A Florida mediation attorney who resolves disputes without the courtroom.
From pre-suit negotiation to court-ordered sessions, Ludwin Law Group helps parties resolve disputes faster, at lower cost, and with more control over the outcome than a trial allows, with a clear strategy from the first conversation.
What is your situation?
Resolve your dispute. Keep control. Avoid litigation.
Mediation is a confidential dispute resolution process where a neutral third party helps two or more parties communicate, understand each other’s interests, and negotiate a mutually acceptable settlement. The mediator does not decide the outcome. The parties do. Florida mediation is protected by strict confidentiality rules under Chapter 44, Florida Statutes, meaning nothing said in mediation can be used as evidence in court.
Ludwin Law Group serves as both neutral mediator and mediation counsel. As a mediator, we facilitate the negotiation between parties and help them reach a resolution. As mediation counsel, we represent and advocate for a client during the process. Whether you need a neutral facilitator for your dispute or representation at a mediation session, we provide both services throughout South Florida.
Mediation resolves disputes faster than litigation, costs significantly less, and gives parties control over the outcome rather than leaving it to a judge or jury. Florida courts order mediation in most civil cases before trial, and many disputes resolve in pre-suit mediation without ever filing a lawsuit.
We are based in Delray Beach and serve as mediator and mediation counsel for parties throughout South Florida, across civil, commercial, family, real estate, and employment matters.
We work both as the neutral in the room and as counsel at a party’s side, which means we understand the strategy and the pressure points from every seat at the table.
- Parties to civil disputes seeking settlement before litigation
- Businesses in commercial conflicts and partnership disputes
- Families navigating divorce, custody, and post-divorce disputes
- Parties to court-ordered mediation who need mediation counsel
- Anyone seeking a faster, more affordable resolution than trial
Disputes we mediate.
From civil pre-suit resolution to court-ordered mediation, we handle a full range of disputes across every major practice area in South Florida.
Civil Mediation
General civil disputes between individuals and businesses seeking settlement before or during litigation. Breach of contract, property disputes, and personal injury claims resolved efficiently.
Pre-LitigationCommercial & Business Mediation
Partnership disputes, vendor disagreements, contract interpretation, business torts, and inter-company conflicts resolved through neutral facilitation that preserves commercial relationships.
Business DisputesFamily & Divorce Mediation
Child custody, support, property division, and post-divorce disputes resolved with sensitivity. Mediation keeps family relationships intact and costs far less than contested divorce proceedings.
Family LawReal Estate & Construction Mediation
Boundary disputes, construction defects, contractor disagreements, title issues, and commercial property disputes resolved efficiently and confidentially outside of court.
Property DisputesEmployment Dispute Mediation
Wrongful termination, discrimination claims, harassment disputes, and employment contract disagreements resolved before costly litigation drains resources and damages reputations.
EmploymentInsurance & Personal Injury Mediation
Settlement negotiations in personal injury claims, insurance coverage disputes, and bad faith claims. Mediation resolves claims faster and avoids the uncertainty of trial verdicts.
Insurance ClaimsMediation case types we handle.
Each dispute is unique. Below is a closer look at the mediation services we provide and how the process works in different contexts, with the details you should know before contacting an attorney.
Civil Mediation & Pre-Suit Resolution
Before filing a lawsuit, consider mediation. Most civil disputes can be resolved faster and at lower cost through pre-suit negotiation than by going through the court system. We mediate and resolve:
- Breach of contract disputes with vendors, clients, or partners
- Property line and boundary disputes between neighbors
- Personal injury settlement negotiations
- Debt collection and payment disputes
- Loan, promissory note, and financial disagreements
We initiate the mediation process by proposing it in writing to the other side. If they agree, we schedule and facilitate the session. If they decline, or if mediation does not resolve the matter, we proceed with litigation informed by what we learned in the process.
Commercial & Business Mediation
Business disputes drain time, money, and morale. Mediation resolves commercial conflicts while preserving business relationships and protecting confidential information that would be exposed in litigation. We handle:
- Partnership disputes and ownership disagreements
- Vendor and supplier contract disputes
- Non-compete and non-solicitation agreement disputes
- Business dissolution and exit arrangement negotiations
- Employment conflicts, workplace harassment, and wrongful termination claims
Where a commercial relationship is worth preserving, mediation lets both sides resolve the dispute without the public exposure and relationship damage a lawsuit creates. Where the relationship is over, a negotiated settlement still closes the matter faster than a trial.
Family & Divorce Mediation
Family disputes are intensely personal. Mediation reduces conflict, focuses on the family’s long-term well-being, and produces agreements both parties had a hand in crafting. We mediate and counsel on:
- Divorce and marital property division settlements
- Child custody and parenting plan negotiations
- Child support and spousal support determinations
- Post-divorce modifications to existing orders
- Co-parenting communication and conflict resolution
Agreements reached in mediation are typically more durable than court-imposed orders because both parents helped craft them. That buy-in matters most in family matters, where the parties will continue to deal with each other long after the case closes.
