, persistence, and calming demeanor. She empowers participants to craft their own resolutions in a safe, constructive environment. Kim's pragmatic approach and keen analytical skills ensure reliable and effective mediation services, making her a trusted choice for attorneys and clients.
The Torres Mediation Approach
"At Torres Mediation, we firmly believe in the transformative power of mediation. Our approach empowers individuals to actively 'own their problems' and collaboratively develop resolutions that genuinely work best for them — through careful listening, empathetic guidance, and the patient development of mutually agreeable solutions."
— Kim W. Torres, Certified Florida Mediator
Why Clients Choose Kim
Kim creates a safe space where everyone feels heard and respected. Her calming demeanor eases anxiety and helps parties communicate openly — often for the first time.
With 25+ years of experience, Kim brings deep expertise to every session. But the decisions always remain yours. She guides — she never dictates.
Our clients consistently report feeling heard and satisfied with their mediation results, leading to a high rate of referrals from both attorneys and past clients. We pride ourselves on facilitating resolutions that work.
Kim offers a free initial consultation — no obligation. Take the first step toward a peaceful resolution.
Real Experiences
Discover what clients are saying about their experience with Torres Mediation. Many describe Kim as phenomenal, professional, and incredibly insightful, providing a level playing field and ensuring both parties feel heard and respected throughout the mediation process.
"Kim was phenomenal! She was extremely professional, but also incredibly insightful and kind. I was very nervous going into the mediation, but Kim made it very easy for me to feel like the mediation was being held on a leveled playing field. I didn't feel as though the corporation I was facing had the upper hand, because Kim treated both sides equally, and didn't let the large company railroad the individual. She was knowledgeable, kind, and it was extremely apparent that she had a lot of integrity and truly cares about helping both parties come to a compromise that works for both parties. And as a final note, she will tell you flat out if she thinks you are being unreasonable or if you need to bend more. Which is honestly the most helpful thing a mediator can do, in my opinion. I can't recommend Kim highly enough!"
— Krissy Burell
"Kim was very pleasant to work with. This was my first mediation. She took the time to explain each step to us. She was very professional and it was apparent that she enjoys what she does."
— Barbara Burns
"Absolutely outstanding."
— David D.
"I was fortunate enough to be able to observe Kim Torres mediate on more than one occasion and I highly recommend her. She is a consummate professional, an excellent mediator and very affordable. She is also the current President of the Alternate Dispute Resolution section of the Florida Bar and has the respect of her peers for her integrity and dedication."
— Shari E.
"Great experience!!! Thanks!!!"
— Blaine Worak
Common Questions
Have questions about mediation? You are not alone. Here are the answers to what most people want to know before their first call.
Virtual mediations: $350 per hour with a two-hour minimum. In-person mediations: $350 per hour with a four-hour minimum, plus the cost of rented conference rooms. Special rate for county court matters under $10,000 in dispute (if requested): $300 for the first two hours, then $350 per hour billed in 15-minute increments. Free telephone consultations and scheduling efforts are not billed. Payment can be made via Zelle, Venmo, or credit card (plus 3.5% processing fee). Payments can be spaced out in two-week increments to make it easier.
Kim Torres can frequently meet within one to two weeks of contact — sometimes as soon as two days. Mediations are conducted virtually so scheduling doesn't require travel and can fit into your schedule. Afternoon and evening hours are available upon request. Free telephone consultations are available anytime, and are also offered to the other party (two individual consultations).
No. Mediation is driven by the parties. You are the ones who make the decisions about what terms are in a settlement and how far you'd like to go. If you aren't ready to commit to something, or you are just uncomfortable with the process, you can always leave the mediation without committing to anything. It's okay to say 'no' at mediation. There is no risk in attending mediation that you will leave feeling like you were forced to do something you didn't want to do.
No. The mediator is a neutral person who facilitates the conversation between the parties. The mediator does not take sides or advocate for either party. The Mediator will not make a decision and tell you what you have to do. You are the decision-makers. If there is no agreement, the mediator simply reports 'No Agreement' without any comments as to what issues were discussed or who was making what offers. The mediation process is confidential.
Confidentiality means that we cannot tell other people what we have learned through the mediation. This encourages people to be honest and candid during negotiations, and they don't have to worry that what they reveal will be used against them later. Confidentiality extends to the Judge — we cannot tell the judge what was discussed in mediation. Note: confidentiality does not mean that everything discussed in mediation cannot be brought up in court. If a person already knew a fact prior to the mediation, it can be brought to the judge as an independently known item.
