Mediation
Mediation is one of the most effective tools for resolving legal disputes efficiently and constructively. In Florida, courts frequently require parties to attempt mediation before trial, especially in family law cases. For attorneys, partnering with an experienced, neutral mediator can save clients significant time, money, and stress — while opening the door to creative solutions not available through litigation.
At McNary Law, we provide mediation services to attorneys and their clients throughout Bradenton, Sarasota, and the surrounding communities. Our team is led by Melinda Delpech, a Florida Supreme Court–certified Family Mediator, who is trained to facilitate meaningful dialogue, manage conflict, and guide parties toward durable agreements.
Why Mediation Matters for Attorneys
For attorneys representing clients in divorce, custody, support, or estate matters, mediation offers clear advantages:
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Court-Required: In many family law cases, Florida courts mandate mediation before trial.
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Client-Focused Outcomes: Mediation gives clients more control over their results rather than leaving decisions to a judge.
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Efficiency: Settling disputes in mediation saves time compared to lengthy litigation.
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Cost Savings: Clients avoid the expense of drawn-out court battles.
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Professional Collaboration: Attorneys can focus on advocacy while the mediator facilitates constructive dialogue.
When attorneys bring clients to mediation, they provide an opportunity for resolution that aligns with both legal requirements and client interests.
Melinda Delpech: Florida Supreme Court–Certified Family Mediator
Our mediation services are guided by Melinda Delpech, who holds certification as a Family Mediator through the Florida Supreme Court. This distinction ensures that she meets the state’s highest standards for neutrality, ethics, and competence.
Melinda’s approach is:
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Neutral and Impartial: She does not represent either side but instead fosters balanced dialogue.
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Solution-Oriented: She helps parties explore creative compromises that serve their needs and withstand future challenges.
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Experienced in Family Law: With deep knowledge of Florida divorce, custody, and support laws, she understands the unique dynamics of family disputes.
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Focused on Attorneys’ Needs: She respects the attorney-client relationship, creating space for lawyers to advise their clients while she facilitates the process.
Mediation Areas We Handle
Divorce Mediation
Divorce cases often involve disputes over property division, alimony, child custody, and child support. Mediation allows attorneys to help clients resolve these issues privately and with greater flexibility. Our mediation services cover:
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Property Division: Equitable distribution of assets and debts.
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Alimony: Crafting support agreements tailored to client needs.
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Parenting Plans and Custody: Developing child-focused time-sharing schedules.
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Child Support: Applying Florida’s guidelines while incorporating practical solutions.
Custody and Parenting Plan Mediation
Parenting disputes can quickly escalate in litigation. Through mediation, attorneys can help clients design parenting plans that reflect their children’s best interests while avoiding the adversarial courtroom setting.
Support and Alimony Mediation
Child support and alimony calculations often spark conflict. Mediation creates a forum where attorneys can advocate for their clients while a neutral mediator facilitates dialogue and settlement.
Estate and Probate Mediation
Disagreements about wills, trusts, or estates can divide families and drain estate assets. Mediation provides attorneys with a structured process to resolve these conflicts while preserving family relationships and resources.
The Mediation Process at McNary Law
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Referral or Scheduling: Attorneys may refer clients or schedule mediation directly with our office.
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Pre-Mediation Preparation: Parties and attorneys receive clear instructions and expectations.
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Session: Melinda Delpech facilitates a structured discussion, ensuring each party is heard. Attorneys remain actively involved to advise clients.
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Resolution: Agreements reached in mediation are documented and, when appropriate, submitted to the court for approval.
Why Attorneys Choose McNary Law for Mediation
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Certified Mediator: Melinda Delpech’s Florida Supreme Court certification ensures professional standards and court recognition.
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Attorney-Friendly Process: We respect attorneys’ role and provide a forum that enhances, rather than replaces, legal advocacy.
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Local Knowledge: Our Bradenton office serves clients across Manatee and Sarasota counties, with deep familiarity of the regional court system.
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Professional Environment: We provide a neutral, confidential setting where disputes can be resolved productively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mediation mandatory in Florida family law cases?
Yes, in most family law disputes, courts require mediation before trial can proceed.
Can attorneys attend mediation with their clients?
Absolutely. Attorneys play an essential role in advising clients and helping them evaluate settlement options during mediation.
Is mediation binding?
If the parties reach and sign an agreement, it becomes binding and is often submitted to the court for approval.
What happens if mediation fails?
If no agreement is reached, the case may proceed to litigation, but mediation often narrows the issues in dispute.
What role does the mediator play?
The mediator facilitates communication, identifies issues, and helps parties explore solutions but does not make legal decisions or represent either side.
Serving Attorneys and Clients in Bradenton and Sarasota
At McNary Law, we value our role as partners to attorneys who need effective, ethical, and professional mediation services for their clients. With Melinda Delpech, Florida Supreme Court–certified Family Mediator, leading the process, you can trust that your clients will receive skilled, neutral guidance.
Schedule a Mediation
Whether you are representing a client in divorce, custody, or post-judgment disputes, trust McNary Law to provide professional, neutral, and effective mediation services.
Click here or call us today at 941-345-1662 to schedule a mediation.