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Jean M. Dwyer, PA

Resolutions Becoming a Reality

Florida Certified Mediator | Mediation & Legal Services

Summer Schedule for June, July and August is by Zoom only, unless directly coordinated with Jean Dwyer.

What is mediaton?

Mediation is an alternate conflict resolution technique to assist parties in resolving a dispute. The mediator will assist the parties in discussions to facilitate the negotiation process focusing on reaching a mutually acceptable resolution. Mediation can be utilized in all types of disputes ranging from tort litigation, family law matters, to complex civil litigation. Mediation is confidential. Settlement negotiations may not be disclosed to the court.

What is the role of the mediator?

The mediator is a neutral third party that works with parties to resolve their disputes.

The mediator does not got to court or testify at court hearings.

The mediator may file a disposition report with the court notifying the court if the mediation was settled, adjourned or not settled (also referred to as an impasse).

Pursuant to Florida Rules for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators, Rules 10.360, the mediator shall maintain confidentiality of information obtained during mediation except where disclosure is required or permitted by law or agreed to by all parties.

The mediator will not provide legal advice. The mediator will not direct parties to sign a settlement agreement; entering into a settlement is solely at the discretion of the parties.

How is mediation conducted?

In family law matters the parties are typically in separate rooms, commonly referred to as a caucus, and the mediator will spend time in each room to assist the parties in formulating proposals for settlement to reach a mutually acceptable resolution.

If a party has an attorney, the attorney will be present with the party in their respective room.

In civil matters the mediation usually begins in a joint session. Each party is permitted to give an opening statement. An attempt to resolve the dispute may begin with both parties in the same room and continue that way if progress is being made, however a caucus may be requested by either party to speak alone with the mediator or their respective counsel. The mediator will thereafter decide whether to continue the mediation in joint session or in caucus.

If a resolution is reached an agreement will typically be drafted at the mediation and signed by all parties.

What should I bring to mediation?

It is a good idea to bring to mediation documentation regarding the claims made in your case, whether a family or civil mediation, to facilitate the mediation process, even if provided to the opposing side prior to mediation.

For example, in foreclosure mediations financial records, applications for loan modifications, etc., may be brought to mediation. In family law mediations documentation regarding financial relief requested may be brought to mediation, as well as any other supporting documentation regarding any relief requested.

If you are unrepresented in a family law mediation, required financial disclosure and other Family Law Forms may be found at www.flcourts.org under the Self-Help section on Florida Courts website.

The cost for mediation is as follows:

$300.00 per hour
If the mediation is for a family law matter a reduced fee of $250.00 per hour is offered if the yearly joint income of the parties is below $100,000.00.
A cancellation Fee is imposed for any mediations cancelled within 72 hours of the scheduled date. For half day mediations a fee of $250.00 is imposed and for full day mediations a fee of $500.00 is imposed.

Summer Schedule for June, July and August is by Zoom only, unless directly coordinated with Jean Dwyer.

Schedule a Mediation

Download Mediation Confirmation Letter

About

Jean M. Dwyer, PA

In 2006 Jean M. Dwyer became a Certified Family and County Court Mediator after completing the required forty (40) hours of training and required observations. Within the year Ms. Dwyer became a Certified Circuit Court Mediator and is now also an approved Appellate Court Mediator. She has also completed the required training to conduct foreclosure mediations. Recently Ms. Dwyer completed a course in Elder Law Mediation and Elder Care Coordination.

Jean Dwyer graduated from Stetson University College of Law in 1990 and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1991. From 2000 to 2006 Ms. Dwyer served as the General Magistrate and Child Support Hearing Officer in the Seventh Judicial Circuit covering Volusia, Flagler, Putnam and St. Johns County. Her duties as a General Magistrate involved presiding over Family Law and Dependency matters. Prior to being appointed the General Magistrate she served as a Civil Traffic Infraction Hearing Officer. Since 2008 Ms. Dwyer has served as the Special Master in Code Enforcement Hearings for the City of Ormond Beach and presently serves as the Chair for the Ormond Beach Neighborhood Improvement Advisory Board.

Ms. Dwyer has previously been an Adjunct Professor at Daytona Beach Community College, now Daytona State College, and a Professor at Keiser University in their respective Paralegal Departments.

Ms. Dwyer is credited with authorship for her research and writing contributions on Inter-Country Adoptions for the Florida Bar publication Adoption, Paternity, and Other Florida Family Practice, Eighth and Ninth Editions.

Summer Schedule for June, July and August is by Zoom only, unless directly coordinated with Jean Dwyer.

Schedule a Mediation