Orlando Mediation Attorney
Conflict doesn't have to mean a courtroom battle. In Florida, courts generally require mediation before a family law case can go to trial, so why wait for a judge to order it? You can take control of the process now. Lengthy trials in Orange County can drag on for over a year, draining your bank account and your emotional reserves. At Ilvento Law, P.A., we offer a better path forward.
Call us at (407) 898-0747 to learn how mediation can work for your family.
We provide comprehensive mediation services to help our clients reach mutually agreeable solutions without the stress of a trial. We specialize in facilitating open, productive discussions between parties in conflict. By providing a neutral and safe environment for you to negotiate, we help you find common ground and build resolutions that work for everyone involved.
About Lauren Ilvento
Since 1995, Attorney Lauren M. Ilvento has provided trusted counsel to families and business owners across Central Florida. She is a Board Certified Specialist in Marital and Family Law by The Florida Bar, a distinction held by less than 1% of Florida attorneys. She is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator.
With 30 years of experience, Lauren understands that quality legal resolution should be accessible. That is why she mediates cases on a sliding scale based upon income and assets. When you choose Ilvento Law, you are getting a mediator with the highest level of certification and decades of practical experience in Orange County courts.
Contact Lauren today to get more information.
What Does a Mediation Attorney Do?
Mediation attorneys wear many hats throughout the mediation process. From legal experts to skilled negotiators, they play key roles in ensuring the success of the mediation process.
Here are some of their key responsibilities:
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Act as a Neutral Third Party
We do not take sides. Our role is to facilitate a fair process where both voices are heard equally. -
Facilitate Communication
We help you speak to each other, not at each other, keeping discussions productive and focused on the future. -
Provide Legal Insights
As a Board Certified specialist, Lauren understands how local judges typically rule, helping you assess the risks of going to trial. -
Craft Custom Solutions
Families don't fit into one-size-fits-all boxes. We help you build creative agreements that actually fit your life. -
Prepare Legally Binding Agreements
Once signed and approved, your mediated agreement is fully enforceable in Florida courts.
How Family Law Mediation Works in Orlando
The process is designed to be efficient and respectful. It starts with an initial consultation to review your specific situation. Then, we schedule mediation sessions, usually held at our Concord Street office or virtually for your convenience.
Most cases resolve in just 1 to 3 sessions spread over 2 to 8 weeks. In contrast, litigating a contested divorce in Orange County often takes 12 to 18 months. During a session, Lauren guides the conversation to resolve specific disputes, drafting the agreement in real-time as you reach a consensus. You walk away with a clear path forward, rather than waiting months for a court date.
What Can Be Resolved Through Mediation in Orlando
Florida is an "equitable distribution" state, meaning marital assets must be divided fairly, though not always equally. Mediation allows you to decide what "fair" looks like for your specific family. This process is ideal for resolving:
- Divorce and separation agreements
- Child custody & timesharing schedules
- Property division (homes, retirement accounts, debts)
- Alimony and spousal support
- Child support calculations
Mediation is highly effective for most families, though it may not be appropriate in cases involving domestic violence or where one party refuses to be transparent about finances.
Benefits of Mediation vs. Litigation in Orlando
- Cost-Effective: Traditional litigation often costs $15,000 to $50,000 or more per person due to depositions, hearings, and trial preparation. Mediation typically costs between $3,000 and $7,000 total.
- Time-Saving: Skip the court backlog. Resolve your case in weeks, not years.
- Confidentiality: Court records are public. Mediation stays private, keeping your financial and personal details off the public docket.
- Preservation of Relationships: Litigation pits spouses against each other; mediation fosters cooperation, which is vital for co-parenting.
- Flexibility: You control the schedule, not the court system.
Mediation vs. Collaborative Divorce
While both methods keep you out of court, they are different processes. In mediation, one neutral professional (Lauren) helps both spouses reach an agreement. Attorneys may or may not be present, and the mediator cannot give legal advice to either side.
In collaborative divorce, each spouse hires their own attorney, often bringing in financial neutrals and mental health professionals for a team-based approach. Each spouse has an advocate throughout the entire process.
Lauren Ilvento is trained and experienced in both methods. During your consultation, she can help you decide which path suits your family best.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mediation
How much does mediation cost in Orlando?
Costs vary based on the complexity of your assets and parenting issues, but mediation is significantly cheaper than litigation. We offer a sliding scale fee structure to make the process affordable for different income levels.
How long does mediation take?
Most mediation processes are completed within a few weeks, depending on how quickly both parties can provide necessary financial documents and schedules.
Is a mediation agreement legally binding in Florida?
Yes. Once the agreement is signed by both parties and filed with the court, it becomes a binding contract and is incorporated into the final court order.
Do I need my own attorney for mediation?
You are not required to have your own attorney present during mediation, though you are welcome to. Many clients choose to have an attorney review the final agreement before they sign it.
Get the Help You Need From Ilvento Law
Don't let a judge decide your future. Take control of the outcome with a process that saves you time, money, and stress.
Call our Orlando mediation lawyer at (407) 898-0747 or contact us online for dedicated assistance today.