When Joan Berry Nassar serves as your mediator, she acts as a neutral facilitator — not as your attorney. Mediation and legal representation are separate professional roles that cannot be combined for the same matter. Mediation clients are encouraged to seek independent legal counsel.

What Is Mediation?

Mediation is an informal, non-adversarial process where a neutral third person (the mediator) encourages and facilitates the resolution of a dispute between two parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable and voluntary agreement.

Unlike a judge, a mediator does not make decisions for you.

Instead, the mediator facilitates productive discussion, and guides negotiations so participants can create solutions tailored to their unique circumstances.

Family law mediation is commonly used to resolve:

• Divorce settlements
• Timesharing arrangements
• Parenting plans
• Child support issues
• Alimony
• Division of marital property and debts
• Post-divorce disputes and modifications
• Other family law matters

Many people are surprised to learn how many issues can be successfully resolved through mediation rather than litigation.

Understanding the Mediator’s Role

Mediation is often misunderstood.

Many individuals assume a mediator functions like an attorney or judge. In reality, the mediator serves a very different role.

A Mediator Does:

• Facilitate communication
• Encourage productive discussion
• Help identify possible solutions
• Guide negotiation
• Promote understanding and cooperation
• Help participants remain focused on resolution

A Mediator Does Not:

• Provide legal advice
• Represent either participant
• Decide who is right or wrong
• Force agreements
• Make decisions on behalf of either party

The decisions remain with the participants.

The mediator’s role is to help create a productive environment where those decisions can be made thoughtfully and intentionally.

Who Mediation Is For

Mediation may be appropriate when:

• You want to avoid court whenever possible
• You want greater control over the outcome
• You have children and want to preserve a workable co-parenting relationship
• You value privacy and confidentiality
• You want to reduce the financial and emotional costs of litigation

Mediation is particularly beneficial for individuals who will continue to have an ongoing relationship long after the legal process is complete.

The goal is not simply to resolve a case.

The goal is to create solutions that support the future of the family.

Mediation for Alimony & Support Issues

• Temporary Alimony
• Durational Alimony
• Bridge the Gap Alimony
• Lump Sum Alimony

Benefits of Mediation

Lower Cost

Mediation is often significantly less expensive than contested litigation.

Greater Control

Rather than having a judge make decisions for your family, you remain actively involved in creating the outcome.

Privacy

Mediation is confidential, allowing sensitive family matters to remain private.

Flexibility

Solutions can often be tailored to the unique needs of your family rather than limited to what a court may order.

Reduced Conflict

The mediation process encourages communication, and problem-solving rather than adversarial conflict.

Faster Resolution

Many disputes can be resolved more efficiently through mediation than through lengthy court proceedings.

Mediation for Divorce

Divorce mediation allows spouses to address the legal and financial issues associated with ending a marriage in a more cooperative setting.

Topics commonly addressed include:

• Division of marital assets and debts
• Alimony and spousal support
• Parenting plans
• Child custody
• Child support
• Future decision-making responsibilities

For many couples, mediation creates a pathway toward resolution while preserving dignity and reducing unnecessary conflict.

Mediation for Child Custody & Parenting Plans

Parents often know their children’s needs better than anyone else.

Mediation allows parents to work together to develop parenting plans that address:

• Timesharing schedules
• Holiday arrangements
• School-related decisions
• Extracurricular activities
• Communication guidelines
• Future dispute resolution procedures

Creating a parenting plan through mediation often results in agreements that are more practical and sustainable than those imposed by the court.

Mediation for Property Division & Financial Matters

Financial disputes can be among the most challenging aspects of divorce.

Mediation can help parties negotiate:

• Equitable distribution of assets
• Division of debts
• Retirement accounts
• Real estate interests
• Business ownership concerns

The goal is to reach informed agreements that both parties understand and can live with moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an attorney if I choose mediation?

No. Parties have the option to attend mediations with or without an attorney. It is recommended that participants seek to seek legal counsel before  mediation since a mediator can not give legal advice.

Is mediation legally binding?

Yes, a mediation agreement is a contract between two parties; when it is approved by the court, it becomes a court order.

Can mediation work if we don’t agree on everything?

Yes. In fact, most people enter mediation because disagreements exist. The purpose of mediation is to help participants work through those differences productively. Even if you do not agree to everything at mediation, a partial agreement may be reached that will allow you to proceed to court saving time and money addressing only those issues that remain unresolved.

Is mediation required before going to court?

In Brevard County, Florida, the court requires every case to be mediated prior to attending trial.

You Have More Than One Way Forward

Mediation is one of several paths available to families facing divorce and other family law matters.

The right choice depends on your goals, circumstances, and the level of conflict involved.

Joan Berry Nassar helps individuals understand their options so they can choose the process most likely to support their future.

Resolve Conflict Without Going To Court

Not every family law dispute requires a courtroom.

For many families, mediation provides a practical, cost-effective way to resolve divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, parenting plan, and property division issues without the expense, stress, and uncertainty of litigation.

For more than 30 years, Joan Berry Nassar has served as a family law mediator, helping individuals and families work through difficult conversations, identify common ground, and reach mutually acceptable agreements.

The first step is not choosing a lawyer.

The first step is understanding your options.

Schedule a Mediation Consultation