Mediation is an alternative to litigation that can resolve disputes before or after suit is filed. A neutral person, the mediator, usually an experienced lawyer, is hired, selected by the parties, or court ordered to meet with the parties in an informal setting with the goal of arriving at a mutually acceptable resolution. The mediator acts as a facilitator to see if there is common ground that can save the expense and aggravation of litigation. This can be done by video conference. The mediation conference is confidential and by statute nothing discussed during the meeting is to be disclosed. If accord is reached, a written agreement will be prepared for the parties’ signature at which time it will be binding and enforceable. Participation and agreement are voluntary.

Mediation can be attended with or without attorneys and is less expensive than litigation. For family issues, the Twelfth Judicial Circuit maintains a free mediation program (Pre-Filing Family Mediation Program). For other conflicts, the court provides free volunteer mediators through the Citizen Dispute Settlement Program. In addition, internet searches will return the names of local certified mediators with specialties and competitive hourly rates. During your SkyLawSRQ conference, you may ask the attorney about a mediation referral for your situation.

Being well-prepared for a legal consultation ensures that you make the most of your time with the attorney and enables them to provide you with the best possible advice and guidance.

Get Set Up for the Virtual Session

• Once the meeting is confirmed, you will be sent log-in information for the virtual consultation. For the online meeting, you will need a reliable internet connection, and a computer or laptop with a webcam and microphone. Arrange for a quiet and private environment for the conference.

Prepare a Summary of Your Case

• Clearly understand and define the issue you’re seeking advice about. Write a concise, chronological summary of the facts of your case, including key events and dates.

Gather and Organize Relevant Documents

• Collect all paperwork, contracts, emails, letters, or any other documents that may be relevant to your case. Mark the specific parts you want to discuss. Organize the documents into a clear and structured format (e.g., in a binder or folder). NOTE: This program is not appropriate for the legal review of lengthy documents.

Write Down Key Questions

• Prepare a list of specific questions you want to ask the lawyer. Prioritize the most important questions. Understand what you hope to achieve from the consultation, whether it’s legal advice, potential outcomes, or next steps.

Arrange for a Translator

• If you will be bringing a translator, schedule in advance and make sure they arrive early. If a translator is needed and does not appear, the meeting will be cancelled and the attorney is not required to reschedule or refund payment. It is the participant’s responsibility to provide the translator, who may be a bi-lingual family member, a friend, or a professional paid by the participant.

Take Notes

• Bring a notebook or device to take notes during the consultation, as you may forget some details later. Make note of any important deadlines related to your case, such as court dates, filing deadlines, or statutory time limits.

Understand Confidentiality

• Confirm with the attorney whether the consultation is confidential and if anything discussed can be protected by attorney-client privilege. No recording or publication of the video conference is permitted except with the written consent of the attorney.

Be Honest and Transparent

• Share all the facts, including unfavorable ones. Full disclosure helps the attorney advise you properly. Avoid leaving out critical facts that might impact the outcome of your case. Expect the attorney to ask probing questions about your case. Answer them as truthfully and fully as possible. Legal matters can be stressful. Be ready to discuss sensitive or emotional issues calmly and objectively. If there’s legal terminology you don’t understand, ask for clarification.

Consider Next Steps

• Be clear about your desired outcome but remain open to the attorney’s professional opinion about possible solutions. At the end of the consultation, ask what the next steps will be and how long they might take.

The Judge Lee E. Haworth Self Help Center and Law Library is available to the public for legal research and assistance accessing necessary legal forms and information.

HOURS

Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(closed for lunch 12:00-1:00pm)

The Library observes all courthouse closing dates.

ADDRESS

Silvertooth Judicial Center
2002 Ringling Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34237

LIBRARIAN

Baily Smith
(941) 861-8191
[email protected]

WEBSITES

Sarasota County Law Library

Self Help Center