Real Estate & Construction Mediation
Property and construction disputes can move quickly from disagreement to costly litigation. Mediation resolves them efficiently without demolition orders, lengthy trials, or delayed project closings. We handle:
- Construction defect claims and contractor disputes
- Property line, boundary, and easement disagreements
- Title and deed interpretation issues
- Homeowners association disputes
- Landlord-tenant and commercial lease disputes
Because so many property disputes hinge on a timeline, mediation’s speed is itself a remedy. Resolving the matter before a closing falls through or a project stalls often preserves far more value than winning a lawsuit months later.
Court-Ordered & Mandatory Mediation
Florida courts order parties to mediation before trial in most civil cases. We serve as both neutral mediator for court-ordered sessions and as mediation counsel for parties who need representation going into a court-ordered session. Here is what to know:
- Florida courts order mediation before trial in most civil matters
- Parties may select a mediator or the court appoints one
- Mediation statement preparation is required before most sessions
- 75% or more of court-ordered mediations result in settlement
- Settlement in mediation avoids trial, appeals, and enforcement proceedings
When the court sends your case to mediation, it is not a formality to get through. It is your best opportunity to resolve the matter on your own terms. We prepare you to use that opportunity, with the mediation statement, the strategy, and the realistic view of trial risk that makes a settlement worth signing.
Employment Dispute Mediation
Employment disputes carry reputational and financial risks for both employers and employees. Mediation provides a confidential setting to negotiate resolution without the exposure of a public lawsuit or agency proceeding. We mediate and counsel on:
- Wrongful termination and retaliation claims
- Discrimination and harassment allegations
- Non-compete and non-solicitation disputes
- Wage and hour disagreements
- Severance and separation agreement negotiations
Employment matters are among the disputes mediation serves best, because the parties on both sides usually want the same thing: a clean, confidential resolution that lets everyone move forward without the cost and exposure of a public fight.
Why mediation works, and why counsel matters.
Effective mediation requires more than a neutral room and a willing mediator. Parties who arrive unprepared, without an understanding of their legal position and the risks of proceeding to trial, consistently underperform in mediation. Whether serving as your neutral mediator or as your mediation counsel, we bring litigation experience to every session so all parties understand what is actually at stake before any settlement is evaluated or signed.
We serve in both roles
We serve as both neutral mediator and mediation counsel, giving us a complete understanding of both roles in every session. We know what each side is weighing, which is exactly what moves a dispute toward resolution.
Litigation experience informs every session
Litigation experience informs every mediation. We help parties understand the real cost and risk of going to trial rather than settling, so the choice to settle is an informed one.
Confidentiality is protected by law
Florida mediation confidentiality under Chapter 44 protects everything said in the session from being used as evidence in court. That protection lets parties speak frankly and negotiate honestly.
Pre-suit mediation resolves disputes early
Pre-suit mediation initiated before filing often resolves disputes in a single session at a fraction of what litigation would cost. The earlier we engage, the more options remain open.
If mediation fails, we are ready to litigate
When mediation does not resolve the dispute, we transition directly to litigation fully informed by what the other side revealed in the process. Time in mediation is rarely wasted.
Durable agreements both sides craft
Agreements reached in mediation are typically more durable than court judgments because both parties had a hand in crafting them. We make sure any agreement is clear, specific, and fully enforceable before anyone leaves the room.
Unlike litigation, which pits parties against each other in an adversarial process, mediation focuses on mutual problem-solving. Parties control the outcome rather than leaving it to a judge or jury. Ludwin Law Group is a boutique civil litigation firm where cases are handled with close attorney oversight and personalized attention from initial consultation through final resolution. When serving as mediation counsel, we prepare thoroughly before every session, advise clearly during negotiations, and ensure any agreement reached is legally enforceable and fully protective of your interests.
What to expect in your mediation.
Pre-Mediation Consultation
We assess your dispute, explain the mediation process, identify your key interests versus positions, and prepare your mediation statement if required by the court or agreement. Confidential and no obligation.
Mediation Session
We facilitate or participate in the session, helping parties communicate openly, understand the other side’s perspective, and identify creative settlement options neither side had considered.
Settlement or Impasse
If settlement is reached, we document the agreement in writing before anyone leaves the room. If mediation ends in impasse, we advise on next steps and transition directly to litigation strategy.
Post-Mediation Follow-Through
We ensure settlement terms are properly documented, any court filings required to close the case are completed, and all parties fulfill their obligations under the agreement.
Explore mediation for your dispute.
Disputes do not have to mean litigation. Whether you are seeking pre-suit resolution or responding to a court-ordered mediation, we can help you resolve your dispute faster, at lower cost, and with more control over the outcome. Reach out today for a free, confidential consultation.
