Orlando Alternative Dispute Resolution Lawyer
If you and your spouse have reached the point of divorce, there’s a good chance that disagreements have been disrupting your relationship for some time. However, you can appreciate that fairness is at the core of divorce under Florida laws on property division and alimony. If you’re parents, you will also focus on the interests of minor children. When disputes arise, you probably expect that you’ll need to go to court to resolve them.
Fortunately, there are options for handling divorce issues through alternative dispute resolution, instead of resorting to contentious litigation. Our attorneys at the Arwani Law Firm can explain the process in more detail, so please call to speak to an Orlando alternative dispute resolution lawyer. An overview may also be useful.
Alternative Despite Resolution (ADR) in Florida Family Law Matters
When divorce-related issues are in dispute, the court will typically require a hearing. The proceeding is similar to a trial, with evidence, witnesses, and arguments. Litigation is costly and time-consuming, which is why some parties choose to take advantage of ADR to settle disagreements. The term is used to describe different methods designed to help couples reach agreement out-of-court.
Our attorneys at the Arwani Law Firm are experienced in the two primary types of ADR in Florida divorce cases:
- Mediation: Through this process, the parties sit down with a qualified mediation professional to discuss their disputes. The neutral, third-party mediator is specially trained to facilitate productive discussion between the parties, enabling them to get closer together on areas of disagreement. Often, spouses can resolve their issues, return to court, and have their agreement entered as an official divorce decree. If they cannot or can only compromise on some issues, the court will hold a hearing on the remaining disputes.
- Arbitration: This type of ADR is more like a trial and slightly more formal than mediation, but it’s still quicker and less costly than a full hearing. During the process, both sides present their evidence and witnesses. The arbitrator makes a determination on disputed issues at the conclusion of the proceeding. Note that the results of arbitration are binding on the parties.
Issues You Can Resolve Through ADR
You can participate in mediation or arbitration on any matter that’s in dispute in your divorce, including:
- A determination on what constitutes marital property;
- Division of marital assets and debts between the parties; and,
- The type, amount, and duration of alimony.
You can also work through issues related to minor children through ADR, including custody, visitation, and support. However, the court must still review these matters to ensure they comply with Florida’s best interests of the child standard.
Discuss Your Options with an Orlando, FL Alternative Dispute Resolution Lawyer
Even if you can’t agree on all issues in your divorce, it’s worthwhile to consider mediation, arbitration, or other options to resolve them without litigation. For more information on how we can support you and protect your interests, please contact the Orlando alternative dispute resolution attorneys at the Arwani Law Firm. We can set up a consultation to review your case and determine next steps.