Mediation provides a way to solve problems without going to court. It is the most common alternative dispute resolution method used in family law, and it is mandatory in Palm Beach County. A family law mediator acts as a neutral third party to help the parties arrive at a resolution. In most cases, the parties have their attorneys present to advise and assist in negotiations.
Mr. Schutz brings a great degree of knowledge and expertise to the negotiating table as a mediator in Palm Beach County. He was trained to secure value-added negotiated resolutions during mediation, and is often hired by other divorce lawyers to mediate select Florida divorce cases.
John F. Schutz, P.L. believes mediation to be a very worthwhile method of dispute resolution. Compared with going to trial, Florida mediation involves far less time and expense, better preserves your privacy, gives you more control over the outcome, and can set a tone of cooperation that may prove beneficial after the marriage is dissolved. Litigation should always be a last resort.
Studies show that most spouses believe mediation will be unsuccessful, but they are often proven wrong. In the vast majority of cases referred to mediation, litigants are able to reach an agreement on some or all of the issues. The American Bar Association estimates that 50 to 90 percent of child custody cases in larger cities are settled through mediation.