Certified Circuit Civil Mediator in Clearwater, Florida

Mediation has been a vital component of the Florida legal system for over 30 years.

Mediation offers parties an opportunity to solve issues outside of the courtroom. This is done under the guidance of an impartial third party, called a mediator.

Mediators are negotiators that have experience creating productive conversations during challenging conflicts.

Mediation reduces the aggressive nature of conflicts. This makes it a great option for parties with ongoing relationships or shared interests. Mediators also help by managing expectations, identifying common ground, and providing creative paths forward during negotiations.

Mediation also allows parties to remain in control of the outcome of their conflict. The role of the mediator does not include making any rulings or judgments. Discover how our certified mediator at the Law Office of Alex Hernandez can help you seek the results you need to move forward.

When Are the Benefits of Mediation?

Mediation can be used to great success in a variety of circumstances. Unfortunately, sometimes parties cannot or will not resolve a dispute on their own. Mediation provides fair and speedy solutions to these conflicts.

Other benefits of mediation include:

• Confidentiality — Any information revealed during mediation is entirely confidential. Certified mediators are bound by law to uphold strict confidentiality. In comparison, hearings and trials held in court are open to the public, as is the outcome of the case. Most people prefer to avoid publicity around their private affairs, making mediation an ideal option.

• Control — Mediators are not empowered to make decisions for conflicting parties. Instead, they are there to ease tensions and promote productive conversations. The goal of mediation is to help the parties come to a mutually satisfactory decision.

• Speed — While trials in public courts can take years to resolve, mediation can often be finished in days or weeks. This is because mediation is a structured, action-based process, which supports quick resolutions.

• Convenience — Mediation can be scheduled around busy and conflicting schedules. This provides flexibility and convenience for conflicting parties, unlike rigid court dates.

At the Law Office of Alex Hernandez, we are ready to help you save time and money with the mediation process. If you are in Clearwater, Florida, or the neighboring areas of Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco Counties, schedule a consultation with us today.

How Can Mediation Help Me?

Mediation can help a variety of disputing parties come to an agreement. Mediation is generally a voluntary process but can also be court-ordered. Common conflicts that lead to mediation include family, housing, and small claims cases. Mediation is also frequently utilized by homeowners facing foreclosure.

Foreclosure Mediation

Foreclosure is an expensive legal process that has significant downsides for both parties. Instead of navigating complicated and time-intensive court processes, homeowners and lenders can meet with a certified mediator to find common ground.

Potential outcomes of foreclosure mediation can include:

• Modified repayment plans

• Deed in-lieu-of foreclosure agreement

• Short sale agreement

Homeowners who participate in mediation are often more likely to avoid foreclosure than those who do not.

Small Claims Mediation

Suits for amounts smaller than $8,000 are designated to small claims courts in the state of Florida.

Mediation can be an attractive option for small court cases due to lower costs. Traditional litigation often costs thousands of dollars in legal and lawyer fees. Due to the smaller sums of money being contested in small claims court, these costs are often counterproductive for both parties.

Common conflicts that lead to small claims mediation include:

• Personal injury

• Security deposit disputes

• Dog bites

• Failure to meet terms of service

• Failure to complete agreed-upon repairs to vehicles

• Evictions

• Property damage

Civil Trial Case Mediation

If you're currently dealing with a civil lawsuit, working with a mediator may help you avoid a lengthy and costly litigation process. At the Law Office of Alex Hernandez, we offer mediation services for civil disputes involving both private parties and businesses. Reach out to us to start working toward a favorable resolution to your case.

Schedule a Free Consultation

We have been providing effective mediation services for over 30 years. We understand the challenges of reaching a solution after a challenging conflict and are prepared to guide you every step of the way towards a mutually beneficial result. We are proud to extend our services to the city of Clearwater, Florida, and the tri-county area of Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco Counties.