Jack Ford Law, PLLC provides Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediation services in Jacksonville, Florida and throughout the 4th Judicial Circuit — serving Duval, Clay, and Nassau counties — as well as clients in St. Johns, Putnam, and surrounding Northeast Florida counties. Whether you are represented by an attorney or navigating your case as a self-represented (pro se) litigant, mediation is a powerful, cost-effective alternative to courtroom litigation.
What Is Family Law Mediation?
Family law mediation is a confidential, voluntary process in which a neutral, trained mediator helps disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement — without a judge deciding the outcome. Mediation is commonly used in Florida family law cases involving divorce, child custody and timesharing, child support, alimony, and asset division.
In Florida, mediation is often required by the court before a contested family law case can proceed to trial. As a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator, Jack Ford is qualified to conduct court-ordered mediations in the 4th Judicial Circuit (Duval, Clay, Nassau) and the 7th Judicial Circuit (St. Johns, Putnam, Volusia, Flagler).
Mediation for Pro Se (Self-Represented) Litigants
You do not need an attorney to participate in mediation. Jack Ford Law specifically welcomes pro se litigants — individuals handling their own family law cases without an attorney. If you are representing yourself in a divorce, custody, or support matter in Duval, Clay, Nassau, or St. Johns County, mediation can help you reach a binding agreement without the expense of full litigation.
As both a licensed Florida family law attorney and a certified mediator, Jack Ford understands the legal framework of your case and can help guide the mediation process effectively — even when one or both parties are unrepresented. Learn more about mediation for self-represented litigants.
Pre-Suit Mediation: Resolve Your Case Before Filing
Did you know you can mediate your family law dispute before ever filing a lawsuit? Pre-suit mediation allows couples and families to reach agreements on divorce terms, custody arrangements, and support — then formalize those agreements with the court. This approach saves time, money, and emotional stress. Learn more about pre-suit mediation at Jack Ford Law.
Meet Your Mediator: Jack Ford, Esq.
Jack Ford is a licensed Florida family law attorney and a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator. He is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified County Court Mediator, qualified to mediate county-level civil cases throughout the state — though his primary focus remains family law mediation. His dual background as both an attorney and a mediator means he brings deep legal knowledge to every mediation session — without taking sides.
Jack Ford Law serves clients throughout Jacksonville (Duval County), Orange Park and Fleming Island (Clay County), Fernandina Beach and Yulee (Nassau County), St. Augustine (St. Johns County), and Palatka (Putnam County).
The Mediation Process
- Schedule a consultation — Contact Jack Ford Law to discuss your situation and schedule a mediation session.
- Pre-mediation preparation — Both parties (with or without attorneys) gather relevant financial documents and information.
- Mediation session — Jack Ford facilitates structured discussions to help parties identify common ground and work toward agreement.
- Written agreement — If successful, the mediated settlement agreement is drafted and signed, then submitted to the court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to attend mediation in Florida?
No. Florida law allows parties to attend mediation without an attorney. Many pro se litigants in Duval, Clay, Nassau, and St. Johns County attend mediation on their own. However, having a certified mediator with legal knowledge — like Jack Ford — ensures the process is handled properly.
Is mediation required in Florida family law cases?
Yes, in most contested family law cases in Florida, the court will order mediation before allowing the case to proceed to trial. This applies in Duval County (Jacksonville), Clay County, Nassau County, and throughout the state.
What family law issues can be mediated?
Mediation can address divorce and dissolution of marriage, child custody and timesharing schedules, child support, alimony and spousal support, equitable distribution of assets and debts, and modifications to existing court orders — and many other types of cases. Family mediation is available for a wide range of matters beyond the most common disputes. Contact us for a consultation to discuss your specific situation.
How much does mediation cost at Jack Ford Law?
Contact Jack Ford Law for current mediation rates. An initial consultation is available to discuss your case and answer your questions before scheduling mediation.
What is the difference between pre-suit mediation and court-ordered mediation?
Court-ordered mediation occurs after a family law case has been filed with the court and the judge has ordered the parties to mediate. Pre-suit mediation happens voluntarily before any case is filed, allowing parties to resolve their issues privately and then present their agreement to the court for approval. Both types are available at Jack Ford Law.
Areas Served
- Duval County — Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach
- Clay County — Orange Park, Fleming Island, Middleburg, Oakleaf, Green Cove Springs
- Nassau County — Fernandina Beach, Yulee, Callahan
- St. Johns County — St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee
- Putnam County — Palatka, Crescent City, Interlachen
- Alachua County — Gainesville, Newberry, Alachua
- Bradford County — Starke, Brooker
Schedule Your Mediation in Jacksonville, FL
Ready to take the next step? Jack Ford Law offers family law mediation services in Jacksonville and throughout Duval, Clay, Nassau, St. Johns, and Putnam counties. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or mediation session.
Jack Ford Law PLLC 