Central Florida Mediation Group

Arbitration

Arbitration involves parties having their case heard by a legal panel instead of a judge or jury. The panel consists of one or more members with the authority to decide the final award to the respective parties. Arbitration is typically faster and less costly than a formal trial, even in serious cases. Whether you choose mediation or arbitration, the CFMG team has the acumen and expertise to address your case fairly and comprehensively, promoting the best possible outcome.

Video Teleconferencing & Room Rental

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Collaborative Divorce Mediation

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Special Master and Receivership Services

Special Masters may serve based upon the agreement of the parties or by order of the Court and can serve in a wide variety of roles. The use of Special Masters in discovery is relatively commonplace.  A Discovery Special Master can manage a discovery plan, issue Orders resolving discovery disputes, make recommendations to the Judge and monitor ongoing discovery.  A Discovery Special Master can even sit in on a deposition in the event that they are particularly contentious.  The use of Special Masters as to discovery has long ago proven to be a cost effective manner in which to expedite and streamline litigation.  In some jurisdictions Special Masters are also referred to as a Coordinating Master.  These individuals perform work in connection with litigation which requires them to coordinate activities in a variety of ways.  For example, they may meet and confer with employers to develop proposed discovery plans, limitations on discovery as well as develop proposed Orders to submit to the Judge in connection with contested hearings.

A relatively new concept is that of an E Discovery Special Master.  Special E Discovery Masters have become more and more popular over the last few years as the level of technical detail simply outgrew what most Judges could comprehend without a significant commitment of their time.  A Special Master can take the time necessary to understand and properly address technical E discovery issues.  Special Masters can be especially effective in cases with a large amount of privileged documents.  Typically in such cases the parties require the Judge to review arguably privileged documents in camera to determine their actual status.  In the new electronic world there can literally be thousands of electronic documents to review.  

Some parties hesitate to use Special Masters because they view it as an additional added litigation expense.  Parties typically split the cost although Judges have the discretion to apportion accordingly if they feel discovery abuses occurred.  At Central Florida Mediation Group, LLC our experience has been that a Special Master can tremendously streamline the litigation process, speed things up, and come up with solutions all of which prove to reduce costs.  While it may seem more expensive to have a Special Master, if disputes are handled expeditiously and the litigation process is shortened, costs may actually be reduced through the utilization of a Special Master.

Another frequently used type of Special Master occurs when a Court appoints them to perform a technical task such as cloning a parties’ hard drive or performing an actual onsite inspection of the materials found on a personal computer.  While the actual work performed can vary greatly depending upon the case, to have a Special Master who can be onsite, “on call”, or readily available can prove to be a much more effective way to proceed.

Another adjunct to the Court system is known as a Receiver.  As a Receiver the individual would hold and preserve property until a dispute is resolved.  A Receiver could also be given extensive responsibilities during the pendency of a case.  In some cases, Receivers are actually appointed to oversee a business as well as the selling or leasing of particular assets.  As with a Special Master a Receiver can also prove to be a cost effective means by which to limit the parties dispute and provide means by which a case can more easily be resolved.  

Central Florida Mediation Group, LLC offers Special Master and Receivership Services as an adjunct to the Court process.  Individuals that comprise Central Florida Mediation Group, LLC include former Judges, Board Certified Attorneys as well as individuals with particular expertise in areas such as Family Law, Real Estate, and Construction.  Central Florida Mediation Group, LLC provides all of these services both based upon the agreement of the parties and Orders entered by a Trial Court.

Pre-Suit Mediations

Controversies exist in life and are often times unavoidable, but that does not mean that the Court system is the only means by which a dispute can be resolved.  There is an alternative and it is called Pre-Suit Mediation.  In Pre-Suit Mediation the entire controversy can be resolved prior to or instead of going to Court.  The advantages of Pre-Suit Mediation are numerous and include not only the saving of substantial time and resources but also the resulting mistrust, animosity, and anxiety associated with participating in our Court system.  In Mediation, the parties are free to take a step back and discuss their dispute without conflict and with the mindset of finding a solution that resolves the dispute.  In addition, even if a resolution is not reached at Pre-Suit Mediation at a minimum it is often the case that parties are able to narrow the issues and exchange information which almost inevitably improves the adversarial process by permitting the parties to focus on the real issues in any case.

