Mediation

Mediation is a process whereby a neutral and impartial third person acts to encourage and facilitate the resolution of a dispute without prescribing what it should be. It is an informal and non-adversarial process intended to help disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

The mediator’s role is to reduce obstacles to communication, assist in the identification of issues and exploration of alternatives, and otherwise facilitate voluntary agreements resolving the dispute. The ultimate decision-making authority, however, rests solely with the parties. Decisions made during a mediation are to be made by the parties. A mediator shall not make substantive decisions for any party. A mediator is responsible for assisting the parties in reaching informed and voluntary decisions while protecting their right of self determination. (Florida Rules for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators).

Joan Berry Nassar has been certified by the Supreme Court of Florida as a Family Mediator from 1996 to the present. Certification as a family mediator requires training, observation of family mediations, conducting family mediations under the supervision and observation of a certified family mediator and good moral character. A certified family mediator is required to complete continuing mediator education to maintain certification and is governed by the standards of professional conduct as set forth in the Florida Rules for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators. Joan Berry Nassar has also been a Supreme Court Certified Appellate Mediator since 2008.