Resolving Conflicts Peacefully

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Testimonials

“This mediator was so warm and professional! I would recommend her for any future mediations.”

“Thank you for working with my client and helping resolve his dispute. You did a good job in bringing the parties together.”

“Thank you so much, really…I know it’s your profession; however, you made it so very personal and real and treated us as two people going through a hard transition… thank you so much.”

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Why Mediate

As an attorney, and an advocate for mediation, you’re aware of how family mediation can effectively resolve disputes. Families embroiled in legal disputes are often difficult to resolve without the help of an outside source. With a mediator, families can confidentially discuss the problems through open communication. This allows families to reach a compromise based on different beliefs.

Mediation may be voluntary or court ordered. Most family courts, and some civil courts in Florida require mediation before the case is scheduled on the court’s calendar or goes to final judgment, even if you are represented by an attorney. If you are represented, your attorney will arrange for mediation in your case, and if you are not represented, you may arrange for mediation directly with me. Parties can voluntarily agree to go to mediation prior to filing their case or anytime during the court process.

When we think about divorce and other family issues, we focus on the classic issues of marital property, support, and parenting.

In mediation, we focus on empowering the couple to address and resolve the issues that are before the court. If the couple agrees with such resolution, I write the Mediated Marital Settlement Agreement that addresses the Parenting Plan if there are children, the distribution of property, alimony and child support (if applicable). These agreements become the blueprints for the future.

Divorce or Family mediation typically requires two (sometimes three) sessions. The complexity of the issues will ultimately determine the actual number of sessions. Each session is usually scheduled for three hours, with a two hour minimum, and mediation sessions are informal, relaxed, safe, and confidential.

Most importantly, mediation is a faster process than a traditional court case, saving time and money so household resources can remain with the families, as well as being less stressful on the parties and their children.

As your mediator:

Highlights of the Advantages:

Saves Time: Litigation can often take many months or years depending upon the complexity of the case and the degree of conflict. Mediation can be completed in one or several sessions.
Saves Money: The average cost of a litigated divorce is about $25,000 with costs going much higher if the parties use the courts to engage in all out war.
Saves Relationships: The animosity that develops in litigation is particularly damaging in family law, where the parties may deal with each other for years after the trial is over. Rather than fostering hostility, mediation helps the parties develop the skills necessary to continue discussing, negotiating, and cooperating with each other for the long term.
Better Compliance: When couples have the opportunity to work out their own agreement, they are more likely to abide by the agreement and avoid additional litigation costs to enforce it later.
Privacy: Often litigation involves matters the parties may wish to keep private. All documents filed with the court are public records that can be viewed upon request. Mediation, with its protection of confidentiality, is well suited to protect the privacy interests of the parties.
Creativity: The couple can be creative in crafting solutions to their unique issues whereas a judge, who must get through a big caseload, usually applies cookie cutter solutions without considering the couples uniqueness.
Self determination: No one knows what is best for you better than you do, and in mediation, all decisions are yours. There is no judge or arbitrator to impose a decision upon you.

Call Deborah Beylus at 561.789.0710 to arrange for a free telephone consultation.

Why Mediate

For Attorney

Unrepresented Parties

Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®

We chose Deborah as our mediator because she took the time to speak with us during an initial consultation and made us feel heard right from the start. It was also a huge plus that her services included court filing, which made the process more streamlined and less stressful. Throughout our meetings, Deborah was generous with her time, patient, and thoughtful. She helped guide us through discussions that led to an outcome both of us felt good about. We’re grateful for her support and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a fair and compassionate mediator.

Martha Wood

“My wife and I have had over 50 years experience working with children and families. We are keenly aware of when individuals do their jobs or when the rare circumstance occurs and people move their level of commitment to a higher level. You have humbled me as you have taken me under your wings and worked to ensure a better quality of life for me and my soon to be ex-wife. Your willingness to hold my hand and walk me through complex issues during an emotional time for us has been extraordinary. I have tears in my eyes as I sit here and thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have done and helped me to accomplish.”

“I just wanted to thank you for the excellent work you did as it pertains to my divorce from my wife. Your attention to detail really made every aspect of our agreement so much easier to address. I appreciate your efforts to conduct a sound mediation session to assist me in resolving all of our issues so that we can both move on with our lives. My children are fortunate that we are able to work together to raise them without the constant fighting. You helped us iron out a clear schedule and division of responsibilities so we can co-parent. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”