Mediation FAQ.
Answers to the questions parties ask most often about mediation and dispute resolution in Florida.
Litigation means taking your dispute to court where a judge or jury decides the outcome. Mediation is a confidential process where a neutral party helps you and the other side negotiate a mutually acceptable settlement. Mediation is faster, costs less, remains confidential, and gives you control over the outcome rather than leaving it to a court. In litigation, you pay attorney fees, discovery costs, and court fees, and a judge or jury decides your case. In mediation, you control the outcome. If you do not reach settlement, you can still go to court, so you have not lost anything by trying mediation first.
Private mediation rates typically range from $150 to $300 per hour per party depending on the mediator’s experience and the complexity of the dispute. A half-day mediation session often costs $500 to $1,500 per party. Court-ordered mediation with county mediators may have capped rates for lower-value civil cases. Even at the higher end, mediation costs a fraction of litigation. A full day of mediation typically costs less than a single contested motion in court. We discuss costs and estimates during your initial consultation so you understand exactly what to expect before committing to the process.
Yes. Florida mediation is protected by strict confidentiality rules under Chapter 44, Florida Statutes. Statements made during mediation cannot be used as evidence in court, and the mediator cannot be subpoenaed to testify about anything said during the session. The confidentiality protection extends to all parties, their attorneys, and the mediator. The only exceptions are executed settlement agreements, agreements to mediate, and statements about future criminal conduct. Confidentiality allows parties to speak frankly without fear that their statements will be used against them if the matter later goes to trial.
Yes, and in most cases you should. Your attorney serves as mediation counsel, advising you on the legal implications of proposed settlements, protecting your interests during negotiations, and ensuring any agreement is legally enforceable before you sign. The mediator remains neutral and cannot give you legal advice. Without your own attorney, you may agree to terms that seem fair but have unintended legal consequences. For commercial, employment, real estate, or family disputes with significant financial stakes, having mediation counsel is essential.
If mediation ends without a settlement, you retain all your legal rights. You can proceed to litigation, arbitration, or any other dispute resolution method available to you. Nothing said in mediation can be used against you in court, so you have lost nothing by participating. Time spent in mediation is rarely wasted even when it does not settle the case. The process typically clarifies the core issues, narrows the factual disputes, and gives both sides a clearer picture of the other’s position. When we transition to litigation after a failed mediation, we do so better prepared than before.
Most civil and commercial mediations are completed in a half-day or full-day session. Complex multi-party disputes with extensive documentation may require multiple sessions. Family matters involving custody and property division sometimes take longer if significant emotional or financial issues require careful working through. When we serve as your mediation counsel, we prepare thoroughly before the session so the time in the room is focused and productive. Our goal is resolution in a single session. If additional time is needed to reach agreement, we schedule it promptly rather than letting momentum stall.
A good settlement addresses your core interests while trading something the other side values. It should be specific, clear, and fully enforceable before anyone leaves the room. A settlement that resolves the dispute today is often worth more than a potential judgment 18 months from now even if the number is lower. Before entering mediation, we identify your must-haves versus acceptable trade-offs so you can evaluate any offer clearly and confidently. We also explain the realistic costs and risks of proceeding to trial so you have a complete picture when evaluating what the other side puts on the table.
Yes. Pre-suit mediation is often the most efficient resolution path available. It is faster, less expensive, and better for ongoing relationships than litigation. Many commercial and civil disputes settle in pre-suit mediation once both parties understand the full costs and risks of proceeding to court. We can initiate pre-suit mediation by proposing it in writing to the other side. If they agree, we schedule a session without filing a lawsuit. If they decline, or if mediation does not resolve the matter, we proceed with litigation informed by what we learned about the other side’s position during the process.
Adam Ludwin, Founder
Adam Ludwin founded Ludwin Law Group in 2015 to represent clients in complex civil litigation, including mediation, business disputes, and contract claims. His practice includes serving as both neutral mediator and mediation counsel in disputes across civil, commercial, family, real estate, and employment matters throughout South Florida.
Adam has mediated and counseled dozens of disputes ranging from civil litigation to commercial conflicts to family law matters. His background in litigation gives him credibility with all parties at the table and helps them understand the actual costs and risks of proceeding to trial rather than settling.
His approach is straightforward: understand the dispute, the interests on both sides, and the realistic cost of going to trial, then guide the parties toward a resolution they can live with. Whether serving as the neutral or as your counsel, he prepares thoroughly before every session and works to make any agreement reached clear, specific, and fully enforceable.
Adam holds a 5.0 Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating, the highest available, and has earned 55 five-star Google reviews from clients who came to him when a dispute threatened their business, their finances, or their family. He is admitted to The Florida Bar and to the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Florida, and is a member of the American Bar Association. Cases at Ludwin Law Group are handled with close attorney oversight and personalized attention from initial consultation through final resolution.
Credentials & Experience