Mediation Attorney in Fort Myers

Licensed Family Mediator Serving Lee County & Surrounding Areas

When a marriage ends, or a parenting arrangement breaks down, a courtroom battle is not the only path forward. Mediation offers a private, respectful setting where you can address issues such as child custody, child support, and property division at your own pace and shape an outcome that fits the life your family actually leads.

At Marquez-Kelly Law, Attorney Mellany Marquez-Kelly understands the emotional weight of these transitions and meets every client with genuine compassion. Her extensive background allows her to offer two distinct types of support. As a licensed mediator, she can serve as a neutral guide, helping both parties communicate and reach a peaceful settlement. Alternatively, she can act as your dedicated attorney, providing private legal counsel and firmly advocating for you in court if an agreement cannot be reached. 

To maintain total fairness and professional integrity, she does not serve as both the neutral mediator and the advising attorney on the same case.

Choosing mediation can spare your family months of conflict. The first step is a simple conversation. Call (239) 374-3936 or contact us online to plan your next step with a mediation attorney in Fort Myers.

How Family Mediation Works in Florida

Before a contested family case goes to trial, Florida courts typically require couples to attempt mediation. In this private setting, a licensed mediator serves as a neutral guide rather than a judge. They do not take sides, issue rulings, or provide legal advice to either party. Because statements made during these sessions are generally kept confidential under Florida law, everyone can speak openly and honestly without fear that those discussions will be used against them later in court.

The mediation process itself is designed to lower tension and encourage cooperation. During the session, the mediator helps identify the most important issues and gently guides the conversation toward practical solutions. Often, parties choose to sit in separate rooms while the mediator moves between them to share proposals, discuss options, and help find common ground. 

When an agreement is reached, the details are drafted into a formal document, signed by both parties, and submitted for a judge’s review. If any matters are left completely unresolved, you retain the right to move forward to a court hearing about those specific issues. 

To make the process as accessible as possible, mediation can be conducted in person or by video, which is especially helpful for parents who have relocated or work unusual hours. Navigating these transitions in a guided, cooperative setting is typically much calmer than appearing in court, helping families build a solid foundation for their next chapter.

Resolving Your Case Through Mediation or Court

When you are navigating a family transition, deciding how to resolve it is just as important as the outcome itself. For many, mediation offers a private way to keep control over the details that matter most. Instead of leaving decisions to a judge, parents can tailor school-year routines, business owners can divide assets behind closed doors, and out-of-state spouses can seamlessly join by video. As a Cape Coral native and Bishop Verot Catholic High School graduate, Mellany brings a deep understanding of local life to these sessions, helping parties craft practical agreements.

That said, a collaborative settlement is only an option when both sides are on equal, safe footing. If a history of domestic violence is present, Florida courts can waive the mediation requirement entirely.