The Law Station | Mediation

What is mediation?

In mediation, an independent and professionally trained mediator helps you or your business and another party create an agreement to resolve all or a portion of your legal issues. The agreement the parties develop with the mediator, once submitted to the Court, will become an enforceable order of the court.

Call 904-810-2410 or send us an email today to set your mediation. If you are represented by an attorney, please ask your attorney to contact us.

Why mediate?

When you wait for your proverbial ‘day in court’ to allow a judge to decide your case, he or she will hear from both sides and make a ruling. The reality, however is, a judge cannot possibly learn all the intricate details of your business or family during the time allotted for trial and the rules of evidence will not permit the judge to consider everything you think is important. A judgment will be imposed upon both sides based upon the limted information the judge gets to hear. Mediation, on the other hand, allows both sides to work through an impartial mediator, who is in confidence to each side. The mediator helps the parties facilitate a voluntary agreement. A mediator, with solid experience litigating and negotiating these types of cases can assist the parties in identifying issues and coming to agreements without giving advice or favoring one party over the other.

what are the advantages of mediation?

You know the dynamics of the parties and those who are integrally related to the conflict
You know your personal and business finances
Mediation is less expensive
Mediation is less stressful
Mediation is effective

When to mediate

Court ordered mediation

Once your case is filed, it will likely be referred to mediation by court order. The parties can select their own mediator. Mediation is the last formal opportunity to settle your case prior to trial. Selecting a mediator who has the tools to facilitate a voluntary agreement is essential because the cost to prepare your case for trial has sadly become cost prohibitive.

Pre/POST-suit Mediation

Whether or not you have retained an attorney, you can voluntarily set a mediation prior to the filing of any type of lawsuit to resolve your matter pre-suit. Or, if you have a dispute after the entry of a judgment and wish to modify the judgment, as long as both parties agree to do so, you can resolve matters post-judgment through mediation as well. Either way, pre-suit or post-suit mediation can save you, your business, or your family the cost and stress of litigation. Many people prefer to retain an attorney to accompany them to mediation. However, if you cannot afford an attorney, pre/post-suit mediation is still an option.

selecting your mediator

Whether court ordered or pre/post-suit, Melissa Sarris Kauttu takes her experience from courtrooms and conference rooms into the caucus rooms of mediation serving as an independent mediator and settling many different kinds of cases between individuals, businesses, and families. She facilitates agreements dealing with complex financial issues related to ownership of businesses, real estate, retirement plans, and other assets and liabilities to the detailed interpersonal and relational issues that matter most to the parties. Having a mediator who can creatively assist you in resolving issues unique to your situation is critical.

St. Augustine Mediation Station