Divorce & Separation Mediation
Mediation for dissolution and separation issues — a structured, private alternative to litigating every issue in court.
In person in the Orlando area (Orange, Seminole & Osceola counties) • Virtual throughout Florida
What This Mediation Can Cover
- An overall framework for resolving the dissolution or separation together
- Division of assets and debts as part of the dissolution
- Parenting arrangements when children are involved
- Next steps for finalizing agreed terms with counsel
How Sessions Typically Work
Sessions proceed as a joint conversation or in private caucus, whichever fits the parties. The parties set the agenda and make the decisions; the mediator structures the discussion and keeps it productive. Terms the parties reach are memorialized in writing for review by independent counsel.
Haven’t filed yet? Mediation can come first — mediating before anyone files →
When minor children are involved, Florida dissolution requires a parenting plan — the parenting time, decision-making, and communication terms the parties build here become its substance, formalized by counsel.
Mediating With a Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement
Some couples come to mediation with an existing prenuptial or postnuptial agreement already in place. If both people agree that the agreement controls, mediation can focus on the issues it left open. If there is a dispute about whether the agreement is valid or what it means, that is a question for each person's own attorney — a mediator does not rule on enforceability or interpret specific clauses.
Sun State Mediator does not draft, review, or notarize prenuptial or postnuptial agreements; that work belongs with each party's own family law attorney. A marital agreement also does not replace the separate order a retirement plan requires before benefits can be divided — that step happens through the plan and the court, not through the agreement alone.
What to Have Ready
- Recent financial documents
- Your calendar for scheduling
- Written priorities — what matters most, and where you are flexible
When this process is not a fit
Mediation is voluntary and only works when both people can speak for themselves and the conversation can stay balanced. It is usually the wrong tool when there is an injunction or a history of domestic violence that would compromise the process, when assets appear to be hidden, or when a party needs emergency court relief. When mediation is not appropriate →
Counsel remains counsel. Agreed terms are written down for review and drafting by each party’s own attorney. The mediator does not give legal advice, interpret a governing order, or file anything with the court.
Discussing Divorce & Separation
Ready to start? The first step is a short request with basic conflict-check information only — substance comes after the conflict check clears.
Request Mediation← All family mediation services
Related: property & debt division mediation →
Related: parenting & time-sharing mediation →
Related: gray divorce & later-life mediation →