By now, you have probably heard of Zoom, the online video conference tool. If you have not already used Zoom, you may have questions about how to use it for a consultation. Zoom is very easy to set up and use and it is secure, meaning attorney-client confidentiality is ensured during the consultation.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A ZOOM CONFERENCE

To use Zoom, first you need to download the Zoom app. The app is free and can be used with any device (including a smartphone or laptop) that is equipped with a camera. Once you have the app, you can launch it and be ready to join a meeting.
For your conference with Norman Law, we will email you a meeting invitation. To join the meeting, you simply click on the link in the email invitation labeled “Join Zoom Meeting.” When you click on the link, you will be prompted to either download or launch Zoom. Since you have already downloaded the app, just click on “open zoom.us.” Lastly, you will be given options to turn off the video or audio; please do not select either of these. Instead, click “Join.”

ZOOM FEATURES

Zoom has some features that may be helpful in your consultation.

The bar at the bottom of the Zoom screen has several control buttons. At the far-left is the “Mute” button. The Zoom mute button allows you to mute/unmute your microphone with just a click. When your microphone is muted, the microphone icon has a red line through it.

Zoom also allows you to share photos, documents, and other information from your computer/device during a meeting, such as a pleading that has been served on you. You can do so by using the “Chat” or the “Share Screen” button on the bottom bar.

ZOOM SECURITY

We are confident that Zoom meetings are secure. This ensures that all communications are confidential and attorney-client privilege remains protected.

Divorce Mediation is the most sensible approach to settling disputes; it is even when people are divorcing. Compared to litigation, mediation is less time consuming, more affordable and much less emotionally draining and stressful. Most people are not very familiar with the process of divorce mediation as an alternative dispute resolution method. The lack of knowledge about mediation in general can lead to misconceptions and misunderstandings about the process of divorce mediation in particular.

Some of the most common misconceptions about divorce mediation include the following:

1. Mediators are normally biased (for or against one party or the other)

This is completely incorrect. The mediator is a neutral third party and is not an advocate for either side. The mediator is expected and required to be neutral and impartial throughout the entire mediation process. He or she is the voice of reason for both parties and not just one party. The mediator’s job is simply to help both parties come up with the most sensible and workable resolution of all issues related to their divorce that both people can live with going forward.
The mediator helps to resolve the disputes between the parties in a peaceful way and is neutral throughout the entire mediation process. The mediator does not decide who is right or wrong. His or her job and role is to help both parties resolve their differences and come to an agreement so that a judge does not have to decide things for them.

2. Mediation results in a 50/50 split of assets and debts

This is another incorrect thought about mediation.
If both parties are able to think clearly and be reasonable, mediation is usually successful because it allows since the parties to decide how their assets and debts are split between them. This simply means that both people have the opportunity to provide valuable input to their attorneys and the mediator about the details of their unique, individual financial situation.
In most cases, the mediator will guide both parties to reach an equitable distribution in the most fair way possible. Equitable distribution is a legal term that entails the apportioning of the marital assets and marital debts as part of the divorce. The whole idea behind equitable distribution is that the marital assets and debts be distributed it means “fair” division rather than a strict fifty-fifty split.

3. Loss of certain rights for unfaithful partners

Mediation is usually very successful if spouses are able to agree on the division of the marital assets and debts. The notion that certain rights are lost if a party has been accused of being in an adulterous relationship is incorrect. Florida is a no-fault divorce state, and mediation involves the same laws as those followed by the court during litigation. Because of this, mediation provides both parties an equal platform to amicably resolve all the issues related to their marriage.

4. There is no need to have an attorney during divorce mediation.

This is false. Couples seeking a divorce through mediation are actually encouraged to have an attorney with them at mediation to give legal advice, provide legal opinions, and review and make changes, if needed, to the settlement documents prepared by the mediators. Mediators cannot give legal advice or provide legal opinions to either party. Having an attorney with you at mediation ensures that your best interests are being safeguarded.

Wendy Norman is a divorce attorney in Jacksonville, FL. To schedule a free, initial consultation, please call our office at 904.306.9926 or contact us online.

When facing any type of legal case, mediation is often the way the case is resolved or settled. Many divorce and custody agreements are made via mediation, rather than going to court. Some reasons for this are that it is often faster to reach an agreement at mediation than going to court, and most people leave feeling better towards each other, as there is no long, drawn out court case.

What is Mediation?

This can best be described as a way to peacefully resolve disputes through the use of a neutral mediator whose job is to help both parties get some of the things they want. The mediator does not decide who is right or wrong, and is there to both parties work out their differences so that a judge does not have to decide things for them. Here is an example of how mediation is used in a divorce case:

Both parties are in agreement about getting a divorce, and are ready to move on with their lives. They want to resolve their disagreements and avoid a lengthy court case that may not turn out in either parties’ favor. Instead, they choose to use mediation. At one mediation session the parties may decide how they want to divide their assets, including such matters as who gets the dog, who keeps the home and the like. All the while, both parties are able to freely speak their thoughts and feelings. In the end, both parties walk away with a compromise each can live with, and move forward with their lives.

What to Expect During Mediation

There are several things you can presume at mediation:

• The mediator is not going to take sides, he or she is neutral and impartial
• The mediator will control the conversation flow
• Each person will have the chance to voice his or her concerns without interruption
• A mediation is confidential

Mediation is Usually Required by the Court

Mediation, even if not required, is highly recommended in most cases. Wendy Norman has been practicing in the Jacksonville, Florida area for many years in the family law courts. She has attended many mediations with clients and can help you through mediation, as well as provide advice for how to prepare for mediation if this is the route that you choose to go.

Please call our office to request a free consultation if you have a family law matter: (904) 306-9926.