What are the ground rules?

Mediation is voluntary. Even in cases where a court has ordered the parties to participate, they are not obligated to come to any particular resolution. If a participant finds that no suitable agreement can be reached, that party is free to terminate the mediation and pursue other avenues for resolution. Only if an agreement is reached that all parties can accept, and they commit to doing so, does the resolution become binding upon the parties. Mediation is confidential and privileged. Florida law provides that communications during a mediation are confidential unless participants decide to waive that confidentiality. They are also privileged, which means that a party can prevent statements made in a mediation from being introduced against them later in court. This policy is intended to create a secure forum for parties to feel comfortable brainstorming, sharing ideas or concerns, and work freely toward resolution. Beyond those basic rules, parties may assist a mediator in creating any other ground rules that will contribute to a successful mediation.