Divorce Mediation

Separating from your spouse can be difficult, especially when children and high-value property are involved.

Divorce mediation can allow you and your former spouse to reach an amicable resolution outside of court.

Sutton Law Firm can mediate your divorce and find an outcome that works for everyone...

Sutton Law Firm has three locations across the greater Tampa Area to make divorce mediation more accessible. You can find us in Bartow, FL, Lakeland, FL, and St. Petersburg, FL.

Why Choose Mediation Over Litigation?

This approach uses a neutral third party to serve as a mediator between the two separating spouses in meetings that take place on neutral ground outside of a courtroom. The mediator provides unbiased guidance and encourages a discussion that ends in a resolution.

Mediation Is Usually More Amicable

When two parties can agree to mediation, court may be unnecessary, communication can vastly improve, and future conflict can be avoided.

Mediation Can Be More Cost-Effective

While going to court can take years to come to a resolution, the mediation process can be completed in months, saving you time, money, and stress.

Mediation Can Benefit Your Children

Your children are your number-one priority during this time, and hostile litigation can significantly impact your children's emotional state. A mediator will allow you to calmly discuss matters of child support, parenting plans, and time-sharing schedules without the need for a stressful child custody battle.

Choose a Divorce Mediator Who Genuinely Cares OUR LAKELAND, FL, MEDIATOR CAN HELP YOU THROUGH YOUR DIVORCE

Mediators help divorcing couples find a resolution without going to court. When disputes are settled in court, a judge has all the power to make a decision. When mediation is possible, we truly believe it is the best way to ensure both parties are satisfied with the outcome.

Family law attorney Debra Sutton can serve as your divorce mediator and help find a peaceful resolution. As a mediator, she won't tell divorcing couples how to resolve their dispute. Instead, she will simply guide both parties toward a resolution by facilitating productive conversation.

We have locations in Bartow, St. Petersburg, and Lakeland. If you think you could benefit from our mediation as part of the divorce process, request a consultation with us or call our Lakeland, FL, office:

(863) 533-8912

Sutton Law Firm office — Our historic office in Bartow, FL

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"Knowledgeable and helpful..."

Debra and her staff were very professional and sincere in helping me through my collaborative divorce. Debra was extremely knowledgeable and helpful during this time and made me feel very comfortable through the process. I would highly recommend Debra and The Sutton Law firm.

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If you are looking for the most knowledgeable Attorney in Central Florida. Look no further. Debra and her staff are the best around. My advice to anyone that wants the best possible outcome for their case: Follow the staffs directions to the tee.

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Preparing for Your Mediation

Prior to your divorce mediation, there are some simple things you can do to make sure you're prepared and that your mediator will be able to help you to the best of their abilities:

Get Legal Advice

During divorce mediation, our Lakeland, FL, attorney will not be able to give you any legal advice because she is there to act as an impartial third party. Though it's not necessary, you can consult a divorce attorney and even bring them along with you to your divorce mediation.

Organize Your Documentation

A successful divorce mediation will require having all pertinent documentation available to support the protection of your best interests. Make these documents available at every mediation session regardless of whether you expect you will need them.

Define Your Goals

Before your divorce mediation, it's important to set realistic goals, but it's also important to be flexible. You should go into your mediation with a clear idea of what you want to achieve, along with an understanding that you may also encounter new information that will change your goals.

What You Can Discuss During Your Mediation Process WITH OUR FLORIDA DIVORCE MEDIATOR

Alimony

When one spouse files for divorce, both spouses must adjust from two incomes to one, which can be difficult in many cases. Alimony is designed to ensure that lower-earning spouses aren't left without the financial support they need to survive. This can be a sensitive topic, but our divorce mediator can help divorcing couples avoid conflict.

Learn More About Alimony

Child Custody

Florida law recognizes that children generally benefit when they spend time with both parents, and both mothers and fathers have equal rights to their children. Child custody disputes can be resolved with a mediator, but a judge will always evaluate a custody agreement to make sure it's in the children's best interests.

Child Support

In Florida, both parents are obligated to support their children financially. If you have children, our mediator can help reach a child support arrangement based on an estimate of how much each parent would spend on the children if the family was living in one household.

Property Division

Florida law requires a fair division of property between spouses. Though this typically means equal division, the property can be divided into different proportions based on a variety of factors. Though some divorcing couples can come to an agreement on property division on their own, our Lakeland, FL, mediator can negotiate a fair settlement.

Mediation can take place during or after your divorce, as disputes can arise long after a divorce is finalized. Mediation ends when the agreement is put into writing and both parties sign it. Once it is approved by a judge, it becomes a legally binding contract that is enforceable by the court.

The Difference Between Litigation and Divorce Mediation

If at all possible, our Lakeland, FL, attorneys recommend divorce mediation over litigation, as a mediation session can have many benefits. Not only is the process more confidential, but it's also more collaborative and doesn't end until both parties agree on an outcome.

I'm Ready to Discuss Mediation

Why Choose Sutton Law Firm?

"Above and beyond..."

I have hired Ms. Sutton twice and both times she has gone above and beyond. She is professional but also caring. More then once she called me to calm my anxiety about my case. Her professionalism and knowledge of the law in the courtroom made me glad she was my lawyer.

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Going through a divorce was one of the most difficult times in my life. A frind of my family referred me to Debra Sutton. After meeting with Ms. Sutton I felt that there was hope for a positive change in the mist of fear. Debra Sutton put so much time into my case by carefully walking, fighting vigorously and inspiring me to reach for the stars.

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