​​MY FLORIDA MEDIATOR

​FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDIATION

WHAT IS MEDIATION? 

Mediation is a opportunity for people to meet, either in person or via the Internet, with a neutral and impartial person who will help them discuss their concerns, exchange information, and explore various options and alternatives in the hope of finding a solution acceptable to all involved.  The mediator will work to help the disputants reach a mutually acceptable agreement by encouraging constructive communication, problem solving and creative thinking.  The mediator will not decide the matter.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE MEDIATOR? 

The role of the mediator is to reduce obstacles to communication, assist in the identification of issues and exploration of alternatives, and otherwise facilitate voluntary agreements resolving the dispute.

WHO ARE THE DECISION MAKERS?  

The parties in mediation are the decision makers.

IS MEDIATION CONFIDENTIAL?  

Yes, Florida law (F.S.44.401 – 44.406) provides that mediation communications are confidential and privileged if the mediation is court ordered or the parties use a Florida Supreme Court certified Mediator.  Generally parties are not permitted to disclose mediation communications with anyone else other than another mediation participant or the participant's attorney.  However there are some exceptions to the mediation confidentiality and privilege protections.  

ARE YOUR MEDIATORS CERTIFIED BY THE FLORIDA SUPREME COURT?

Yes, all our mediators are certified by the Florida Supreme Court, and most are certified in more than one area of mediator certification.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MEDIATION? 

If the case is court ordered, the mediator will report who participated in mediation and if an agreement was reached.  If no agreement was reached, the mediator will report the lack of an agreement to the court without comment or recommendation.

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT MY FLORIDA MEDIATOR MEDIATION TRAINING PROGRAMS? 

Please visit the training section of this website to see all the Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution training programs offered by My Florida Mediator.

HOW CAN I REQUEST ACCOMMODATION OF A DISABILITY?

If reasonable accommodation of a disability is needed, please call our office at least ten working days in advance of mediation to make arrangements.