Family Mediation Services in Tampa
In addition to our divorce services, Sessums Law Group, P.A. offers confidential family mediation as an alternative process to resolve disputes. Our highly qualified mediators, Ms. Jensen and Ms. Boulos, are both certified by the Florida Supreme Court, ensuring the highest standard of professional experience in mediation. They guide parties through the issues included in a Mediated Settlement Agreement, providing trusted guidance and support. When the mediation is complete, parties will have everything they need to finalize their dispute without the necessity of extensive litigation.
Our scheduling process is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through our online calendar making scheduling a mediation as convenient as possible. Simply select the Scheduling tab today to schedule your mediation.
Why Choose Sessums Law Group, P.A. for Family Mediation?
- Board-Certified Qualifications: Attorney Mark A. Sessums holds unique certifications in marital and family law, ensuring proficient legal services.
- Diligent & Ethical Representation: Our practice is grounded in ethics and rigorous attention to detail, providing trustworthy legal support.
- Bilingual Services: We offer support for English and Spanish-speaking clients, catering to Tampa's diverse community.
Contact us at (813) 212-8330 for a consultation and take the first step towards a smoother divorce process with our Tampa family mediation attorneys.
Family Mediation Services Tailored for Tampa Residents
In the vibrant community of Tampa, family mediation serves as a vital resource for those facing disputes. Local families often encounter challenges such as navigating custody arrangements, property division, or communication breakdowns. The Hillsborough County Family Court provides essential resources and information for families seeking mediation, ensuring that residents have access to the support they need during difficult times.
Understanding the unique dynamics of Tampa, our mediation services are designed to address the specific pain points that families in the area face. Whether you are dealing with the stress of a divorce or the complexities of co-parenting, our mediators are here to help you find a resolution that respects your family's needs. We recognize that many families in Tampa are looking for solutions that minimize conflict and promote cooperation, allowing them to focus on what truly matters—the well-being of their children.
Additionally, the local community offers various resources, such as the Tampa Bay Area Family Support Services, which can provide further assistance and guidance. By choosing family mediation, you can avoid the lengthy and often costly litigation process, allowing you to maintain control over your family's future. Our mediators are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where you can openly discuss your concerns and work towards a mutually beneficial agreement.
At Sessums Law Group, P.A., we understand the importance of community and the challenges that Tampa families face. Our goal is to empower you through the mediation process, ensuring that you leave with a clear path forward. With our convenient online scheduling available 24/7, getting started on your mediation journey has never been easier.
Mediation Rates At Sessums Law Group, P.A.
Mediation cost at Sessums Law Group is determined by the parties’ total combined gross annual income as evidenced by each party providing their respective most recent paystubs, federal tax return and W2s (if applicable), no later than seven days prior to scheduled mediation. However, failure to provide all necessary financial documentation will prevent application of any reduced rate and the
standard rate will apply.
REDUCED RATE IF COMBINED GROSS INCOME OF LESS THAN $50,000 ANNUALLY
PER PARTY: $75 per hour
TOTAL: $150 per hour
REDUCED RATE IF COMBINED GROSS INCOME BETWEEN $50,000 – $100,000 ANNUALLY
PER PARTY: $100 per hour
TOTAL: $200 per hour
STANDARD RATE AND APPLIES TO COMBINED GROSS INCOME IN EXCESS OF $100,000 ANNUALLY
PER PARTY: $125 per hour
TOTAL: $250 per hour
Are you interested in learning more about the mediation process at Sessums Law Group? We’re here for you! The family law mediation lawyers at Sessums Law Group, P.A. are Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediators who can help you achieve whatever arrangement you seek. Call us at (813) 212-8330 or contact us online today for more information.
Our FAQ
As a way to educate the public and help anyone navigating their options find clear answers in a trying time, we’ve conducted a thorough question and answer session with both of our mediators, Ms. Jensen, and Ms. Boulos. We asked them the following questions to get their answers out to you.
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Who Can Benefit from Family Mediation?
Anyone can benefit from mediation. It allows the parties to decide the outcome of their case, since they are decision makers in mediation. It also allows the parties to stay in control of their lives, rather than having someone else make decisions for them (such as a judge).
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Is Mediation a Mandatory Process?
No, mediation is a voluntary process.
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What to Expect During Your Mediation Session?
