Divorce Mediation in West Palm Beach, Florida

Divorce Mediation: Guiding You Toward Peaceful Resolution and Fair Agreements

Divorce is one of the most emotionally charged transitions many people will ever face. Even in the most amicable separations, addressing these legal, financial, and emotional decisions can feel overwhelming. But there is a way to approach this life change calmly with cooperation and fairness. Divorce mediation is about you and your soon to be ex-spouse deciding the fate of your future.

I’m Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D., LMFT, and as a family divorce mediator certified by the Florida Supreme Court, I offer divorce mediation services here in West Palm Beach, Florida. As a licensed marriage and family therapist with extensive training in conflict resolution, I help couples work through divorce in a balanced, respectful, and guided process. My goal is to create a supportive space where both partners can reach equitable agreements without escalating conflict or heading into a courtroom.

You can achieve control of your own divorce and decisions regarding what is best for the both of you and your children through pro se mediation. In mediation, you and your spouse meet with a neutral third party, the mediator, and with their help, you work through the issues you need to resolve so the two of you can end your marriage amicably and relatively cost-effectively.

If you’re considering divorce in South Florida and you want a more compassionate, cost-effective alternative to litigation, mediation may be the answer. I am a certified and experienced mediator that can get the job done right. Let’s walk this path together clearly, calmly, and with your family’s future in mind. Call me, Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D., LMFT, now at (561) 688-8787(561) 688-8787or complete my online form to request a free introductory call.

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D., LMFT is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Divorce Mediator helping divorcing couples in Florida collaborate to pursue a fair settlement, while minimizing costs, conflicts, and stress often associated with divorce through the court system.
• Dr. Susan Christiansen offers in-person divorce mediation sessions in West Palm Beach, Florida, as well as online divorce mediation sessions statewide.
• Dr. Susan Christiansen is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and a divorce mediator certified by the Florida Supreme Court.
• Through divorce mediation services, Dr. Christiansen helps couples pursue divorce agreements respectfully, cooperatively, and privately.
• Divorce mediation is ideal for individuals and couples looking to avoid litigation as they pursue fair divorce settlement agreement terms.
• Divorce mediation by a certified mediator is a way to pursue a fair settlement agreement while reducing or minimizing divorce litigation and saving costs and frustration for each of the parties involved.
• Dr. Christiansen is an experienced mediator and neutral third party who helps couples face difficult divorce decisions through a mediation-based approach to resolve conflicts with several advantages: reduced cost, lower conflict, reduced family law issues, faster resolution, and improved long-term considerations for co-parenting.
• Easily request a free introductory call with the experienced divorce mediator Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D., LMFT by phone at (561) 688-8787(561) 688-8787 or through the online form

What Is Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation is a structured, collaborative process that enables separating couples to reach mutual decisions about their divorce with the support of a neutral facilitator, your mediator.

Unlike courtroom litigation, where a judge imposes a final ruling, the divorce mediation process puts decision-making power in your hands. As your divorce mediator, I guide the conversation around vital issues that may include:

• Division of property and debts
• Time-sharing and parenting plans
• Child support and alimony
• Communication protocols
• Financial planning post-divorce

Through guided sessions, we work to resolve disagreements and arrive at a balanced agreement that respects both parties’ needs, both financially and emotionally.

Mediation is private, voluntary, and centered around fair negotiation. It’s not therapy, but as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I bring emotional intelligence to help both parties feel heard and respected as they work through the legal and personal aspects of ending a marriage.

Key Benefits of Divorce Mediation

1. Control Over the Decision

In litigation, you hand your future to a judge. However, in mediation, you retain full decision-making power.

The mediation approach leads to:

• Tailored solutions based on your real-world needs
• More sustainable agreements
• Greater post-divorce satisfaction

2. Save on Divorce Mediator Cost and Time

Legal battles are often financially draining. Mediation is not only more affordable, but also far more efficient.

This is because mediation has:

• Fewer sessions than court proceedings
• Reduced attorney involvement
• Lower overall divorce mediator cost, as compared to litigation

3. Reduce Emotional Stress

Divorce is hard enough without adding unnecessary hostility. Mediation fosters cooperation, empathy, and calm decision-making.

Mediation sets a positive trajectory for your future, with:

• Less emotional trauma for you and your children
• Reduced blame and defensive communication
• Opportunity for closure and mutual understanding

4. Prioritize Your Children’s Well-Being

When children are involved, their needs must come first. Mediation supports child-centered parenting agreements that emphasize emotional stability and healthy co-parenting.

