What the Mediator Can and Can’t Do for You

The mediator is neutral. That doesn’t change because one or both people don’t have a lawyer.

The mediator can:

Explain how the mediation process works
Keep the conversation balanced and make sure each person is heard
Help you organize the issues, test options against real numbers and calendars, and write down what you agree to
Point out where a question needs an attorney, an accountant, or another professional before you decide

The mediator can’t:

Tell you your legal rights, what a judge would likely do, or whether a proposal is good for you, even if you ask directly
Calculate child support or alimony, or value a home, business, or retirement account
Prepare court forms or tell you which forms or filing path to use
Help one person more than the other

If you feel you’re missing information you need to decide something, say so. Pausing, or setting an issue aside until you’ve talked to someone, is a normal part of the process.

Getting Legal Help Without Hiring a Lawyer for Everything

Florida allows limited-scope representation: hiring an attorney for one part of a matter instead of the whole case. Many family lawyers offer it. Common uses:

One consultation before mediation, to understand your rights and what information to bring
Being available by phone during the session
Reviewing written terms after mediation, before you sign anything that will be filed or that is meant to be binding

Even one hour of review can catch problems, such as a retirement account that needs a separate court order or a support term that won’t meet the guidelines. Those are much harder to fix after the fact. The Florida Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service can help you find a family lawyer who offers limited-scope help.

If the Other Person Has a Lawyer and You Don’t

That’s allowed, and mediation can still be fair. But you may ask to reschedule so you can get advice first, and you never have to agree to anything in the session. If you feel pressured or outmatched, tell the mediator. A private caucus is available at any point.

After the Session

If you reach terms, they’re written down so you can review them, ideally with an attorney. Whatever gets filed still has to meet Florida’s requirements, including financial disclosure, the child support guidelines, and a parenting plan when there are minor children, and terms involving children are reviewed by the court.

The Florida Courts publish approved family law forms, and many counties run a family court self-help program that explains the filing process. Those are the right sources for forms and procedure. The mediator isn’t.

If Your Case Is Already Filed

If you have an open case, the court may already have ordered mediation, and many circuits run family mediation programs with income-based rates for parties without attorneys. Private mediation is an alternative when the parties want more scheduling flexibility, evening or weekend times, or a session in Spanish. Check your court order or ask the clerk before assuming either option is available in your case.

Protect Yourself: A Short Checklist

Bring real numbers: pay stubs, account statements, debt balances, insurance costs
Write down what matters most to you and where you’re flexible
Don’t agree to anything you don’t understand. Ask for it in writing and take it home.
Don’t sign anything that will be filed until you’ve had a real chance to have it reviewed
If safety is a concern, raise it privately and early. See when mediation is not appropriate.

Starting the Conversation

The first step is a short request with basic conflict-check information only. Leave “Attorney name” blank if you don’t have one. The standard rate is $250/hour total, commonly divided between the parties, with written fee terms provided before anything is scheduled.

Request Mediation →

This article is general information, not legal advice. Sun State Mediator does not represent either party, prepare court forms, or advise on filing.

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Mediating Without a Lawyer