$200.00 per hour (4-hour minimum)
Schedule Family Mediation Today – Call 610-248-0059
Kathleen Coughlin offers Family Mediation in-person or virtually in Florida.
Kathleen Coughlin is a Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator in Florida. Our office strives to provide you a mediation appointment within 3-5 business days of your request. Kathleen is able to conduct your Mediation at our office in Ormond Beach, virtually, or she may be able to travel to an agreed-upon location. The focus of Kathleen’s practice is on dispute resolution, conflict resolution, and collaborative practice to support families.
If you prefer to correspond with Kathleen directly you can reach her at kcoughlinlcsw@gmail.com. You can also complete the Family Mediation Intake Form and return it to Kathleen by email. Thank you in advance.
What is the role of a Family Mediator?
A Family Mediator is an impartial, professionally trained third party, they are not able to provide legal advice. According to the Florida Courts, “A mediator is not allowed to decide who is right or wrong or to tell you how to resolve your dispute. In mediation, you can try to find solutions that make sense to you and the other person in the dispute to resolve some or all of your concerns.”
Mediation may also be re-visited after an initial agreement needs to be updated as the children get older. Some examples of things discussed in a family mediation session may include:
- Parenting arrangements after separation or divorce
- Time-Sharing
- Child Support Payments
- Other Financial Obligations (debts, pensions, savings, real estate)
The process of mediation helps you maintain control of your decision-making. If you would like to learn more about Mediation in the State of Florida please click on the link.
Do you offer Mediation In-Person?
Yes, Family Mediation Services can be held at a location that is agreed upon by all parties. In some cases, parties prefer to be in separate rooms and have the mediator go back and forth to facilitate discussion. The Mediator is also able to conduct the sessions if both parties are present in the same room.
Do you offer Family Mediation Virtually?
Yes, we are able to offer family mediation sessions virtually. Below you can review some additional information to learn more about the mediation process.
What is a Caucus?
A private meeting at mediation between the mediator and one side. “Information obtained during caucus may not be revealed by the mediator to any other mediation participant without the consent of the disclosing party.” [See rule 10.360(b), Florida Rules for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators].
What is a Mediation Agreement?
If the parties can come to an agreement on some or all of the issues, the Mediator or one of the attorneys will prepare a written document that can be signed by both parties. Once signed, the agreement is binding, so it is important to understand the terms of the agreement before signing it.
What is an Impasse?
Florida Courts state, “If you do not reach an agreement at your court-ordered mediation, the mediator must report to the court the fact that no agreement was reached”. Anything that was discussed in the mediation session is confidential and cannot be entered into evidence in court.
Can a partial agreement be reached?
Yes, “At mediation you can resolve all of your issues, some of your issues, or at times you may not be able to reach an agreement. If a full or partial agreement is reached, all resolved issues must be written down and all parties in the dispute and their attorneys (if appearing in mediation) must sign.” (www.floridacourts.org)
If a partial agreement was agreed upon, that means “there are still issues to be resolved by the court.” Those issues will be addressed in a trial unless they are settled after the mediation but before the trial begins”. (www.floridacourts.org)
How Family Mediation Helps
- It is less stressful than going to court so you can save some money
- It helps you to develop time-sharing agreements, marital assets distribution, and other issues
- It gives you more control of your family’s future so that you can put the best interest of your children first
- It helps families come to agreements on decisions so they can move to the next stage of their life
- The agreements you make can be changed if your circumstances change
Schedule Mediation with Kathleen Today!
Please email Kathleen Coughlin at kcoughlinlcsw@gmail.com to schedule your Family Mediation at 610-248-0059.