| CERTIFIED CIRCUIT AND COUNTY COURT MEDIATOR
A mediator is a neutral third person. Unlike a judge or an arbitrator, a mediator will not take sides or make decisions, but will help each party evaluate goals and options in order to find a solution that works for everyone. Everything discussed at mediation is confidential. Mediation is required prior to trial in Florida. When an agreement is reached with an opposing party through mediation, it can be made legally binding by writing down the decisions in the form of an enforceable contract, or, in some cases, the agreement will made part of a court order.
Mediation is much less formal than going to court. In mediation, two or more people come together to try to work out a solution to their problem. The process generally begins with all parties present at the same table, then later the parties are divided into separate rooms for private caucus with the mediator. It can be arranged so the parties have no personal contact at all.
The mediator's job is to help the disputants evaluate their goals and options and find their own mutually satisfactory solution. Because the mediator has no authority to impose a decision, nothing will be decided unless both parties agree to it. The biggest advantage of mediation over court or arbitration is that the parties have control over the outcome of the mediation process. If the parties do not reach an agreement, the process is simply suspended without any binding effect. The binding outcome of court hearings, on the other hand, tend to be quite unpredictable. Also, the parties have more opportunity to participate in the medation process than they do in court. Typically, neighbor-to-neighbor or other personal issues are resolved in a few hours. Negotiations between small businesses often entail one or two half-day sessions.
William R. Wohlsifer, Esq. provides professional mediation services throughout the State of Florida. Mr. Wohlsifer is certified by the Florida Supreme Court to mediate civil disputes in both County and Circuit Courts, and was formerly certified by the Division of Florida Land Sales, Condominiums and Mobiles Homes to mediate mandatory pre-suit homeowners' association disputes. He has been a member of the Florida Academy of Professional Mediators since 2002.
Mediation may be held at our office or at another location acceptable to the parties. The parties may select fee arrangements based on hourly or per diem charges. There is no charge for the initial mediation consultation or for travel time.
FLORIDA SUPREME COURT QUALIFIED ARBITRATOR
Arbitration is a process wherein a qualified neutral person, the arbitrator, after examining all of the facts in dispute, renders a decision for the disputing parties as a solution to their dispute and determines if the aggrieved party is entitled to recover damages. Upon prior agreement, the decision is in writing and binding upon both of the disputing parties, but can be agreed upon to be non-binding and advisory in nature only.
William R. Wohlsifer, Esquire, is a qualified arbitrator, available to arbitrate cases throughout the State of Florida. Arbitration may be held at our office or at another location acceptable to the parties.
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