Mediation Practice Areas
About F. Shields McManus
F.Shields McManus is a Certified as a Circuit Court, County Court and a Family Mediator by the Florida Supreme Court. He often serves as an arbitrator and a special magistrate in civil court.
“After retiring from the circuit court bench, I became a mediator to help people resolve their legal conflicts successfully and expeditiously. My experiences as a trial judge and as a trial lawyer has contributed to my skills as a mediator. “
F. Shields McManus grew up in South Florida and achieved a bachelor of Arts degree from Florida State University. He then graduated from the FSU College of Law with Honors. While at FSU he was commissioned an artillery officer in the United States Army Reserve
Frequently Asked Questions
Private mediators’ fees vary and you can shop around. Typically, they charge by the hour. You can expect to spend $200 to $500 or more per hour in South Florida. Usually, each party pays one-half of the fee. The family courts also provide mediation services to less affluent couples at a much lower cost.
Having explored the realistic possibilities in mediation, there is a likelihood that a settlement will be reached later. If there is no settlement, however, the divorce will only be final after a trial before a family court judge in which the judge will decide all disputed issues.
Mediation allows a couple to write the rules of their separation and future life. This not only gives control to the couple, but it also avoids drawn out, expensive litigation and a trial that will cause long-lasting harm to the couple and their children. Even if mediation does not achieve a settlement, it will clarify each party’s options from what is desired to what is possible.
Mediation takes as long as it is still useful. A minimum of two hours is typical. To reach a written agreement often takes three or four hours. Some complicated mediations take six to eight hours to reach a settlement. Mediation can be conducted for more than one session on more than one day.
