Mediation

Mediation has become very prevalent and very popular in the judicial system within the past few years. In some cases, mediation is mandated before a case is allowed to go to trial. It has been very helpful in resolving differences between parties, and in reducing the number of cases going to trial (and thereby not only saving time for the courts, but saving money for the litigants). Mediation is utilized in both civil litigation, and in domestic relations (family law) cases.

The current list of mediators is updated every six weeks by the Office of the State Courts Administrator, Alternative Dispute Resolution division.   For more information on the program, please visit the State Courts’ ADR website.

What is Mediation?

According to section 44.1011(2), Florida Statutes (2012), mediation is a process whereby a neutral third person called a mediator acts to encourage and facilitate the resolution of a dispute between two or more parties. It is an informal and non-adversarial process with the objective of helping the disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable and voluntary agreement.   In mediation, decision-making authority rests with the parties.

According to Florida Rule for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators 10.210, mediation is a process whereby a neutral and impartial third person acts to encourage and facilitate the resolution of a dispute without prescribing what it should be. It is an informal and non-adversarial process intended to help disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

The statute and rule define mediation as a process which encourages and facilitates dispute resolution by using a mediator who must have no connection to the case, must be able to remain impartial throughout the process, and must encourage the parties to make their own decisions.

Mediation is an informal process in which anything may be discussed as agreed by the parties. In mediation, the parties are not limited to only discussing issues raised by the pleadings.

Mediation frequently is, but does not have to be, in connection with a lawsuit.   While mediation may be ordered by the court, section 44.102, Florida Statutes, it may also be voluntarily initiated by the parties either before or after filing a lawsuit.     Further, there are statutes that call for mediation when no lawsuit is pending.

Attendance at Mediation:

The court may order a part or all of a case to mediation. In that case, the parties must attend the mediation but they are not required to come to an agreement. If a party fails to appear at a scheduled mediation without first having obtained the court\’s permission, sanctions may be imposed by motion by an opposing party or on the court\’s own motion.

Research has shown that bringing people to the table often gets them talking to one another and settling their dispute, even if previous attempts at settlement were not successful.

Mediation is conducted in accordance with statutes, rules and procedures:

There are statutory provisions, ethical rules, and procedural rules which apply to court ordered mediations and to all certified mediators regardless of the setting.   Parties of a case ordered to mediation should familiarize themselves with these statutes and rules.

Confidentiality and Self-Determination in Mediation:

In Florida, confidentiality and self-determination of the parties are of utmost importance to the courts. The courts have been very strict in upholding these principles.   The Florida Supreme Court has promulgated rules relating to self-determination of the parties.

Initiating the Mediation sessions:

Upon commencement of the mediation sessions, rule 10.420(a) requires the mediator to deliver (and therefore the parties to listen to) an orientation at the initial mediation session. If subsequent sessions are desired or needed, this orientation may need to be repeated if any new parties or participants are in attendance.

During the orientation, the mediator is required to:

The parties will then be encouraged by the mediator to negotiate in an attempt to resolve their agreement.

What are some advantages to Mediation?

• A mediator facilitates negotiations.
• Mediation is confidential.
• Mediation agreements are enforceable.
• Mediation gives the parties flexibility.
• Mediation is not an adversarial process.
• Settlement decisions are made by the parties.
• Mediation may result in less time, cost and stress than litigation.
• In mediation the parties are in control of the outcome.
• Mediation is an opportunity for understanding.

1.  A mediator facilitates negotiations

One major advantage of mediation is the involvement of a neutral who is not connected to the dispute to assist the parties in communicating. Even if the parties have tried previously to work out their differences or negotiate their issues but were unsuccessful, bringing in an impartial person (mediator) often can assist the parties in easing their communications (listening, speaking, etc.) and help keep them focused. A mediator guides the process and gently assists the parties in breaking down the barriers to resolution. This enhances the opportunity for the parties to enter into a settlement agreement.

2.  Mediation is confidential

Mediation is most typically held as a result of the filing of a lawsuit and the court referring the parties to mediation. If the mediation was ordered by the court or if the mediation is conducted by a Florida Supreme Court certified mediator, the Mediation Confidentiality and Privilege Act (the Act) applies to all mediation communications except as provided.  This means that, unless an exception applies, all mediation communications are both confidential and privileged.

In this context, confidential means A mediation participant shall not disclose a mediation communication to a person other than another mediation participant or a participant\’s counsel.  If all parties to a mediation waive confidentiality as to some or all mediation communications, those communications may be revealed and are not privileged.

Confidentiality is designed to make it safe for the parties to discuss all issues without fear of disclosure. It is important to note there are some exceptions to the umbrella of confidentiality.

Generally, once an agreement is reached in mediation, there is no confidentiality or privilege attached to a signed written agreement unless the parties agree otherwise.

3.  Mediation agreements are enforceable

If, during a mediation, a written agreement is signed by all parties, that document is a legally binding contract.

4.  Mediation gives the parties flexibility

Mediation provides an opportunity for creative solutions. The parties may tailor a settlement agreement specific to their interests and individual needs. Unlike the court, the parties are not bound by issues raised in the pleadings. With mediation, the parties can craft a win-win resolution.

5.  In mediation the parties are in control of the outcome

Mediation differs from dispute resolution processes in which the neutral, such as the judge or an arbitrator, makes a decision. In mediation, the parties make the decisions, not the mediator. This concept is referred to as self-determination and is highly valued by the courts in Florida.

Regardless of the mediator\’s educational or professional background the mediator cannot give legal advice nor express opinions as to how the court will rule. The mediator can explore alternatives with the parties and is there to facilitate the communication of the parties in an effort to assist them in coming to a voluntary resolution of their issues.

If a party, in mediation, is represented by an attorney, the attorney is responsible for advising the client on legal rights and obligations during the mediation, BUT it is the client, not the attorney, who is the decision-maker during a mediation.

6.  Mediation may result in less time, cost and stress than litigation

Mediation often takes less time than litigation. Mediation may result in an agreement within a matter of hours or days, rather than months or years of court proceedings. As a result, mediation can be less costly in money and emotions for your clients. Even if only a partial agreement is reached at mediation, court time and fees required to decide the remaining issues may be less.

7.  Mediation is an opportunity for understanding

Mediation may be the first time the parties (and their lawyers) all sit down together to hear each other\’s perspective on the issues. Whether an agreement is reached, the parties will have a better idea of what brought them to this point and what might be done to bring about a settlement with which all parties can be comfortable.

8.  Another advantage of mediation

The parties are not limited only to those issues addressed in the pleadings. Upon agreement of all the parties, any other issues can be discussed and resolved. This can make mediation a more satisfying and holistic method of resolution for the parties.