You can expect to be in private, separate conference rooms or offices that incorporate calming elements to help create a collaborative environment utilizing technology when appropriate. Mediation sessions are a minimum of 2 hours long but can be scheduled in advance for as long as the parties expect they will need to come to a resolution.
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What Does a Mediator Do?
A mediator is a neutral party and does not represent either you or the other party in your case. The role of a mediator is to help identify issues to be resolved, explore options for resolving those issues, reduce obstacles of communication between the parties, and assist them in reaching a mutual agreement. The mediator cannot give either party legal advice.
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Do I Need an Attorney for Mediation?You may attend mediation without an attorney. You may also attend mediation before you have filed with the court. You may resolve all of your issues without the need to go to court or hire an attorney, depending on the issues in your case. You may also attend mediation if one party has an attorney and the other does not.
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What Are the Advantages Mediation for Family Law Matters?
One of the primary benefits of family mediation is the ability for parties to maintain control over the outcome of their case, rather than leaving decisions in the hands of a judge. This process fosters open communication and collaboration, allowing individuals to express their needs and concerns in a supportive environment. Additionally, mediation is often more cost-effective and time-efficient compared to traditional litigation, which can be lengthy and expensive. By opting for mediation, families can work towards amicable solutions that prioritize their unique circumstances and relationships.
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What qualifications does a mediator have?
A mediator has been certified by the Florida Supreme Court and is required to participate in continuing mediation education every year. A mediator must take classes and have experience mediating before they will be certified. In addition, Sessums Law Group mediators are also licensed and experienced family law attorneys who represent clients in court in addition to handling mediations.
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What points/topics are discussed in mediation?The points/topics discussed at Sessums Law Group mediations are focused on family law matters that can range from dissolution of marriage with or without children, paternity, enforcement of Court Orders/Judgments, child custody, child support, spousal support, temporary relief issues, modification and other family-related topics.
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How can I prepare for a mediation?To prepare for mediation, you should think through all the issues in your case. You should consider what evidence you have and what evidence the other party has that a court might consider. You should think about what issues are most important to you, and what areas you may be willing to compromise. Most importantly, you should prepare yourself for open communication and flexibility as you will be working together with the mediator and the other party to resolve the issues involved in your case.
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Can I bring someone with me to a mediation?Only parties and their attorneys are permitted to attend a mediation, except in limited special circumstances.
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Is a mediation confidential?
Yes. Everything said and learned in the context of mediation is confidential. If you reach an agreement, only the signed agreement will be filed with the court. Any other documents, notes, or other information remains confidential. Everything you tell the mediator is confidential and everything the other party tells the mediator is confidential. You may not tell anyone else what you learned from or about the other party during mediation.
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How can mediation save cost in family law disputes?
Mediation saves on cost because it is an effective way of settling disputes without the necessity of extensive litigation.
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What happens if we do not come to an agreement?
If you do not come to an agreement at mediation, your case will continue in the court system and will be set for hearing in front of a judge. The judge will then decide what happens.
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What if we do reach an agreement during the mediation?
If you reach an agreement during mediation, we will put the agreement in writing and both parties will sign the agreement. Then, the mediator will notify the court of the agreement and file a copy of the agreement with the court. The next steps and whether you will still need a brief hearing will depend on what the issues are in your case, and whether you came to a full agreement (resolved all your issues) or a partial agreement (resolved some issues but left some for the court to resolve).
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Is Mediation Legally Binding?
Yes, agreements reached through mediation can become legally binding once both parties and the court approve them. In Tampa, mediated agreements are typically submitted to Hillsborough County courts for approval. Once agreements are reached, we assist in drafting detailed and legally sound documents that reflect the decisions made during mediation. Our meticulous process ensures that all aspects of the agreement are clear and enforceable under Florida law, minimizing the potential for future disputes or modifications.
Our Settlements & Verdicts
Sessums Law Group, P.A. Attorneys Take Pride in Delivering Exceptional Results for Our Valued Clients
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.
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Confidential Settlement Divorce Action
Recently, we were hired as the replacement lawyer for a United Kingdom citizen who was in the middle of a complex Sarasota divorce and was seeking new counsel. Both our client and her husband were elderly. Three years before their marriage, the husband had transferred a very valuable Sarasota residence to his later wife pursuant to a warranty deed that had no written side agreements.
"Our firm believes in the integrity of the needs of the each client we represent. We are passionate about obtaining the maximum results allowable under the law for each client."
- Mark A. Sessums