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Updating Your Florida Divorce Agreement Through Pre-Suit Mediation
|Life changes. What worked during your separation and divorce may not reflect your current reality. Whether you need to modify child custody, support, or other aspects of your Florida divorce agreement, pre-suit mediation can be a cost-effective and cooperative way to update your settlement.
At Reineke Mediations, our Tampa family law attorney-mediator, Beth Reineke, can help guide the conversation.
Why Update Your Florida Divorce Agreement?
Divorce agreements are based on the circumstances at the time of the final judgment.
However, situations evolve, and modifications may be necessary for several reasons, including:
- Changes in Income – If one party’s financial situation significantly improves or declines, adjusting alimony or child support may be warranted.
- Relocation – A parent moving to another city or state may require custody and visitation schedule modifications.
- Changing Needs of Children – As children grow, their schedules, schooling, and healthcare needs may change, requiring an updated parenting plan.
- Health Issues – A serious illness or disability may impact a parent’s ability to fulfill financial or custodial obligations.
- Agreement No Longer Works – If a prior agreement is no longer practical or unfair, mediation can provide a way to negotiate better terms.
What Is Pre-Suit Mediation?
Pre-suit mediation is a voluntary process where both parties work with a neutral mediator to resolve their disputes before filing a lawsuit. In Florida, mediation is often required for modifications, and choosing pre-suit mediation allows you to control the process rather than leaving decisions to the court.
The benefits of pre-suit mediation for divorce agreement modifications include:
- Avoids Costly Litigation – Court battles are expensive and time-consuming. Mediation is a cost-effective way to reach a resolution without unnecessary legal fees.
- Faster Resolutions – The court system is backlogged and waiting for a hearing can take months. Mediation allows you to address issues quickly and move forward.
- Confidential Process – Unlike court proceedings, which become public records, mediation is private and allows for open discussions without concerns about public exposure.
- More Control Over Outcomes – A judge makes the final decision in litigation, but in mediation, both parties have a say in shaping a revised agreement that meets their new needs.
- Preserves Co-Parenting Relationships – Mediation fosters collaboration rather than conflict, helping co-parents maintain a civil and cooperative relationship for the sake of their children.
When Should You Consider Family Law Mediation?
If you and your former spouse recognize the need for a change and are willing to discuss it, pre-suit mediation is an ideal path. However, formal legal action may be necessary if one party is uncooperative. In which case, mediation will be court ordered at a time when the judge deems it is appropriate. In Florida, mediation is mandatory before any contested hearings or trials.
At Reineke Mediations, we help individuals update their divorce agreements through a fair and effective mediation process. If you need modifications to your Florida divorce settlement agreements, contact our Tampa attorney-mediator today to explore how mediation can provide a smoother resolution during a free phone consultation.