Pre-Suit Mediation serves many good purposes.  When a Pre-Suit Mediation Program is utilized better and faster results are often achieved by attorneys for their clients.  Defendants benefit through more timely settlements, the reduction of legal costs and expenses, as well as having opportunities that are not necessarily available to them through the Judicial process.  Plaintiffs often can resolve disputes without all the time and expense that are part of the litigation process.  In addition, Plaintiffs often benefit from Pre-Suit Mediation by avoiding all of the pitfalls associated with protracted litigation including unpaid bills, diminishment of credit, as well as all the expense and stress associated with litigation.

Central Florida Mediation Group, LLC is pleased to offer a Pre-Suit Mediation Program which provides an opportunity to resolve claims early on, when both parties may well have much more flexibility in the manner in which a dispute is resolved.  We take responsibility for seeing to it that basic information is exchanged between the parties prior to Mediation so that the process will be meaningful.  We also make sure to include safeguards for parties that elect to participate in the program so that nothing that happens will compromise the participants relative positions in any respect should the dispute not be resolved.

Pre-Suit Mediation at Central Florida Mediation Group, LLC includes the exchange of basic information between parties including medical, employment and insurance information.  The process also permits Pre-Suit statements of the parties to be taken solely for the purposes of Mediation.  Our experience at Central Florida Mediation Group, LLC has shown that Pre-Suit Mediation is a valuable process in many cases which can result in substantial savings while at the same time providing the Plaintiff fair compensation early on in the process.

What is Mediation

Mediation is a process whereby a neutral and impartial third person acts to encourage and facilitate the resolution of a dispute without dictating what any settlement should be.  It is an informal and non-adversarial process intended to help disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement.  The role of the Mediator is to reduce obstacles to communication, assist in the identification of issues, exploration of alternatives, and otherwise facilitate voluntary agreements that resolve a dispute.  The ultimate decision making authority in Mediation always rests solely with the parties.  In Florida, virtually all civil disputes are subject to Mediation through the Court system.  Participating in Mediation is required by Courts prior to the time that a Trial takes place.  Many cases settle during Mediation and therefore do not have to proceed to Trial.

Mediation is an informal process where you will meet with an independent Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator and with a representative of the adverse party to see if you can work out an agreement to avoid a lawsuit.  Pre-Suit Mediation simply means that the mediation process occurs before a lawsuit is filed.  At the Mediation both sides have a chance to talk to each other openly and informally to see if an agreement can be reached to avoid the filing of a lawsuit.  If you and the adverse party can come to an agreement a Settlement Agreement will be written up at the Mediation and is signed by all parties and typically settlement proceeds are paid within twenty (20) days thereafter.  

The Mediator’s job is to remain neutral and to not take sides.  With some limited exceptions what the parties say at Mediation is confidential and can not be used against them if a lawsuit later becomes necessary.  It is possible that the adverse party will be represented at the Mediation by its attorney.  They may also elect to participate in Pre-Suit Mediation without the presence of an attorney.  You have that same option.  You may participate in this Pre-Suit Mediation Program with or without an attorney.  That choice is solely yours to make.

To participate in this Pre-Suit Mediation Program you are required to provide certain information in the manner of medical records, lost wages, and insurance information.  In addition, you may be required to participate in a confidential Sworn Statement that may only be used for Mediation purposes.

If you proceed with Pre-Suit Mediation your case will be handled by a specially trained Florida Supreme Court Circuit Civil Mediator at no cost to you and all options to resolve your case and avoid a lawsuit will be considered.  You can also rest assured that none of your rights will ever be compromised through this Pre-Suit Mediation Program.  Anything that occurs at the Mediation as well as the information that is exchanged in connection with the Mediation process is confidential under Florida Law.  

