Your Divorce Mediation Questions — Answered
Find clarity on the PeacefulSplit® process, costs, and your path to a dignified resolution.
Clear Answers to Your Most Important Questions
Select a category below for clear answers to common questions about how mediation works, what it costs, and how family-related decisions are structured.
Why should I choose your $2,500 flat-fee vs. an hourly rate?
My $2,500 flat-fee is designed to provide you with the one thing litigation cannot: total financial certainty. While traditional hourly billing can feel like a financial gamble where costs are unpredictable, my flat-fee model allows you to focus 100% on your future, not your legal bill. This predictability ensures that we stay focused on reaching a fair agreement without the looming worry of increasing costs. To learn more, please click: Benefits of Flat-Fee Blog.
What exactly is included in your mediation fee?
My fee is $2,500 and includes up to 10 hours of my time in mediation, as well as my time drafting your formal settlement documents—including the Marital Settlement Agreement and, if applicable, the Parenting Plan and Child Support Worksheets. I do not charge additional fees for our phone calls or emails.
Are there hidden court or filing fees I should know about?
I want you to have no surprises. There are no hidden fees from me; my fee covers my professional services. The only other required cost is the Florida court filing fee, paid directly to the Clerk of Court, and the fee for the required parenting course (if applicable).
How Is Financial Disclosure Handled In Mediation?
In mediation, disclosure is a voluntary, transparent exchange of information. You are free to request any records you need to feel secure. You are not required to sign until you are fully satisfied with the information shared. Please note that when you file with the court, a mandatory financial affidavit may be required. Click this link to read my extensive article on how this works.
How do we fairly divide our property, debts, and retirement?
I use a structured approach to help you identify and divide all marital property (e.g., house, bank accounts, investment/retirement accounts) and all debts. I facilitate the discussion to help you reach an agreement that respects both of your needs and long-term stability.
Is mediation effective for high-asset or complex financial situations?
Yes. Whether your situation involves business interests, multiple properties, or complex financial portfolios, I provide the structured environment and financial background (NYU Stern Finance) necessary to address and resolve these issues effectively.
What are the benefits of mediation?
Mediation offers a private, faster, and more affordable alternative to traditional litigation. It allows you to maintain total control, protects your children from courtroom hostility, and focuses on a peaceful transition. It significantly reduces the stress and legal costs typically associated with a contested divorce.
What is the PeacefulSplit® approach and how does the process work?
Divorce mediation is a voluntary, peaceful process where I guide you through negotiating all necessary issues. We begin with the areas of basic agreement and move systematically toward more sensitive matters. You control all decisions; no issue is resolved without both spouses’ approval. I then draft the formal settlement agreement(s) for your uncontested filing.
What is Eric’s background and professional experience?
Eric B. Epstein is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, Licensed Attorney (NY & FL), and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 30 years of experience. He holds a Finance degree from NYU Stern, a Law degree from Cardozo, and a Master’s in Therapy from Nova Southeastern. Eric uses this diverse background to understand each person’s reality, ensuring your resolution is legally sound and emotionally respectful.
How long does the process take and how long are sessions?
I schedule sessions in 3-hour blocks. From my experience, 65% to 70% of cases are resolved in the first session—even with issues involving children. My background allows me to keep couples on track and avoid being pulled off course. Court processing typically takes 4-6 weeks from filing to the final decree.
Where are sessions held and do you work with couples throughout Florida
I conduct sessions in my Coral Springs office or via Zoom. For video sessions, you can each log in remotely from different locations. This flexibility allows me to serve couples throughout the entire state of Florida.
What types of legal documents do you prepare for us?
I personally draft your Marital Settlement Agreement and, if you have children, your Parenting Plan and Child Support worksheets. These are comprehensive, customized, and ready for you to file with the court.
How do we finalize the divorce with the court after mediation?
Once you sign the agreements I provide, you will complete the court’s uncontested divorce forms and file them. Most cases require a brief final hearing to approve the divorce, which is commonly held via Zoom and is quickly concluded.
Do we need to file for divorce immediately after mediation?
No. The timing is at your discretion. The primary advantage of finishing mediation now is certainty. You will have a signed, formal agreement that sets the terms for your future, even if you choose to wait before filing the court papers.
What makes you different from other mediators?
While many are mediators, Eric has personally mediated 600+ divorces. A critical difference is the depth of the legal work. Unlike “boilerplate” services, my agreements are each about 40 pages long. This level of detail “future-proofs” your agreement, providing clear answers for years to come and minimizing the chance of needing to return to court later.
How does the PeacefulSplit® process prioritize our children?
I always hold the best interests of the children paramount. I facilitate discussions on decision-making (Shared Parental Responsibility), time-sharing schedules, and child support, ensuring their well-being remains the heart of your agreement.
Can we still mediate if there is a high level of anger or conflict between us?
Yes. Anger and fear are common. My background as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist allows me to help you navigate these intense emotions so they don’t block your progress. We move from “emotional conflict” to “practical problem-solving,” ensuring the heat of the moment doesn’t dictate your family’s future
Do you take sides? How does the process remain fair?
Neutrality is my core principle. I never offer subjective opinions on who is “right” or “wrong.” Because I do not litigate, my only goal is a peaceful resolution. I personally handle every case—I never “farm out” work to contractors—ensuring a high-trust environment where you remain the decision-makers.
My spouse already spoke with you; can I still get my own questions answered?
Absolutely. It is common for one spouse to reach out first. Mediation requires both parties to feel informed and safe. I am happy to provide the same information to both of you. For your comfort, sessions can be held via Zoom from separate locations so you never feel pressured.
Can we use your services if we already have attorneys involved?
No. I intentionally choose to work only with unrepresented couples during mediation. I find this better facilitates good-faith negotiations. If you are currently represented by counsel, I cannot communicate with you unless you choose to proceed without legal representation in the mediation.
If we agree to mediate, am I "stuck" if it doesn’t work out?
No. The process is entirely voluntary. You are the ultimate decision-maker. If you feel mediation isn’t working, you are free to stop at any time before signing the final documents and pursue other legal options.
How do you handle different clients’ cultures and values?
Respect for your unique background, culture, and identity is extremely important to me. I do not judge or compare your situation to others. I focus on creating a process customized to your specific needs and welcome any input on accommodations you may require to participate fully.