Med-Arb
Med-arb is a hybrid dispute resolution process that combines mediation and arbitration: the parties first try to settle their divorce issues through mediation, and any matters left unresolved are then decided by the same or a different neutral acting as an arbitrator. In Florida divorces it is used more rarely than straight mediation, since the law strictly limits when family-law issues can be sent to binding arbitration. Child-related matters such as time-sharing, parenting plans, and child support generally cannot be finally decided by an arbitrator and remain subject to court review.
Last updated June 21, 2026
Legal Definition
A two-phase ADR procedure in which mediation is followed by arbitration of unresolved issues; in Florida, arbitration of family-law disputes is governed by Chapter 44 and cannot bind the court on child-related determinations.
Example
Because they wanted a faster resolution on their property split, the couple agreed to med-arb for the financial issues while leaving time-sharing for the court.
Related Statutes
- 44.104
Related Terms
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