Are you handling your own family law case without an attorney? Jack Ford Law, PLLC offers family law mediation specifically designed for pro se (self-represented) litigants in Jacksonville and throughout Duval, Clay, Nassau, St. Johns, and Putnam counties in Northeast Florida.
As a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator and licensed family law attorney, Jack Ford understands what self-represented parties face in the Florida court system — and how mediation can help you reach a binding agreement without costly litigation.
What Is Pro Se Mediation?
Pro se mediation is mediation in which one or both parties are not represented by an attorney. Florida law fully allows this. In fact, Florida courts regularly order mediation in family law cases — including cases where one or both parties are self-represented.
Common family law issues handled through pro se mediation include:
- Divorce and dissolution of marriage
- Child custody and timesharing schedules
- Child support calculations and agreements
- Alimony and spousal support
- Division of marital assets and debts
- Modifications to existing court orders
- Paternity and parental rights
- And many other types of cases — contact us for a consultation to discuss your specific situation
Why Choose Jack Ford Law for Pro Se Mediation?
Jack Ford is uniquely qualified to assist pro se litigants. Unlike mediators without legal backgrounds, Jack is a licensed Florida family law attorney as well as a Florida Supreme Court
This dual background means Jack understands the legal requirements that any mediated agreement must meet to be approved by a Florida family court — which is especially important when parties are representing themselves.
Pre-Suit Mediation for Pro Se Litigants
You don’t have to wait until a case is filed in court to mediate. Pre-suit mediation allows you to reach a complete agreement on all issues — divorce terms, custody, support, asset division — before filing anything with the court. You then present the signed agreement to the court for approval, which is typically a much faster and simpler process.
This option is especially popular among pro se litigants in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida who want to resolve their family law matter efficiently and affordably. Learn more about pre-suit mediation.
Document Preparation After Mediation
Once mediation is complete, you’ll need legal documents to formalize your agreement with the court. Jack Ford Law also offers document preparation services for pro se litigants — including marital settlement agreements, parenting plans, initial pleadings to open your case, and other court forms needed to move your matter toward resolution. Note that while Jack Ford can serve as your mediator or assist with document preparation, he cannot appear as your attorney at the final hearing in the same case — Florida law requires a mediator and the parties’ attorney to be different individuals.
See our Attorney Services page for a full list of document preparation options.
Areas Served
Jack Ford Law provides pro se family mediation services throughout Northeast Florida, including:
- 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, Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, St. Johns
- Putnam County — Palatka, Interlachen
- Alachua County — Gainesville, Newberry, Alachua
- Bradford County — Starke, Brooker
Frequently Asked Questions – Pro Se Mediation in Florida
Can I do mediation without a lawyer in Florida?
Yes. Florida law permits parties to attend and participate in mediation without an attorney. This is common in family law cases, particularly for uncontested divorces, custody modifications, and support agreements.
Will the court accept a mediated agreement if I don’t have an attorney?
Yes, provided the agreement meets Florida’s legal requirements. Because Jack Ford is both a certified mediator and a licensed family law attorney, he ensures mediation sessions address all required legal elements — increasing the likelihood that your agreement will be accepted by the court.
Is court-ordered mediation different from voluntary mediation?
Court-ordered mediation occurs after a case has been filed and the judge requires it before trial. Voluntary (pre-suit) mediation happens before filing. Both are available at Jack Ford Law, and both are equally binding if a settlement agreement is reached and signed.
What happens if we don’t reach an agreement in mediation?
If mediation is unsuccessful, the case proceeds in court as normal. Nothing said during mediation can be used against either party in court — the process is confidential. You lose nothing by trying.
Schedule Pro Se Mediation in Jacksonville, FL
Ready to move forward? Contact Jack Ford Law today to schedule a consultation or mediation session. We work with self-represented litigants throughout Jacksonville, Duval, Clay, Nassau, St. Johns, and Putnam counties.
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