If you have any questions or require any information we encourage you to visit our website at http://www.centralfloridamediationgroup.com.  You should also feel free to contact Central Florida Mediation Group, LLC at 863-594-1113 and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

User Guide

This website was built using the popular Content Management System called ExpressionEngine. Thousands of web sites are powered using ExpressionEngine, from business sites, to online magazines, to personal weblogs. Its flexible architecture allows an endless range of possibilities. Since ExpressionEngine is managed using your web browser, you can update your web site from anywhere you have access to the internet. Below is a site specific user guide to managing all of your content, and managing your online mediation scheduling.

Meeting Room Rental

CFMG offers a variety of meeting and conference rooms that can be configured for conferences, seminars, mediations and working meetings. A friendly, on-site staff is always available to greet your guests, offer administrative support and concierge service. We strive to make the process more comfortable for all. Our facility is the most innovative and accommodating in the area, offering:

• 12 state-of-the-art sound-resistant conference rooms
• Support staff to greet your clients and serve you throughout mediation
• Complementary breakfast and lunch (including special diet requests) from our café
• Outdoor courtyard
• Video conference services
• Wireless Internet access

Please call (863) 594-1113 to reserve a room by the hour, half-day or full day.

Helpful Links

Please explore the many helpful links and resources below.

Upcoming Events

Benefits of Mediation

When weighing whether to use mediation as an alternative to trial, consider the potential benefits it can offers you and your clients:

Faster, more predictable settlements. Today’s court dockets are so congested it can take years to get a trial date, and in such time parties can become too weary to fight or too angry to be satisfied with any settlement. Mediation offers a faster resolution to disputes and lets people get on with their lives without the expense and anxiety of having a lawsuit over their heads.

Because all parties are involved in the negotiations, they gain a better sense of control over the outcome and are protected from the devastation of ugly surprises that often come with a formal legal judgment. Since everyone involved has a say in what, how and when decisions will be implemented, each party feels instrumental in the final agreement, creating a better chance of compliance than when a compulsory award is pronounced by a judge or jury.

Considerable savings. Litigation can be associated with high payouts, but those seldom account for the considerable cost of attorney’s fees, expert witnesses, research, depositions and other expenses that can mount quickly, especially in protracted cases.

And then there is the immeasurable but equally draining emotional cost of being party to a lawsuit, which mediation can dramatically reduce.

Greater satisfaction. In the vast majority of court cases, neither party gets exactly what they asked for, and if the final award is unexpected, it can be traumatic. Mediation avoids the perception of powerlessness that can come with a third-party judgment, often creating a more satisfying outcome for all involved. It limits feelings of victimization and bias, creating greater emotional contentment, even in cases where the financial result may be relatively modest. When people are given a voice and decide their own fate, it can offer a feeling of empowerment that may be more rewarding than they obtain at trial.

More hospitable outcomes. Many disputes erupt between people involved in relationships that won’t end after the case is over, such as those between family members, former spouses who share parenting responsibilities, employer and employee and homeowner's associations.

By steering parties away from a combat mindset and toward one of cooperation, mediation can help restore civility and optimism to relationships that may be irreparably damaged by a trial. When both parties feel as if their needs are being heard and accommodated, they have less reason to feel resentful and more reason to work amicably in the future dealings with each other.

Library

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Mediator Biographies

Being comfortable with the mediation process begins with getting to know your mediator, and trusting his/her experience and credentials to effectively promote and protect your rights throughout your case.

Office Tour

The CFMG facility is the most innovative and accommodating in the area, offering: - 12 state-of-the-art sound-resistant conference rooms - Reception staff to greet your clients and serve you throughout mediation - Breakfast and lunch (including special diet requests) from our café - Outdoor courtyard - Video conference services - Wireless Internet access

Forms

Why Choose CFMG?

