Get free answers to your Arbitration / Mediation Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I'm involved in a small claims case where the defendant and I have agreed to settle through mediation scheduled for April 3rd, 2025. I'm seeking legal representation for the mediation process. Can you advise on how to find a suitable lawyer?

answered on Mar 18, 2025
A Florida attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for over a week, and April 3rd is right around the corner. You've probably already been searching on your own by now. You could supplement your efforts with the "Find a Lawyer" tab above or the attorney referral... View More
I have a fixed-price construction contract in Florida for a $78K renovation. We signed it several months ago, and permits were just obtained three weeks ago. Now, the contractor demands an additional $22K due to increased subcontractor costs and refuses to proceed unless I agree, despite the... View More

answered on Mar 13, 2025
1. Does the contractor’s refusal to proceed at the fixed price constitute a material breach under Florida law? It may, as you mentioned the price is fixed. However, the contract may contain exclusions or exceptions. The terms of the contract would have to be reviewed.
2. What... View More
I have a parenting plan with my ex where we share 50/50 custody. My ex recently informed me that he plans to move 3-4 hours away with our child, and I'm not comfortable with that decision. Our parenting plan doesn't mention relocation. What steps can I take legally to address this... View More

answered on Mar 13, 2025
There is a law that prohibits relocation more than 50 miles, Statute 61.13001
Here is the link:
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13001.html
Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.
I was ordered to mediation with my ex regarding custody of our son within 30 days from 01/24/25, and both of us were required to file financial affidavits. I submitted my affidavit on 02/17, but my ex has not filed his yet and hasn't been in contact with our son since 2023 after moving to... View More

answered on Mar 5, 2025
If there is a court order to mediate and it is scheduled then you should appear. Tell the mediator that you cannot move forward without his financial affidavit. You can also fie a motion to compel his financial affidavit. If the facts are as you say then the court should rule in your favor... View More
When having to go to mediation with the HOA the HOA lawyer has listed mediators in his county which is 40-60 miles away, are mediators required to be in the county the property and potential suit be taking place or anywhere within the state?

answered on Jun 19, 2024
There are Florida attorneys here who do deal with HOAs who could answer your question best, but it remains open for a week. Until you speak consult with one, there is a general principle in arbitration/mediation where parties could raise the issue that a particular venue or forum is unduly... View More
I was forced to sign a quick deed to property that I own. By a Ex-prison con artist who kept threatening my and still is threatening my family. What can I do?

answered on Mar 30, 2024
If you were coerced into signing a quitclaim deed under threats, it's important to take immediate action to protect yourself and your family. The first step is to contact law enforcement to report the threats and the coercion. They can offer protection and advice on how to proceed safely.... View More
I received a lump sum settlement for disability benefits under my employer's LTD group policy last year, and I believe my claim should meet the definition of unlawful discrimination under IRC section 62 a 20 e 18 so I am likely able to deduct attorney fees and court costs on 1040 Schedule 1... View More

answered on Mar 29, 2024
Understanding the nuances of tax deductions related to attorney fees and court costs can be complex, particularly when it comes to settlements for disability benefits under an employer's LTD group policy. According to IRS Publication 525, attorney fees and court costs associated with claims... View More
I have a trail date already in place that he requested to leave for March 2024. He canceled my mediation and put in a motion to withdraw the day before my mediation. I still showed up to mediation but no one was there

answered on Feb 5, 2024
A Florida attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. The first thing to do could be to learn about the withdrawl, whether it was with prejudice or without prejudice. Withdrawing a case with prejudice generally means no rights reserved to refile the case. Withdrawing... View More
I participated in a mediation where the agreement required payment to be made to me within 30 days of the court order. It has now been 5 months, and I have not received any payment. Additionally, my lawyer did not defend me properly during the mediation, and the judge forced me to comply with the... View More

answered on Apr 13, 2025
It’s completely understandable to feel stuck when someone breaks a court-ordered agreement and no one seems willing to step in. In Florida, if a mediation agreement was approved by the judge and incorporated into a court order, it becomes enforceable just like any other judgment. The fact that... View More
I am renting a room in Florida, and my landlord gave me a 45-day notice to move out, which means I must leave by April 1st. Due to my car breaking down and a 4-day hospitalization, I've been delayed in moving out with my dog. My landlord is refusing to give me more time to move, and he has... View More

