Divorce is never easy, but the way you choose to approach it can make a significant difference for both you and your family. For many couples in Lake and Orange County, Florida, divorce mediation offers a more collaborative, cost-effective, and less stressful alternative to litigation.

At the Law Offices of Jason G. Smith, our attorneys are committed to helping clients resolve family law matters through compassionate and effective mediation, giving them more control over the outcome of their case.

What Is Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation is a voluntary or court-ordered process where a neutral third-party mediator helps spouses and their attorneys communicate and negotiate outside of court. The goal is to reach agreements that are fair, practical, and tailored to the needs of both parties and their families.

Mediation can be used to resolve:

• Divorce and legal separation
• LGBTQ divorce matters
• Child custody and visitation agreements
• Child support arrangements
• Guardianship disputes
• Paternal rights and parental decision-making
• Property division
• Estate-related concerns

Because mediation encourages open communication, it often leads to more durable agreements that reduce conflict later on.

The Benefits of Mediation vs. Litigation

Whether chosen voluntarily or required by the court, mediation provides several advantages over traditional litigation:

• Faster and More Affordable
  Mediation often takes just one or two sessions, significantly reducing legal costs and saving time.
• More Control Over the Outcome
  Unlike litigation, where a judge decides, mediation allows the parties themselves to determine the terms of their divorce.
• Less Stressful and More Collaborative
  While litigation can feel combative, mediation promotes communication and cooperation — making it easier to preserve family relationships.
• Confidential and Private
  Mediation sessions remain private, unlike court hearings, which are generally public.

How Divorce Mediation Works in Florida

The mediation process typically follows these steps:

1. Initial Meeting
   The mediator explains the process and establishes ground rules for respectful communication.
2. Identifying Issues
   The spouses and their attorneys outline the issues that need to be resolved, such as custody, support, or property division.
3. Negotiation and Discussion
   With the mediator’s guidance, the parties work through each issue, seeking solutions that meet everyone’s needs.
4. Agreement Drafting
   If an agreement is reached, it is written up and submitted to the court for approval, making it legally binding.

This process can often be completed in far less time — and with much less emotional toll — than traditional litigation.

Why Work With Jason G. Smith

At the Law Offices of Jason G. Smith, we understand that every family’s circumstances are unique. Our team provides:

• Compassionate guidance tailored to your situation
• Extensive experience with divorce and family law mediation in Florida
• A problem-solving approach designed to reduce conflict and promote fair outcomes
• Strong support to ensure agreements are legally sound and enforceable



We’ve helped many families in Lake and Orange County move through divorce with less stress, lower costs, and better long-term results.

Take the First Step Toward Resolution

Divorce doesn’t have to be a battle. With skilled mediation, you and your spouse can find common ground and create a plan that works for your family’s future.