Braat Mediation provides virtual family mediation services throughout Florida, offering a constructive alternative to litigation for resolving disputes involving divorce, parenting arrangements, financial matters, and related disputes.
Participants can address their concerns, explore possible solutions, and work toward agreements tailored to their individual circumstances.
About Me
My background in family law has given me firsthand experience with the challenges families face when navigating divorce, parenting arrangements, and financial disputes. These matters involve much more than legal questions, often requiring difficult decisions that affect families long after a case is resolved.
Through my work in family law, I developed an appreciation for resolving disputes through meaningful discussion rather than prolonged litigation. That experience led me to mediation, where I can help participants explore their options and work toward solutions that reflect their individual circumstances.
I established Braat Mediation to provide a thoughtful, practical setting for these conversations, emphasizing preparation, patience, and productive use of everyone's time.
My Approach to Mediation
I believe mediation should be productive, not exhausting.
Research on decision fatigue, cognitive demands, and the psychological factors involved in conflict resolution informs my approach to mediation. Studies have examined how sustained decision-making can affect judgment and how emotional and interpersonal dynamics can influence the resolution of disputes. While this research does not establish an ideal length for mediation sessions, it reinforces the importance of considering mental fatigue when making significant decisions.
Lengthy mediation sessions can leave participants mentally fatigued, particularly when they are making important decisions about their families, finances, and futures. More time spent in mediation does not necessarily mean better decisions or more meaningful progress.
At Braat Mediation, I favor shorter, focused sessions that encourage productive discussions while allowing participants time to consider their options.
For matters requiring additional time, mediation can be divided into multiple sessions. This allows participants to reflect on proposals, gather additional information, complete discovery when necessary, and consult with legal, financial, or other professionals before continuing.
My goal is not to rush participants toward an agreement. It is to make meaningful use of the time we spend together, identify the issues that need resolution, and help participants explore practical solutions that work for their circumstances.
For those who prefer or require a longer session, extended mediation remains an option, subject to limited availability.
Resources
Pignatiello, G. A., Martin, R. J., & Hickman, R. L., Jr. (2020). Decision fatigue: A conceptual analysis. Journal of Health Psychology, 25(1), 123–135.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6119549/
Maier, M., Powell, D., Murchie, P., & Allan, J. L. (2025). Systematic review of the effects of decision fatigue in healthcare professionals on medical decision-making. Health Psychology Review, 19(4), 717–762.
https://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2025.2513916
Howieson, J. A., Mancini, V. O., Ruggiero, M., & Moroney, D. (2025). Mediation 2.0: A mentalizing-informed framework for renewed purpose and practice. Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, 32(3), 373–387.
https://doi.org/10.1080/13218719.2024.2313999
What to Expect When You Mediate With Me
Mediations are conducted virtually through Zoom. Participants begin in separate, private breakout rooms, along with their attorneys if represented. I move between the rooms to discuss the issues, exchange proposals, and explore potential agreements. Participants do not need to meet together unless everyone agrees to a joint discussion.
Before the session, participants should have relevant documents readily available, such as financial information, court orders, or proposed parenting schedules. A private location and reliable internet connection are also important.
Mediation may conclude with a full agreement, a partial agreement, or no agreement. In some cases, participants may choose to adjourn and resume mediation after obtaining additional information, completing discovery, or considering proposed terms. When agreements are reached, I can assist in documenting the agreed terms.