answered on Apr 12, 2025
In Florida, if you are current on rent and have not violated the terms of the lease, the landlord is typically required to follow proper procedures before asking you to leave. Since the landlord gave you a 45-day notice, they do not need to serve an additional 3-day or 7-day notice unless there is... View More
I work as a full-time salaried employee for a large construction company in Florida. The contract between my employer and the project owner was terminated with cause before completion, and they are headed to arbitration. Currently, they do not have a project for me to work on, and although... View More

answered on Apr 11, 2025
That’s an incredibly frustrating position to be in—essentially stuck in limbo without pay, guidance, or support from your employer. In Florida, noncompete agreements are enforceable, but only if they protect legitimate business interests and are reasonable in scope, geography, and duration. If... View More
As the president of the HOA board, I am concerned about whether our HOA is required to divulge the costs associated with a lawsuit currently in mediation to its members, or if this information is protected under attorney-client privilege. Additionally, I am interested in understanding if the costs... View More

answered on Apr 7, 2025
Certainly the billing records of your attorneys would be confidential and shouldn't be disclosed.
But the total amounts paid the attorneys probably is not confidential and may be a legitimate interest of the members.
Check with your attorneys and see what they say.
In my divorce procedure, the co-parent has repeatedly violated the terms of supervised visitation by either canceling without prior notice or leaving early. The visits were scheduled to occur every other weekend for 2 hours, as reinstated in a mediation order. There are underlying concerns of... View More

answered on Apr 7, 2025
I am not clear on what can backfire. You should file your motion detailing your concerns. Although you can make suggestions it is the judge who will determine what the appropriate sanctions are. Make sure that you have objective evidence to support your allegations. Speak with a local family lawyer... View More
I have already signed an arbitration agreement with a rehab facility. There was no indication or option mentioned about opting out within a certain timeframe, and I'm unsure if there are any specific terms in the agreement about how to withdraw or opt out. Can I still opt out of this agreement?

answered on Mar 10, 2025
A Florida attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. It sounds like a done-deal, based on the limited facts. Arbitration agreements are binding in most instances, subject to local law and the way they're drafted (some agreements make arbitration an option, some... View More
I had gotten injured sept 3rd 2023.
A box struck my eyes I had a swollen eye , pain for 2 weeks. I was told to see a doctor where the doctor send me right back to work. They denied workers comp. I took a lawyer on may that’s when they decided to not deny me and approved. I had no... View More

answered on Sep 19, 2024
Florida workers compensation law does not provide for pain and suffering. Settlement of a workers compensation matter is optional so neither party can be forced to settle. You indicated that your case was initially denied but then accepted after you hired a lawyer and she filed petitions on your... View More
I am 52 years old with 3 kids. I came to the US after marrying my husband 27 years ago in Europe, where I lived. He has a very high income and stability because he is in the tech industry. I was a stay-at-home mom for 10 years then part-time worker. Now working in administrative role for an Italian... View More

answered on Sep 7, 2024
Your question requires a more detailed financial analysis. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.
Parents want a divorce, fighting over children. Mother had children. Mother got arrested and has been in jail for over a year case not tried yet.
Courts gave Father the children. He now wants her to sign the paper for a divorce. Her attorney took herself off the case several months ago... View More

answered on Mar 29, 2024
Yes, divorce papers can be served on you if you are in jail. No, you do not have to sign for the divorce papers if you are in jail. I hope this helps. Good luck!
my father lives in an assisted living for 2+ years. The resident agreement states they can raise the rent annually and also make a cost of living adjustment annually. In addition, they can raise the rates on the nursing services. Written notice 30 days prior. We received a notice on 12/1/2023 that... View More

answered on Jan 16, 2024
A Florida attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. A starting point could be to make another request for an explanation. If you contemplate disputing, you could check the agreement/contract as to any provisions for the resolution of disputes (arbitration, courts of... View More
Had a disagreement over the help he was giving me, needed a loan to help pay for a dental plan due to an emergency, and told him it was such, and a big text argument ensued with me doing a really dumb thing. Before and after that dumb thing, I did tell him I was going to repay him every single... View More

answered on Nov 1, 2023
You don't need a mediator. Just mail him a check when you have the money.

answered on Oct 5, 2023
A Florida attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. It could depend what the arbitration is for - general negotiation, challenging basis for debt, claim for misconduct, etc. It could also depend on the right to use arbitration as a forum. Sometimes that's... View More
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