No. Mediation provides a space for safe and guided discussions. The Mediator is skilled in keeping the discussion focused, removing emotions, and providing direction as to options you might consider. Most of the time the parties to mediation do not agree — that is exactly why they need the assistance of a professional facilitator to conduct a productive discussion.
The objective of mediation is to provide a forum for discussion that will allow the participants to move forward. It is not unusual that participants are not ready to finalize a resolution, but they have shared ideas and concerns which allows both parties to think about next steps. Sometimes a second session is needed. Progress — even without a signed agreement — is a successful outcome.
CONTROL: In mediation, the parties are the decision-makers. In court, you give up control to a judge or jury.
FASTER: Mediation is more immediate and limited in scope — no lengthy phases or filing requirements.
CHEAPER: Both parties share the cost equally, without each needing separate legal representation.
PEACE-OF-MIND: With open discussion led by a professional mediator, parties engage productively. When the end result is decided together, both parties are more willing to follow the agreed-upon resolution than if ordered by a judge.
A lawyer is not necessary. The mediator works with parties who do not have lawyers, and also with lawyers and their clients. It is the preference of the party if they would like a lawyer present. The parties are not precluded from seeking the advice of a lawyer before or after mediation. Some people wait to sign the draft Settlement Agreement until a lawyer has reviewed it. There are experienced attorneys who charge an hourly rate to review documents without requiring a retainer. Sometimes attorneys may file for a limited appearance — attending and advising during the mediation only.
Yes and No. A mediator should be certified, and that certification allows the mediator to work in any county in the State of Florida. Mediators are not limited to the county in which they have offices. With virtual capabilities, a mediator can reside in any part of Florida and work with Florida residents statewide. Always ask for a Florida Supreme Court Certified mediator to ensure the mediator meets standards with regards to ethics and education.
To be certified, mediators must complete a 40-hour training course in their area of certification. Kim holds certifications as both a Circuit-Civil mediator and a Family Mediator, requiring two separate 40-hour courses. Mediators must also re-certify every two years with 16 hours of Continuing Mediation Credits (including 4 hours of domestic violence training for family mediators). Certified mediators are bound by Mediator Rules and Ethics under the Florida Supreme Court, held to higher standards, and subject to disciplinary action. They are prohibited from using coercion and have a duty to enforce confidentiality and self-determination.
To obtain a Florida divorce or register a parenting plan, either party needs to have lived in Florida for at least six months — it is not necessary for both to live in Florida. Since mediators now use Zoom, the parties can be located anywhere in the world and simply join the mediation session online.
A Final Judgment for a Dissolution of Marriage can be obtained within two to three weeks of filing an Uncontested Package of documents with the Clerk of Court. Meeting with the Mediator to discuss the terms of the Divorce Agreement (including the Parenting Plan if applicable) can take place within two to three weeks of the initial phone consultation — sometimes sooner. Finalization of the Mediated Settlement Agreement can be done within two weeks of the initial mediation session.
Attending mediation before a case is filed with the court is voluntary. Both parties need to acknowledge that this is the direction they want to take before we can schedule a mediation session. The mediator is happy to contact the other party to answer questions about the process and provide a sense of comfort with the mediator.
Absolutely. Mediation is the perfect forum for discussing parenting time. We can address: work schedules of the parents; transportation logistics and costs; school and daycare choices; concerns with living arrangements; different parenting styles and expectations; extracurricular activities; safety concerns; counseling for children; division of expenses (school, cars, cell phones); communication between parents; and communication with the child when with the other parent.
Yes. While mediation is problem-focused, we are able to discuss whatever is important to the parties in order to reach a resolution. If a past emotional issue is preventing the discussion from moving forward, we can look at that problem and determine how it can best be avoided in the future. Mediation is a safe space to discuss whatever is important to breaking the conflict and making progress toward a better outcome.
Search the Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) website for a list of mediators who have completed the required courses and been approved as qualified. Note that mediator searches are categorized by type of certification: Circuit-Civil, County, Family, Dependency, and Appellate — search each list separately depending on which court has jurisdiction of your case. You can also search by location. It is best to search by County (Brevard) and by Circuit (18th Judicial Circuit) for a mediator familiar with local court rules. With virtual mediations, the exact city of the mediator is less important.
Search online for a Florida Mediator who works with homeowners or HOA/COA disputes. Before filing a claim against your HOA, Florida Statute requires mediation first. Steps to take: (1) Inform the HOA in writing of your complaint; (2) Use the official notification process (email the property management company); (3) Keep a record of your request with evidence (certified mail or email); (4) Check the Florida Statute for statutory notice requirements including timelines; (5) Identify the correct contact person for official communications.
