Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator

Kelly McNeal understands both the legal and emotional aspects of a divorce; she is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator serving Gainesville and all of Florida. Couples who don’t want to hire lawyers (or those represented by lawyers) can utilize the services of Ms. McNeal as a mediator in their divorce or paternity case.  Ms. McNeal can help families who already have court orders, if one or both parties want to make any changes to the order.  As a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, Ms. McNeal cannot give parties legal advice, but can assist as a mediator to ensure the parties file the proper documents with the court to finalize an uncontested divorce.  A family mediator listens to both sides and helps ease communication to facilitate productive outcomes.  Ms. McNeal is trained to encourage a productive, respectful conversation between parties, with a goal to reaching a compromise.

Mediation is a more informal process than a court hearing or trial, and communication during a mediation is confidential (with a few exceptions, and unless an agreement is reduced to writing and filed with the Court).  This allows the parties to discuss options and potential outcomes clearly and freely.

In mediation, the parties have control over the outcome of their case or issues, whereas a Court would only be able to apply legal principles and is limited to ruling what the law allows.  Many times, mediators can assist the parties in coming to agreements that a judge may not be permitted to enter.  Finally, mediation often leads to a more amicable relationship between the parties after their case is resolved.  This saves the parties both time, money (usually a substantial amount), and a bitter relationship once the dust settles.