The experienced mediators of CFMG have decades of collective experience helping opposing parties come to an agreement that they can all live with, without court or third-party-imposed mandates. CFMG’s veteran judges, attorneys and certified mediators have successfully mediated virtually every type and class of dispute, even those involving contentious parties who never thought it possible to reach an agreement. Mediation can be a simpler, more equitable solution to disputes involving divorce or partnership dissolution, child custody, support, paternity & parenting issues, alimony, division of property, etc. Mediation also serves as a faster, less traumatic answer to claims and liability cases involving corporations, government and law enforcement agencies, employers, commercial and construction disputes, insurance and workers comp claims, property damage, and more.

What if my case requires arbitration?

In a few cases, mediation may not work, either because no agreement can be reached between parties or because one or both prefer to have a third-party award determined by an impartial legal panel. If your client’s case demands arbitration, the skilled members of CFMG can help you navigate through this faster, less costly alternative to trial, even in serious cases involving business disputes, personal injury, wrongful death, automobile liability, construction matters, premises liability, medical or professional negligence, elder care liability and more.

CFMG’s mediators and arbitrators have vast experience in all types of legal actions, from simple to controversial, two-party to multiparty, and domestic to corporate. Each is an expert in his or her field, and equipped to meld insightful compromise with a keen understanding of the law to help you settle your case out of court, no matter how powerful your opponent.

Our 5000 sq. ft. facility is the most accommodating in the area, with amenities designed to make the process easier and more relaxed. We offer 12 state-of-the-art sound-resistant conference rooms, TV and video conference services, wireless Internet access, a breakfast/lunch café, a peaceful outdoor courtyard and a reception staff to greet your clients and assist you throughout the mediation process.

Benefit from the experience of judges, lawyers and industry-specific specialists with the collective knowledge and understanding to resolve all types of disputes. Our collaborative efforts enable us to handle the most daunting opposition and calm the most turbulent conflicts. We approach each case thoughtfully and fairly to achieve the best possible outcome.

 

Contact & Locate Us

If you have questions, we’re here to address them. For general questions or appointments, please call our office, email us, or fill out the contact form below.

Directions From Tampa, FL.

1. Merge onto I-4 E toward ORLANDO
2. Merge onto POLK PKWY/SR-570-TOLL E via EXIT 27 toward LAKELAND/WINTER HAVEN (Portions toll).
3. Turn RIGHT onto US-98 S/BARTOW RD/SR-35 S/SR-700 S. (From Polk Parkway it is exactly 1.6 miles on the right side of the road)
4. 4729 US HIGHWAY 98 S STE 104.Your destinations is just past INNOVATION DR
5. If you reach COLBERT RD you've gone about 0.3 miles too far

Resources

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Our Services

For more than 20 years, the experts at Central Florida Mediation Group have helped thousands of attorneys and their clients as well as individual litigants achieve successful resolutions without the rigorous demands – including the sacrifice of time, effort, expense and privacy – associated with litigation of claims in court.

Mediation - Mediation is a process where the mediator works to find a suitable compromise between the parties, thus avoiding a protracted court battle and neutral-party-imposed awards. Oftentimes all that is needed to settle even the toughest disputes is an experienced mediator to provide reasonable solutions to both sides.

Arbitration - Arbitration involves parties having their case heard by a legal panel instead of a judge or jury. The panel consists of one or more members with the authority to decide the final award to the respective parties. Arbitration is typically faster and less costly than a formal trial, even in serious cases. Whether you choose mediation or arbitration, the CFMG team has the acumen and expertise to address your case fairly and comprehensively, promoting the best possible outcome.

Our Services - Include an administrative fee of $125 that is split between the parties and the $50 per party room fee for 1/2 day and $100 per party room fee for full day.

About Us

At Central Florida Mediation Group, our team of experienced judicial, clinical and professional mediators is composed of seasoned trial attorneys, senior judges, forensic mental health professionals, construction specialists and real estate brokers who work individually and together to provide expert dispute resolution, no matter how resistant the opposition or complex the issue. Being comfortable with the mediation process begins with getting to know your mediator, and trusting his/her experience and credentials to effectively promote and protect your rights throughout your case.

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