Treasure Coast Mediation Services:

Providing a Calmer Way to Navigate Family Change

Online scheduling now available through Calendly

We are pleased to offer the convenience of online scheduling for mediation sessions. Through our secure booking system, you can select a date and time that best suits your needs.

If you prefer a more personal approach, we are always happy to assist you directly. Please feel free to contact us at 561-307-2183 or by email at Nicole@CottonPA.com.

What Is Mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where a neutral third party, known as a mediator, helps people resolve disputes without going to court. Rather than leaving decisions in the hands of a judge, mediation allows the parties to stay in control and reach a mutually agreeable resolution.

Mediation is non-adversarial and informal, making it a faster, less expensive, and less stressful alternative to litigation. It can occur before a lawsuit is filed (pre-litigation) or during a legal case to avoid the cost and uncertainty of a trial. Settlements reached through mediation also tend to result in better long-term compliance.

How It Works

During mediation, each party shares their side of the story. The mediator asks questions to clarify the issues and may meet with each party separately to facilitate productive conversation. The goal is not to decide who is right or wrong, but to help parties communicate, compromise, and craft solutions that work for everyone involved.

The mediator will prepare a written document for both parties to review and sign if an agreement is reached. This agreement is binding and enforceable by the court. If needed, future changes can be made through additional mediation.

The Mediator’s Role

The mediator is neutral and impartial. While a mediator may be an attorney, they cannot give legal advice or advocate for either side. Their role is to guide the process and support fair dialogue.

We strongly recommend that you consult with an attorney before mediation to understand your legal rights and to have any agreement reviewed before signing.

Online scheduling now available through Calendly

Helping Attorneys Help Their Clients

At Treasure Coast Mediation Services, the mediation process is structured to support attorneys in achieving the best possible outcomes for their clients.

Mediation allows attorneys to remain in control of their case strategy while giving clients a voice in resolving disputes. Creating a calm, neutral space for discussion helps reduce conflict, clarify issues, and move negotiations forward.

Here’s how TCMS supports attorneys during mediation:

Keeps the process efficient so attorneys can focus on legal advocacy, not emotional dynamics

Encourages client ownership, which often leads to stronger long-term compliance with agreements

Creates space for negotiation, allowing attorneys to explore options without the rigidity of courtroom timelines

Respects legal roles—attorneys guide the law; the mediator facilitates communication

Mediation is a collaborative process that enhances attorneys’ work by helping clients achieve resolution with greater clarity, cooperation, and efficiency.

Why Choose Virtual Mediation?

Treasure Coast Mediation Services (TCMS) offers convenient virtual mediation sessions via Zoom. You can participate from your home, office, or another private location. Virtual mediation maintains confidentiality as in-person sessions and can place participants in separate virtual “rooms” when needed.

We also offer evening and weekend sessions upon request.

What Is Pro Se Mediation?

More and more couples are turning to Pro Se Mediation—a process where both parties represent themselves without hiring attorneys. “Pro se” simply means self-represented.

Some couples use this approach for uncontested divorces, where they already agree on the significant issues. Others use mediation in contested cases to work through disagreements outside the courtroom.

Why Choose Pro Se Mediation?

Couples are increasingly choosing this path for several important reasons:

Lower Cost

Hiring two attorneys and going through litigation can be expensive. Mediation is a far more affordable alternative.

Less Conflict

Mediation promotes communication and cooperation rather than confrontation.

More Control

Instead of leaving decisions to a judge, couples decide what is best for their families.

Protecting Children

Mediation reduces litigation’s stress and emotional toll on children.

Is It Right for You?

Pro Se Mediation can be a powerful option for couples willing to work together, even if they don’t yet agree on everything. While no lawyers are required, parties are always encouraged to consult with one before or after mediation to understand their rights better and review any final agreement.

At Treasure Coast Mediation Services (TCMS), we work with both parties in a neutral and respectful environment, helping you reach fair, clear, and enforceable agreements.

What Is Pre-Suit Mediation?

Pre-suit mediation is a voluntary process in which separating couples work out the details of their divorce before filing anything with the court. It gives both parties the opportunity to address important issues, such as parenting plans, time-sharing, child support, property division, and alimony, without the stress or cost of formal litigation.

How It Works

Unlike court-ordered mediation, pre-suit mediation does not require a judge’s order. The parties agree to mediate and select a private mediator to facilitate the discussion.

Pre-suit mediation can involve:

The process begins with an Agreement to Mediate, which outlines the mediator’s fees, scheduling details, and expectations for the session.

Why Consider Pre-Suit Mediation?

Minimizes Conflict

Resolve matters cooperatively before they escalate

Saves Money

Avoid prolonged legal battles and high attorney fees

Simplifies Court Filing

If an agreement is reached on all issues, you can file for an uncontested divorce, speeding up the process significantly

Retains Control

You and your spouse make the decisions, not a judge

At Treasure Coast Mediation Services (TCMS), we guide both represented and self-represented couples through the pre-suit mediation process in a calm, respectful, and neutral setting.