Mediation’s child-centered approach can help you to:

• Develop long-term parenting plans together
• Set communication expectations
• Minimize court appearances and disruptions for your children

5. Preserve Privacy and Confidentiality

Unlike court proceedings, mediation is entirely private. What’s said in session stays between us, and the agreements in mediation are made outside the public record.

The private nature of mediation helps you to:

• Maintain discretion during sensitive transitions
• Avoid the stress of public legal battles
• Discuss financial and personal matters securely

How Divorce Mediation Works

Step 1: Consultation and Readiness Check

We begin with a private consultation — individually or together — to explore whether mediation is a good fit. I’ll help you understand the process and answer any questions you may have.

During our early conversations, we will:

• Review goals and timeline
• Identify key topics to be discussed
• Make sure both parties are willing to participate fairly

Step 2: Information Gathering

Both spouses will prepare necessary documents, such as:

• Income statements
• Assets and liabilities
• Existing agreements or parenting schedules
• Budget expectations post-divorce

This step maintains transparency and provides a factual foundation for negotiation.

Step 3: Guided Mediation Sessions

Together, we’ll begin structured mediation sessions, each typically lasting 60–90 minutes or longer. We cover one topic at a time in a calm, facilitated environment.

Common session topics include:

• Property division (homes, investments, vehicles)
• Parenting plans and child support
• Alimony or spousal support
• Debt allocation
• Insurance and retirement accounts

Sessions may be joint or separate, depending on emotional dynamics. My role is to keep the conversation respectful, goal-oriented, and legally appropriate.

Step 4: Agreement Drafting

Once agreements are reached, I provide a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which is a written summary of your decisions. This document can be reviewed with an attorney or used to prepare your final divorce paperwork.

I am not a lawyer, so I do not file legal forms. However, many clients use their MOU to finalize their divorce through simplified legal channels.

Step 5: Post-Mediation Support

After the agreements are drafted, I remain available for additional sessions if disputes arise or if modifications are needed later. I also offer referrals to legal professionals for document review.

Who Needs Divorce Mediation?

You may benefit from divorce mediation if:

• You and your spouse are willing to work together respectfully.
• You want to avoid a courtroom divorce.
• You’re looking for lower legal fees and faster resolution.
• You have children and want to minimize their exposure to conflict.
• You prefer a private, emotionally safe space for making decisions.

Mediation is not appropriate if:

• There is ongoing domestic violence, coercion, or manipulation.
• One party refuses to disclose finances or negotiate fairly.
• Either person is unwilling to listen or consider compromise.

Divorce mediation can be appropriate for an uncontested divorce in which both parties already agree to the terms, as a mediator can clarify the terms and streamline the process. In a contested divorce, a mediator can likewise resolve outstanding conflicts and facilitate the steps towards a finalized divorce agreement that reflects the interests of both sides.

If you’re unsure whether your situation is appropriate for mediation, I welcome you to request a free introductory call first. We’ll explore your options and what might serve you best.

Why Choose Dr. Susan Christiansen for Divorce Mediation in West Palm Beach?

My Experience & Qualifications

With a Ph.D. in Humanities and Social Science and licensure in marriage and family therapy, I offer both the structure of a certified mediator and the emotional insight of a seasoned therapist. I’ve helped couples of all backgrounds successfully navigate divorce mediation in West Palm Beach and throughout Palm Beach County.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist certified by the Florida Supreme Court for divorce mediation, I am often selected by the Florida court system to handle the divorce mediation process for couples pursuing a divorce. I help couples seek a settlement that keeps both parties involved and retaining control throughout the process.

Client-Centered Approach

I am committed to neutrality. I do not side with either partner. Instead, I guide both of you toward solutions you can live with. My sessions are focused, compassionate, and designed to reduce escalation while keeping you both empowered.

Sensitive to Complex Divorce Dynamics

Whether you’ve been married for two years or twenty, own a business together, or share parenting responsibilities, I help break down complex issues into manageable steps. I’ve supported clients through:

• High-conflict separations
• Long-term financial planning
• Parenting across two households
• Blended family transitions

Peaceful, Private, and Practical

I’m here to help you move forward — not just legally, but emotionally. My goal is to help you resolve your divorce with as much grace and clarity as possible under the circumstances, so you can both rebuild your lives with integrity and peace.

Ask Questions About Divorce Mediation or Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D., LMFT

Divorce can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be destructive. If you and your partner are ready to move forward with dignity, fairness, and compassion, I invite you to begin divorce mediation with me.

Call me, Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D., LMFT, now at (561) 688-8787(561) 688-8787 or complete my online form to request a free introductory call. I’m here to support your next chapter — calmly, clearly, and respectfully.

Helping Palm Beach County clients achieve peace and harmony since 2000