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Shaping the Future of Florida Family Mediation: Insights from the Florida Bar Annual Conference

Florida family mediation is shifting toward virtual sessions, more detailed parenting plans, and earlier pre-suit resolution.  Kim Torres, a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator in Brevard County, tracks these shifts in part through statewide involvement, including attending this year’s Florida Bar Annual Conference, where she appears in a video recap the Florida Bar released from […]

Is Divorce Mediation Required in Florida? What You Need to Know in 2026

In Florida, divorce mediation is required in nearly every contested family law case before a judge will schedule a trial date, under Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Rule 12.740.  Florida requires 6-month residency under Fla. Stat. § 61.021 and a 20-day minimum between filing and final judgment.  Private divorce mediation in Florida costs $3,000 […]

Florida Divorce Mediator Fees: Hourly Rates, Flat Fees, and What’s Included

Florida divorce mediators charge $150 to $500 per hour in 2026, with most certified family mediators billing $200 to $400 hourly. Attorney-mediators charge $200 to $500 per hour. Non-attorney mediators charge $100 to $350 per hour.  Kim W. Torres, Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator and Florida Bar member since 1985, charges $350 per […]

How Much Does Divorce Mediation Cost in Florida vs. Hiring a Lawyer?

Private divorce mediation in Florida costs $3,000 to $8,000 total for both spouses combined. A contested divorce, including attorneys’ fees, costs $13,000 to $50,000 per spouse. Mediation resolves the same parenting plan, asset division, and support questions in two to six hours. Litigation spreads the same questions across 50 to 100 attorney hours over six […]

The Florida Divorce Process Explained: How to Communicate With Your Spouse for a Peaceful Divorce

Divorce in Florida is a major emotional and financial transition for most spouses. Many Florida couples now choose a more respectful and cooperative approach to ending their marriages. A peaceful divorce in Florida relies on open communication, financial transparency, and practical problem-solving between spouses. With guidance from a professional Florida divorce mediator, many couples resolve […]

10 Benefits of Divorce Mediation in Florida (Compared to Litigation)

Data last verified: March 2026 Divorce mediation in Florida offers 10 measurable advantages over litigation: lower total costs, faster resolution times, greater decision-making control, reduced emotional stress, stronger co-parenting outcomes, full confidentiality, scheduling flexibility, legal enforceability, higher post-agreement compliance rates, and long-term relationship preservation.  Most Florida couples complete mediation within one to three months, at […]

How to Prepare for Your First Divorce Mediation Session

Data last verified: March 2026 Preparing for divorce mediation in Florida requires gathering financial documents, defining parenting priorities, reviewing marital assets, and entering sessions with realistic settlement goals.  Florida couples who prepare thoroughly before their first mediation session resolve disputes faster, reach more durable agreements, and spend significantly less on total mediation time than couples […]

Florida Parenting Plans Explained (Time-Sharing, Custody & Mediation)

Data last verified: March 2026 A Florida parenting plan is a legally required written document that governs every aspect of a child’s post-divorce care, including time-sharing schedules, parental decision-making authority, and co-parent communication protocols.  Florida circuit courts approve no dissolution of marriage involving minor children without a court-approved parenting plan on file.  Florida parents who […]

Uncontested Divorce in Florida: Process, Cost, and How Mediation Helps

Data last verified: March 2026 An uncontested divorce in Florida requires both spouses to agree on asset division, debt allocation, parenting plans, child support, and alimony before filing. Florida couples who reach a full pre-filing agreement finalize dissolution in four to eight weeks for $500 to $5,000, compared to years and $30,000 or more in […]

What to Expect During Your First Family Mediation Session in Florida: A Compassionate Guide

Walking into your first family mediation session can feel overwhelming. You might wonder what the mediator will ask, what you should say, or if mediation will actually help solve your family law issue. During your first family mediation session in Florida, you’ll meet with a neutral mediator who helps you and the other party discuss […]