Pre-Suit Pro Se Mediation:

A Cooperative Path Forward

Pre-Suit Pro Se Mediation combines two powerful tools—pre-suit mediation and self-representation (pro se)—to help couples manage their divorce in a respectful, cost-effective, and cooperative way.

In this process, couples work with a neutral mediator to resolve all aspects of their separation before filing with the court, without requiring attorneys (though legal consultation is always encouraged). This approach gives couples the space to create their agreement, on their terms, in a supportive and confidential environment.

Creating Your Own Agreement

Pre-suit pro se mediation allows couples to establish a framework for communication and a model for future problem-solving. Rather than a judge deciding what’s best for your family, you and your spouse collaborate to shape the agreement that will guide your future.

These agreements often cover:

When couples reach their own agreement, they are far more likely to comply with the terms because the outcome is one they chose, not one imposed by the court.

Why It Works

Encourages collaboration and mutual respect
Reduces legal fees and court involvement
Minimizes conflict, especially for families with children
Results in a personalized, enforceable agreement
Preserves your right to consult a lawyer at any time

Mediation Is Your Opportunity to Decide

Divorce doesn’t have to be chaotic or combative. Pre-suit pro se mediation empowers you to shape your outcome and move forward with clarity, dignity, and control.

Mediation for Unmarried Couples

Not all families follow the same path. You may have been in a long-term relationship without getting married, or perhaps a brief relationship resulted in the birth of a child. Whether you and the other parent share a deep history or barely know one another, navigating issues like paternity, time-sharing, and financial support can be complicated and emotionally charged.

For unmarried parents, these conversations can feel uncomfortable or even overwhelming. Trust may be strained, and emotions can run high. Taking the matter to court often only increases tension and conflict.

Our services

Family & Divorce

About Nicole

Nicole Cotton is a dedicated mediator who approaches every case steadfastly and is committed to neutrality, clarity, and resolution. She has conducted over 350 mediations, guiding clients through emotionally charged situations and helping them reach meaningful, lasting agreements. With over 30 years of legal experience and as a licensed member of the Florida Bar, Nicole brings deep insight, balanced judgment, and a calm, solution-focused mindset to every mediation.

Nicole’s broad legal background enables her to confidently and tactfully manage high-conflict dynamics and complex personalities. Known for her ability to engage even the most reluctant participants, she leads each mediation with focus, persistence, and poise, fostering an environment where respectful communication and constructive resolution can thrive.

FAQ'S

Where does mediation take place?

Mediation can take place via Zoom, in our office or in the attorney’s office.

What are your rates?

Family mediation matters are $300 per hour (with a 2 hour minimum).

Do I have to be present for mediation? Can my attorney appear on my behalf?

Absent special circumstances, Florida requires that parties be present for family law Mediation.

Who decides when mediation is not working?

Either party can declare an impasse at any time during the mediation. The mediators at TCMS will make efforts to overcome the reasoning for the impasse. However, if the mediation is stalled, the mediator can declare an impasse or adjourn the mediation for a later date.

Is mediation confidential?

Everything discussed in mediation is confidential except where disclosure is required or permitted by law. The Mediation confidentiality not only covers the communications that occur at the mediation but also keeps financial information out of the public record. The Court will not ever hear what occurred in mediation. The reason for this rule is so that parties can openly and honestly negotiate without fear that, if an agreement is not reached, that the other party will be in court arguing that you were willing to agree to the matter in mediation.

What are the advantages of mediation?

Mediation leaves the decision-making authority in the hands of the parties’ instead of in the hands of a stranger in a courtroom. It is a much less expensive option and not only saves the parties money but also proves to be less emotionally taxing. Mediation is a much faster process than litigation and mediated settlements statistically result in results with higher levels of long-term compliance.

Do you offer mediations on weekends and evenings?

We understand that scheduling mediations during traditional business hours is often difficult. Contact us to make arrangements to schedule your mediation on an evening or weekend. Please call us at 561.307.2183 or email us at Nicole@TreasureCoastMediationServices.com.

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that your schedules are busy and things happen that are beyond your control. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the parties may not be ready to mediate or your case may get resolved prior to mediation. We do not charge for canceled meditations as long as we are advised of such cancellation no later than 48 business hours prior to the start of mediation. If your mediation is scheduled for a Monday, you will need to notify us no later than 9:00 AM on Friday to avoid a cancellation fee. If your mediation is canceled less than 48 business hours before a scheduled and confirmed mediation, we will bill you for a two-hour session. Please call us at 772.589.0055 or email us at Nicole@TreasureCoastMediationServices.com if you have any questions about the cancellation policy.

Peaceful Resolutions. Professional Results.

Guiding individuals, families, and businesses toward fair and effective conflict resolution—without the stress of court.

Contact Treasure Coast Mediation Services

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