How Long Does the Mediation Process Take?
Family law cases are undeniably stressful. Whether you are filing for divorce, deciding on a child custody arrangement, or negotiating spousal support payments, the legal process can be emotionally and mentally exhausting.
That is why many couples choose to settle their disputes through mediation rather than litigation. Mediation is an alternative form of dispute resolution that involves meeting with a neutral third-party mediator to discuss potential solutions. However, many couples wonder, “How long does the mediation process take?”
Our Brandon family law attorneys at Carman, Bevington & Finegan, P.A., can help you understand the timeline of mediation and explain what factors can impact its duration.
The Length of Mediation
The length of mediation varies from case to case. Some mediations can be handled in a few hours, while others can take months to resolve. The average mediation session lasts around two to four hours, but this does not mean that your mediation will be resolved in a single session. Instead, mediation typically occurs in multiple sessions, with each session building on the previous one.
According to the official website of Florida Courts, mediation may range from 30 minutes to a day or several days, depending on (a) the number of parties involved and the complexity of the case.
What Factors Affect the Length of Mediation?
There are several factors that affect how long the mediation process will take:
- The complexity of the care. One of the biggest factors that can impact the length of mediation is the complexity of the case. If there are a lot of disputes to be resolved or if the parties cannot agree on anything, mediation can take longer than expected. In some cases, there may even be a need for additional sessions to address new issues that arise during the mediation process.
- The number of parties involved. The number of participants involved in the mediation can also impact the length of the process. Mediation sessions involving just two parties tend to be shorter than those that involve multiple parties. In cases where there are multiple participants, it may be necessary to schedule more sessions to accommodate everyone’s schedules.
- The mediator. Another factor to consider is the mediator you choose. Different mediators have different approaches to resolving conflicts, and some may be more effective than others. The mediator’s style can impact the length of the mediation process and how long it takes to reach a resolution.
- The parties’ ability and willingness to negotiate. Finally, how quickly you and your spouse can come to an agreement will ultimately determine how long the mediation process takes. Mediation is a voluntary process, and both parties need to be willing to work together to reach a resolution. If you and your spouse are open to compromise and committed to resolving your issues, mediation may take less time than you think.
The above-mentioned factors can impact the duration of the mediation process in your family law case.
Get a Free Case Review with a Brandon Family Law Attorney Today
While it can be challenging to predict exactly how long your mediation will take, our attorneys at Carman, Bevington & Finegan, P.A., can review the facts of your case and give a rough estimate of the mediation’s timeline. Schedule a free case review today by calling 813-305-0682.