Chief Judge Crawford has authorized the cancellation of all court proceedings in Seminole and Brevard Counties effective Noon, Tuesday, October 8, 2024, through Thursday, October 10, 2024.
A decision will be made Thursday regarding Friday proceedings.Stay informed by following us on Facebook or X (Twitter). You may also call (321) 637-5700 in Brevard or (407) 665-4945 in Seminole.

Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Courts
Serving the Citizens of Brevard and Seminole Counties

Mediation Programs

Mediation is a form of dispute resolution that allows the parties to directly discuss issues and negotiate settlement directly with one another with the help of a court-appointed mediator. Depending on the type of case, appearance at mediation may be voluntary or mandatory.

F.A.Q

Answers to frequently asked questions and helpful links.

Spanish (español)

Ver la página del Programa de Mediación en Español

Creole (Kreyòl)

Gade Paj Pwogram Medyasyon an kreyòl.

Family Mediation

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Family mediation allows parties to directly discuss issues and negotiate settlement with the help of a court-appointed mediator on divorce, time-sharing, parenting plan modification, and child support.


 

To schedule a family mediation in Seminole
Email us a completed Form 50

To schedule a family mediation in Brevard:

Brevard Attorneys Only

Currently, family mediations are conducted online via video conference.

Civil Mediation

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Civil mediation allows parties to directly discuss issues and negotiate settlement with the help of a court-appointed mediator on small claims cases (damages less than $8,000.00) and civil cases (damages up to $15,000.00).


 

To schedule a small claims
or civil mediation

choose your county below:

Online Dispute Resolution

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ODR is a free online platform for small claims and debt collection cases that assists parties in negotiating settlement with one another via instant messaging. Parties have the option to appoint a mediator for additional assistance.


 

To participate in Online Dispute Resolution create an account:
choose your county below:

Have questions or need help with ODR? Contact your county below:

Cost of Mediation

All prices are for the combined income of both parties, except ODR. There is no charge for ODR.

Family

Low Income

Qualified Indigents

No Charge*

  • To apply for eligibility for indigent status, fill out the application and file it with the Clerk of Court.

Income Under $50,000

$60.00*

  • Fee shall be per party for one session.
  • Combined gross income of the two parties is no more than $50,000.

Income Between $50k -100k

$120.00*

  • Fee shall be per party for one session.
  • Combined gross income of the parties is more than $50,000, but less than $100,000.

Income Over $100,000

Ineligible

  • If the combined income is more than $100,000 you are not eligible for the Court Mediation program. You must schedule a private mediation.

Small Claims

Free

Damages less than $8,000.00

No Charge

County Civil

Damages $15,000 or Less

$60.00*

  • Per party for one hour and thirty minute session. (1.5 hours)
  • If damages are over $15,000 then you must search for a mediator to schedule a private mediation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mediation?

Mediation is an informal process where parties meet to make decisions regarding their legal dispute with help of a mediator.  The mediator is a neutral person who helps facilitate the discussion between the parties and to maintain focus on resolving the dispute.  A mediator does not take sides, cannot provide legal advice, and does not make any decisions for the parties.  Reaching an agreement is voluntary and all discussions at the mediation are confidential except where the law permits or requires disclosure.

 

More information about Mediation in Florida Courts can be found on the Florida State Courts website

What types of cases do you mediate?

Our Court Mediation Program handles mediation in qualifying family law cases (dissolution of marriage and paternity), qualifying county civil mediation (claim does not exceed $15,000.00), and small claims mediation (claim does not exceed $8,000.00).  Claims above those amounts will be referred to private mediation.

 

Our Court Mediation Program in Brevard County also handles dependency mediation.

Are the mediators trained?

All of our volunteer, contract, and staff mediators have received specialized mediation course training, completed mentorship, and are certified by the Florida Supreme Court as mediators.  They must also maintain their certification by attending 16 hours of Continuing Mediation Education courses every two years. 

 

For more information on the training required for mediator certification by the Florida Supreme Court, you can visit Florida State Courts Website. .

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Florida Courts Help available at the touch of a screen:

For constituents, customers, or callers seeking help with family law cases – divorce, adoption, name change, custody, order of protection, and much more – there is now a one-stop source for lots of information aimed at self-represented people. Florida Courts Help is available at app stores as well as online at help.flcourts.gov.