Resolving Disputes withDignity and Fairness
Professional mediation services helping individuals and businesses across Florida find common ground, avoid costly litigation, and reach lasting agreements — without stepping into a courtroom.
A Trusted Guide Through Conflict
Bob Cohen is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator with over two decades of experience guiding individuals, families, and businesses through some of life's most challenging disputes. His approach combines deep legal knowledge with genuine empathy, creating a space where every voice is heard and every concern is taken seriously.
Bob believes that the best agreements are the ones people reach themselves. Rather than imposing decisions from the outside, he helps parties uncover shared interests, understand each other's perspectives, and craft solutions that work for everyone involved.
What Is Mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in which a neutral third party — the mediator — helps people in dispute reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Unlike a judge or arbitrator, the mediator does not decide who is right or wrong. Instead, the mediator guides the conversation, ensures both sides are heard, and helps uncover solutions that a courtroom might never produce.
Neutral & Balanced
The mediator does not represent either side. Bob remains impartial throughout, ensuring that no party is pressured or disadvantaged. Every voice carries equal weight at the table.
Confidential by Law
Florida law protects the confidentiality of mediation. What is discussed in the room stays in the room. This safety encourages honesty and openness from everyone involved.
You Stay in Control
No agreement is ever forced. You decide what works for you. If a resolution does not feel right, you are free to walk away — something a courtroom never allows.
"Mediation is not about winning or losing. It is about finding a path forward that both sides can live with — and often, one that neither side imagined was possible."
— Bob Cohen
Disputes That Benefit from Mediation
In Florida, mediation is used in a wide range of civil and family matters. Courts frequently order it before trial, but you do not need to wait for a judge — many people choose mediation first, saving time, money, and emotional strain.
Family & Divorce
Divorce, child custody, timesharing, alimony, and property division. Mediation lets families make their own decisions about what matters most — their children and their future — rather than leaving it to a judge.
Business Disputes
Partnership conflicts, contract disagreements, shareholder issues, and employer-employee matters. Mediation preserves business relationships and protects reputations while resolving the underlying conflict.
Real Estate
Boundary disputes, landlord-tenant conflicts, HOA disagreements, and construction defect claims. These matters often involve ongoing relationships that benefit from a collaborative resolution.
Probate & Estate
Disagreements over wills, trusts, and estate distribution among family members. Mediation helps families navigate emotionally charged inheritance disputes with sensitivity and respect.
Personal Injury
Pre-suit and post-suit settlement negotiations. Mediation avoids the cost, delay, and uncertainty of trial while giving both sides a say in the outcome.
Civil & Community
Neighbor disputes, consumer complaints, small claims, and community conflicts. Not every disagreement needs a lawsuit — many are best resolved around a table.
How Mediation Works
Mediation follows a clear, structured path — but it moves at your pace, not the court's calendar. Here is what to expect from start to finish.
Initial Consultation
You reach out by phone or through the contact form. Bob listens to your situation, explains the mediation process, and helps you decide whether mediation is the right fit. This call is free and confidential.
Scheduling & Preparation
If mediation is appropriate, a session is scheduled at a time and place convenient for everyone — in person or via secure video conference. Bob provides a simple checklist of documents and information to bring.
The Mediation Session
Both parties (and their attorneys, if represented) meet with Bob. He opens with ground rules, then guides the discussion through each issue. Parties may meet together or in separate rooms — a technique called caucusing — to explore options freely.
Reaching Agreement
When both sides find terms they can accept, Bob drafts a written summary of the agreement. If attorneys are present, they review it on the spot. The agreement can be filed with the court to become a binding order.
Follow-Through
Bob remains available after the session for any clarifications or follow-up meetings needed to finalize details. If full agreement was not reached, you still retain the right to pursue court — nothing is lost by trying.
The Benefits of Mediation
Mediation is not just an alternative to court — it is often the better path. Here is why so many Floridians choose it.
Far Less Expensive
Litigation can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Mediation typically costs a fraction of that — often shared equally by both parties — with no court filing fees, depositions, or expert witness costs.
Significantly Faster
A court case can drag on for a year or more. Most mediations are resolved in a single day or a few sessions scheduled within weeks, not months.
Completely Confidential
Court records are public. Mediation is private and protected by Florida statute. Your personal and financial matters stay between you and the other party — not in a public file.
Preserves Relationships
Adversarial litigation destroys relationships. Mediation fosters communication and understanding, making it possible for co-parents, business partners, or neighbors to work together afterward.
You Control the Outcome
In court, a stranger decides your future. In mediation, you do. No agreement is signed unless you are satisfied with it. You retain your power throughout.
High Success Rate
Mediation resolves the vast majority of disputes it addresses. Even when full agreement is not reached, parties often narrow the issues, making any later court process shorter and less costly.
What to Expect
Walking into mediation for the first time can feel daunting. Here is everything you need to know so you arrive informed, prepared, and confident.
Who Attends
Both parties attend, along with their attorneys if they are represented. Bob does not represent either side — he is a neutral facilitator. You may also bring a support person, subject to agreement by all parties.
How Long It Takes
Most mediation sessions run between two and four hours, though complex matters may require a full day or multiple sessions. Bob works at a pace that allows thorough discussion without unnecessary delay.
Where It Happens
Sessions can be held in person at a neutral, professional office in your area, or remotely via secure video conferencing. Both formats are equally effective — the choice depends on what works best for everyone.
What to Bring
Bring any documents relevant to your dispute — financial records, contracts, correspondence, court filings, or prior agreements. Bob will provide a tailored checklist during your initial consultation.
What If We Do Not Agree
Mediation is voluntary. If no agreement is reached, nothing is binding and you retain all your legal options. The confidential discussions cannot be used against you in court. You lose nothing by trying.
After the Agreement
Once both sides agree, the terms are put in writing. If your case is in court, the agreement can be filed as a stipulated order. If not, it becomes a private contract enforceable under Florida law.
Schedule Your Mediation Session
Ready to take the first step toward resolution? Reach out today for a free, confidential consultation. Bob will personally respond to discuss your situation and help you determine the best path forward.
In-person & remote sessions available