Frequently Asked Questions

You are not required to have an attorney to participate in mediation - but you are strongly encouraged to consult with one before signing any agreement. Christine does not provide legal advice to either party. She is a neutral facilitator, not an advocate.

In most contested family law cases in Florida, courts require mediation before the case can go to trial. This applies throughout the state, including the First Circuit. Parties can also choose mediation voluntarily at any point in the process.

Most cases resolve in one or two sessions. Christine offers half-day (approx. 3-4 hours) and full-day (approx. 6-8 hours) sessions. Complex matters with multiple issues may require more than one session, but many straightforward cases settle in a single day.

If the parties do not reach a full agreement, mediation ends and the case continues through the court process. Nothing discussed during mediation can be used as evidence in court - all discussions are confidential. A partial agreement on some issues is also possible and may still reduce the scope of litigation.

Yes. Mediation discussions are confidential and protected under Florida law. They are not part of the public record and cannot be used in court. This allows parties to speak openly without fear that what they say will be used against them later.

Yes. Christine works with both attorney-represented parties and self-represented (pro se) individuals. She is skilled at ensuring that both parties have a fair and equal opportunity to participate in the process, regardless of whether they have legal representation.

Yes. Christine conducts sessions via secure video platform and is available to clients throughout Florida remotely. Virtual mediation has become standard practice and works well for most family law matters. In-person sessions are also available.

Christine is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator authorized to mediate in all 67 Florida counties. She primarily serves the First Circuit and surrounding areas in person, with virtual sessions available statewide.

Court-appointed mediators are typically available at very low cost but may have limited time and availability per case. As a private mediator, Christine dedicates focused, uninterrupted time to each session, brings 14 years of Florida family law litigation experience to the table, and is available on a flexible schedule that works for the parties and their attorneys.