Divorce Mediation
Separating from a spouse can be difficult, especially when children and high-value property are involved.
Divorce mediation in Lakeland, FL, can allow you and your former spouse to reach an amicable resolution outside of court.
Sutton Law Firm can mediate your divorce and find an outcome that works for everyone.
Why Choose Mediation Over Litigation?
Divorce mediation uses a neutral third party to serve as a mediator between the two separating spouses in meetings that take place on neutral ground outside of a courtroom. The mediator provides unbiased guidance and encourages a discussion that ends in a resolution.
Mediation Is Usually More Amicable
When two parties can agree to mediation, court may be unnecessary, communication can vastly improve, and future conflict can be avoided.
Mediation Can Save You Time
While going to court can take years to come to a resolution, the mediation process can be completed in months, saving you time, money, and stress.
Mediation Protects Your Privacy
With litigation, your private information becomes part of a public court record. If you choose to mediate, your information remains confidential—the only thing reported to the court is whether the case settled and has been resolved.
Mediation Can Benefit Your Children
Your children are your number-one priority during this time, and hostile litigation can significantly impact your children's emotional state. A mediator will allow you to calmly discuss matters of child support, parenting plans, and time-sharing schedules without the need for a stressful child custody battle.
Understanding the Differences Between Litigation and Divorce Mediation
Because divorce mediation can have so many benefits, if mediation is at all possible, our Lakeland, FL, attorneys recommend it over divorce litigation. Not only is the process more confidential, but it's also more collaborative and doesn't end until both parties agree on an outcome.
Some of the main differences between meditation and litigation include:
| Litigation | Mediation | |
| Location | Public sessions in courtroom, only during official hours | Confidential, flexible sessions with neutral third party |
| Timeline | Can take over a year to reach a verdict | Most agreements are reached in a couple of months |
| Expense | Each party hires legal representation for entire process | Set mediator fee; each party can seek extra legal advice if needed |
| Attitude | Each party approaches fighting only for what will benefit them | All parties meet for productive sessions for the best outcome overall |
What You Can Discuss During Your Mediation Process WITH OUR FLORIDA DIVORCE MEDIATOR
Alimony
When one spouse files for divorce, both spouses must adjust from two incomes to one, which can be difficult in many cases. Alimony is designed to ensure that lower-earning spouses aren't left without the financial support they need to survive. This can be a sensitive topic, but our divorce mediator can help divorcing couples avoid conflict.
Child Custody
Florida law recognizes that children generally benefit when they spend time with both parents, and both mothers and fathers have equal rights to their children. Child custody disputes can be resolved with a mediator, but a judge will always evaluate a custody agreement to make sure it's in the children's best interests.
Property Division
Florida law requires a fair division of property between spouses. Though this typically means equal division, the property can be divided into different proportions based on a variety of factors. Though some divorcing couples can come to an agreement on property division on their own, our Lakeland, FL, mediator can negotiate a fair settlement.
Mediation can take place during or after your divorce, as disputes can arise long after a divorce is finalized. Mediation ends when the agreement is put into writing and both parties sign it. Once it is approved by a judge, it becomes a legally binding contract that is enforceable by the court.
Choose a Divorce Mediator Who Genuinely Cares OUR LAKELAND, FL, MEDIATOR CAN HELP YOU THROUGH YOUR DIVORCE
Mediators help divorcing couples find a resolution without going to court. When disputes are settled in court, a judge has all the power to make a decision. When mediation is possible, we truly believe it is the best way to ensure both parties are satisfied with the outcome.
Family law attorney Debra Sutton can serve as your divorce mediator and help find a peaceful resolution. As a mediator, she won't tell divorcing couples how to resolve their dispute. Instead, she will simply guide both parties toward a resolution by facilitating productive conversation.
We have locations in Bartow, St. Petersburg, and Lakeland. If you think you could benefit from our mediation as part of the divorce process, request a consultation with us or call our Lakeland, FL, office:
“They are the absolute best!” Lakeland Gives Our Attorneys 5 Stars
serhiy barsukov
St Petersburg, FL
2024
Sutton Law Firm has personally helped me and my family in many situations. The team works together to create the best case for their clients. I will only use Sutton Law Firm in the future, they are the absolute best!
