Meredith Cohen, Certified Mediator
Divorce by Mediation
605 East Robinson Street
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: 407-977-0021
FAX: 407-641-8390
Letter to the Editor
The following Letter to the Editor from Meredith was published in The Orlando Sentinel on July 11, 2006
MEDIATION
OPTION
The article "Don’t Let Divorce Break You" in the "Your Money" section of Sunday’s Sentinel made several valuable points for divorcing couples. As a family mediator, I wanted to point out that it did not mention Mediation as another option for divorce.
In Florida a couple is permitted by law to obtain a divorce without attorneys. This is called a pro se divorce. A Family Mediator can meet with the divorcing couple.
Mediation is a confidential, informal out-of-court problem solving process that is inexpensive, respectful and fair. A neutral and impartial third person (the mediator) meets with the husband and wife and acts to encourage the resolution of the dispute without deciding what it should be.
The mediator is able to suggest creative, flexible and constructive options for resolving the dispute. The Husband and Wife, not the mediator, make the final decision on whether to settle the dispute and on what terms. The Family Mediator also helps fill out the court papers.
Pro se divorce with the help of a Family Mediator is another option for preventing divorce from breaking you. The names of family mediators who participate in pro se divorces can be found on the internet.
-MEREDITH COHEN
Oviedo
©2009 Meredith J. Cohen, PA