You don’t have to file a lawsuit to resolve your family law dispute. Pre-suit mediation allows couples and families in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida to reach legally binding agreements on divorce, custody, support, and other family law matters — before ever stepping foot in a courthouse.
Jack Ford Law, PLLC offers pre-suit family mediation services throughout Duval, Clay, Nassau, St. Johns, and Putnam counties. As a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator and licensed Florida attorney, Jack Ford guides parties through the pre-suit process efficiently and effectively — whether or not you have an attorney.
What Is Pre-Suit Mediation?
Pre-suit mediation (also called pre-litigation mediation) is a voluntary mediation process that takes place before a family law case is filed with the court. Instead of beginning with an adversarial lawsuit, the parties work together — with the help of a neutral mediator — to negotiate and finalize their agreement first.
Once a mediated settlement agreement is signed, it can be submitted directly to the court for approval — resulting in a final judgment much faster and at far lower cost than traditional litigation.
Benefits of Pre-Suit Mediation
- Save money — Avoid the high cost of contested divorce litigation, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars in attorney fees.
- Save time — Reach an agreement in one or a few sessions rather than waiting months or years for a court date.
- Stay in control — You and the other party decide the outcome, not a judge.
- Keep it private — Mediation is confidential. Court proceedings are public record.
- Reduce conflict — A structured, mediated process reduces tension — especially important when children are involved.
- Works for pro se parties — Pre-suit mediation is ideal for self-represented litigants who want to resolve their case without hiring a full-representation attorney.
Who Is Pre-Suit Mediation For?
- Couples seeking an uncontested divorce in Florida who want to finalize all terms before filing
- Pro se (self-represented) litigants who want professional guidance without full attorney representation
- Parents needing to establish or modify a timesharing (custody) schedule
- Parties negotiating child support or alimony outside of court
- Anyone who wants to resolve a family law dispute quickly, affordably, and privately
Why Jack Ford Law for Pre-Suit Mediation?
- Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator — Certified to conduct family law mediations throughout Florida
- Licensed Florida Family Law Attorney — Understands the legal requirements for mediated agreements to be court-approved
- Florida Supreme Court Certified County Court Mediator — Qualified to mediate county-level civil disputes statewide, including cases involving debt, contract breaches, and civil claims up to $50,000. Learn more about county mediation services.
- Document Preparation Services — Jack Ford Law can also prepare the legal paperwork needed to file your agreement with the court
The Pre-Suit Mediation Process at Jack Ford Law
- Initial consultation — Contact Jack Ford Law to discuss your situation. We’ll explain the process and answer your questions.
- Schedule mediation — Both parties agree to participate. No court filing is required to begin.
- Mediation session(s) — Jack Ford facilitates structured negotiation to help you reach agreement on all issues.
- Signed settlement agreement — A written mediated settlement agreement is drafted and signed by both parties.
- Court filing — The agreement (and any required petition) is filed with the court for approval — typically a straightforward process when parties agree.
Areas Served
- Duval County — Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Baldwin
- Clay County — Orange Park, Fleming Island, Middleburg, Oakleaf, Green Cove Springs
- Nassau County — Fernandina Beach, Yulee, Callahan
- St. Johns County — St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, St. Johns
- Putnam County — Palatka, Interlachen
- Alachua County — Gainesville, Newberry, Alachua
- Bradford County — Starke, Brooker
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pre-suit mediation legally binding in Florida?
Yes. Once both parties sign a mediated settlement agreement, it is a binding contract. When submitted to and approved by the court, it becomes a court order with the full force of law.
Do both parties have to agree to pre-suit mediation?
Yes — pre-suit mediation is voluntary, so both parties must agree to participate. However, once they do, the process is far less adversarial than traditional litigation, and most sessions result in at least a partial agreement.
Can I do pre-suit mediation without an attorney in Florida?
Yes. Florida law allows parties to participate in mediation — including pre-suit mediation — without an attorney. Because Jack Ford is a licensed attorney as well as a certified mediator, he can ensure the process includes all required elements, even when both parties are self-represented.
How long does pre-suit mediation take?
Many pre-suit mediations are completed in a single session of two to four hours. More complex cases involving significant assets or contested custody may require additional sessions. Either way, it is almost always faster than waiting for a court trial date.
Schedule Pre-Suit Mediation in Jacksonville, FL
Ready to resolve your family law matter without the time, expense, and stress of litigation? Contact Jack Ford Law today to schedule a pre-suit mediation consultation.
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