Florida family courts require mediation in contested divorce cases before the matter can proceed to a final hearing or trial. The requirement reflects the court system's recognition that parties who reach their own negotiated resolution tend to comply with its terms more consistently than those who have terms imposed by a judge. In Palm Beach County, the court typically orders mediation after the initial disclosure and discovery phase, though parties can engage voluntarily at any point in the process.
A divorce mediation attorney in Delray Beach explains the procedural mechanics to clients before the session — what happens if mediation is unsuccessful, what the mediator's role is and is not, and what authority the client retains throughout. Brodzki Jacobs ensures clients walk into mediation with a clear understanding of the process and what success looks like for their specific case.
