Online Family Mediation for Lake Wales, Florida

Mediation as a first step for Lake Wales families

Settling things in mediation keeps family matters out of open court and usually keeps them more private. Parents get to plan around how they actually live, from school calendars to work shifts to weekends, instead of leaving each detail to someone else.

Services for Polk County families

• Family mediation: parenting plans, time-sharing, child support, alimony, and dividing property or debts

• Parenting coordination: support for parents who are following a plan that is already in place

• Collaborative divorce: Jessica serves as the neutral facilitator, the mental health professional on the team

How a session works

The first step is a free 30-minute consult. Before the session, Jessica sends a secure link and explains confidentiality and the format. Some families stay together the whole time, and others meet with her separately in private breakout rooms. Points of agreement go into writing, and each person signs electronically when they are comfortable.

Fees

The rate is $200 per hour, billed in tenth-of-an-hour (6-minute) increments, and Zoom costs the same. Jessica sets the retainer case by case.

Polk County court information

Polk County's courthouse is in Bartow. The clerk notes that some family law hearings now take place at a different county location, and it has branch offices in Lakeland and Winter Haven. Forms and general information are on the clerk's family law resources page. The court's self-help page has more information.

This is general information, not legal guidance.

Also see: Polk County page · Areas served · Appointments

Lake Wales FAQs

Can I meet Jessica in person?

No. Sessions for Polk County are held by Zoom only.

My co-parent lives in another county. Does that matter?

Not for a Zoom session. Each of you can join from your own location.

Is Zoom secure enough for something this personal?

Jessica uses password-protected meetings and asks everyone to join from a private space. She goes over privacy steps before the session starts.

Will Jessica write our final paperwork?

She writes up the terms you reach in a written agreement. Because she does not give legal advice, many people have their own attorney review it.

Is the first consultation free?

Yes. The first consult is 30 minutes and free, and you can book it online. You can use that time to ask questions and decide whether mediation is a good fit before you commit.