View on GoogleMelanie Carson
St Petersburg, FL
2024
Ms. Sutton and her partners go above and beyond to take care of their clients and their difficult cases. She has been in the area for many years and has been a part of many high profile cases. I highly recommend Sutton Law Firm!
View on GoogleMediation Is More Affordable Than Litigation
Alternative dispute resolution options like mediation and collaborative divorce are less expensive than traditional divorce, largely because there are fewer billable hours. Litigation includes lengthy court battles that prolong the process, but mediation allows you to control the timeline and move the case along faster, ultimately saving you money.
In addition, Debra Sutton will be upfront about her hourly fees so there are no surprises when it's time to pay for her services.
Who Should Choose Mediation?
If you choose mediation, you'll spend time in the same room as your ex having sensible conversations about your divorce, child custody, alimony, asset division, and more. If you and your spouse are still amicable and able to meet halfway on certain issues, mediation can be a good option.
If your relationship involved physical or emotional abuse, mediation is likely not the best course of action. While mediation can allow abuse victims to feel empowered, abusers may use intimidation tactics to get a more favorable outcome.
If you and your ex share businesses, portfolios, multiple properties, or other assets, mediation can help you divide these assets fairly, given you're willing to share sensitive financial information with your mediator and each other. Debra Sutton has helped many couples divide assets fairly in high-asset divorces. She can also help divide debts fairly.
Child custody is one of the most challenging parts of a divorce, but if you already agree on custody terms or you're willing to compromise, you could be a good candidate for mediation. Debra Sutton is well-versed in family law. She can address issues as they arise and help develop a custom-tailored plan that works for everyone.
“Debra Sutton is absolutely the best.” More 5-Star Reviews
Steve Steiner
Lakeland, FL
2024
I have known Debra and Matt on both a professional and personal basis for a number of years, and have recommended Sutton Law Firm to others, based on their expertise and guidance on legal matters I have encountered, knowing they can --- and have --- done so for a multitude of clients. While other law firms may boast they are on the side of their clients, and I am sure those are, Debra and Matt and their incredible support staff "walk the walk "
View on GoogleDebbie Mandish
Bartow, FL
2024
Got a subpoena in the mail the Friday before Christmas to go to court. Needless to say I panicked so I found the Sutton Law form online called them during the holidays. They emailed me back during the holidays to reassure me that they could help me and that they would take care of things. Who does that ?Sutton Law firm does. Because of them I was able to have a decent Christmas . Deborah Sutton is absolutely the best. She is so knowledgeable when she tell you something you can believe in it.
View on GooglePreparing for Your Mediation
Prior to your divorce mediation, there are some simple things you can do to make sure you're prepared and that your mediator will be able to help you to the best of their abilities:
We have offices in Bartow, Lakeland, and St. Petersburg, so you can meet with our mediator at the location that's most convenient for you and your soon-to-be ex.
Get Legal Advice
During divorce mediation, our Lakeland, FL, attorney will not be able to give you any legal advice because she is there to act as an impartial third party. Though it's not necessary, you can consult a divorce attorney and even bring them along with you to your divorce mediation.
Organize Your Documentation
A successful divorce mediation will require having all pertinent documentation available to support the protection of your best interests. Make these documents available at every mediation session regardless of whether you expect you will need them.
Define Your Goals
Before your divorce mediation, it's important to set realistic goals, but it's also important to be flexible. You should go into each mediation session with a clear idea of what you want to achieve, along with an understanding that you may also encounter new information that will change your goals.
Is Mediation Not an Option? Our Divorce Attorneys Can Help You
Sometimes the other party in a divorce is unwilling to negotiate and a settlement cannot be reached through divorce mediation. When this happens, you'll be forced to bring your case before a judge.
If you hire our attorneys to be by your side during mediation and negotiations fall apart, we can represent you in court. Our attorneys are prepared to build a compelling case to help you receive everything you're entitled to in your divorce.
“For 2 years I hit walls in my divorce and child custody untill 6 months ago when I found Debra Sutton. I can't began to tell you how much she has changed everything for me. I was on the verge of losing everything when I walked into her office and now she has not only gotten me back my children but more then then I expected… Ms. Sutton and her entire staff put my children before anything and I have never met an attorney do that, it's as if my children are one of their family members. Thank you so much to everyone at Sutton Law Firm for everything you did for me and my kids.” Bryan Serdynski
