Family Law Mediation Under Florida Law
Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process in which a neutral third party - the mediator - helps disputing parties reach a voluntary agreement. As a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator with over two decades of mediation experience, Marc M. Cohen provides professional mediation services for divorce, custody, support, and other family law matters. Florida courts require mediation in virtually all contested family law cases, making it a critical stage in the resolution of your dispute.
How Family Law Mediation Works in Florida
Under Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.720 and the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, mediation is a confidential, non-adversarial process. The mediator does not make decisions for the parties - instead, the mediator facilitates communication, identifies issues, and helps explore potential solutions. Any agreement reached in mediation is voluntary and becomes binding only when reduced to a written settlement agreement signed by both parties.
Mediation offers significant advantages over litigation: it is typically faster (often resolved in one or two sessions), less expensive than trial, confidential (unlike public court proceedings), and allows the parties to maintain control over the outcome rather than leaving decisions to a judge. Studies consistently show that agreements reached through mediation have higher compliance rates than court-imposed orders.
Marc Cohen's approach to mediation draws on his extensive experience as both a mediator and a litigating family law attorney. This dual perspective allows him to help parties understand the realistic range of outcomes they might expect at trial - providing the informed context necessary for meaningful negotiation. He conducts mediations at his offices in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach, as well as remotely via video conference.
Family Law Mediation Cases in Palm Beach Gardens
Palm Beach Gardens families can access Marc Cohen's mediation services for cases filed at the Palm Beach County Family Division courthouse at 205 N. Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach. For disputes involving high-value assets typical of the PGA Boulevard corridor's communities - golf club memberships, luxury real estate, and executive compensation - Marc's dual legal and financial background enables him to guide parties toward settlements that are both fair and financially sound.
Why Choose Marc M. Cohen, P.A.? As a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator with over 25 years of experience, Marc Cohen has mediated hundreds of family law disputes. His certification by the Florida Supreme Court represents the highest level of mediator qualification in the state, requiring extensive training, mentorship, and continuing education. Marc's unique combination of legal expertise, financial acumen (MBA in Quantitative Analysis), and mediation skills allows him to facilitate productive dialogue even in the most contentious cases - helping families find resolution while preserving relationships and protecting children's interests.
Contact a Palm Beach Gardens Family Law Mediator
If you need experienced legal representation for family law mediation matters in Palm Beach Gardens, contact Marc M. Cohen, P.A. for a free consultation. Call (561) 740-3301 or contact us online to discuss your case. We serve clients throughout Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach County, and all of South Florida.