Attorney in the Florida Keys: MediationAn Alternative to the Costs of Litigation At my law office, I work closely with clients who want to resolve disputes through mediation, rather than litigation. I have over 18 years of experience representing clients throughout the Florida Keys. Contact me to set up a confidential meeting. What is Mediation? Mediation is generally a more cost-effective and amicable way of resolving legal disputes than litigation or arbitration. In mediation, a third party neutral acts as an intermediary, encouraging both sides to find common ground in an effort to resolve a dispute. A mediator does not take testimony from witnesses, does not rule on legal issues such as evidence, and does not make any determination of right and wrong. The mediator works to get the parties to come to an agreement. If the parties come to an agreement, the terms become part of a contract that may be enforceable in court. How Does Mediation Work? In mediation, each side presents its version of the facts and the problem to the mediator. The mediator listens and attempts to identify those facts upon which the parties agree. The mediator also works with the parties to identify the specific results that are most important to each party and what they would be willing to give up to obtain those specific results. At this point, mediation can become a negotiating process, with a third party neutral facilitating the negotiation. Mediation and Arbitration In arbitration, the arbitrator or arbitration panel have knowledge of the law, examine the evidence, listen to legal arguments, and issue a ruling in favor of one of the parties. The ruling may or may not be binding, based on the agreement of the parties. How I Can Help You with Mediation I will handle the mediation of any type of civil dispute, with a focus on family law matters, real estate issues and will contests. As an experienced lawyer and mediator, I understand the types of agreements that the court will approve and which agreements they will reject. I can help you resolve your differences in ways that save you money and time. I mediate a wide range of family law matters, including child custody and visitation, child support, spousal maintenance and the division of marital assets. I work extensively with pro se divorce clients who want to work out reasonable divorce terms without the court's intervention. I know from experience that mediation is often a more desirable means of resolving family law issues, as it tends to preserve important family relationships that are critical to the success of custody, visitation and support arrangements. I can help you mediate any legal problem filed in circuit or county court, including real estate listing agreements, personal injury issues and will contests. For an experienced mediator to help you amicably resolve a civil dispute, contact me to schedule a confidential consultation. Bonnie J. Helms, P.A.
422 Fleming Street
Key West, FL 33040-6529
Phone: (305)292-1166
Alternate Phone: (305)294-3413 Map & Directions At the law office of Bonnie J. Helms, P.A. in Key West, I represent individuals throughout the Upper Keys and Lower Keys, including Marathon. | 
