Mediation Terms and Guidelines

Professional Standards for Effective Mediation

Florida Civil Mediation Services Terms and Conditions of Use

  1. Acceptance of Terms
    By accessing or using this website, you agree to these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree, do not use this site.
  2. Role of Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator / Florida Supreme Court Certified County Court Florida Supreme Qualified Arbitrator
    Terry Schneider is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator in Circuit and County Court who provides neutral mediation services in accordance with:

    • Florida Statutes such as Chapter 44
    • Florida Rules for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators

    Terry Schneider is a Florida Supreme Court Qualified Arbitrator who provides arbitration services in accordance with:

    • Florida Statutes relating to Arbitration such as Chapter 682
    • Florida Rules for arbitration
    • Florida case law
  3. No Legal Advice or Attorney Client Relationship
    This website does not provide legal advice.

    • No attorney-client relationship is created
    • No mediator-client relationship is formed by website use alone
    • No arbitrator-client relationship is formed by website use alone
    • Users are encouraged to seek independent legal counsel
  4. Mediation Confidentiality
    1. No Confidentiality Through Website Use
      Communications through this website:

      • Are not confidential
      • Are not privileged
      • Should not include sensitive or strategic information

      Confidentiality applies only after a mediation agreement or court order is in effect.

    2. Confidentiality Limitation
      Website communications are outside the mediation process and are not protected by mediation confidentiality statutes.
  5. Mediation Services Disclosure and Disclaimer
    In accordance with Florida law and Supreme Court rules:

    • Mediation is non-adjudicative
    • Settlement authority remains with the parties. The parties have complete self-determination of the outcomes
    • Participation may be voluntary or court-ordered
    • Agreements are binding only if reduced to writing and executed by the parties
    • Parties have the right to and may seek independent legal counsel at any time

    Mediation is:

    • Voluntary
    • Neutral
    • Non-binding unless otherwise agreed in writing
    • not a guaranty of resolution of the entire matter

    No outcome is guaranteed.

  1. Court-Appointed Mediations
    For court-appointed mediations:

    • Services are governed by court order and Florida applicable rules and Statutes
    • Fees, reporting, and procedures are subject to court requirements and those set out in the Rules and Statutes
    • Website content does not supersede court authority, case law, rules and/or statutes
  2. Scheduling, Fees, and Payments
    Scheduling tools and payment features are provided for convenience only. We are not responsible for technical failures, delays, or third-party platform errors. Court-ordered mediation fees and procedures are governed by applicable court orders and rules. Payment is expected in full within 30 days unless otherwise agreed upon by the Mediator or Arbitrator in writing prior to the scheduled mediation or arbitration.
  3. Eligibility
    You must be at least 18 years old to use this website.
  4. Intellectual Property
    All content on this website is owned by Terry Schneider / TMS Mediation and may not be reproduced without written permission.
  5. Prohibited Uses
    You agree not to:

    • Use the website unlawfully
    • Submit false or misleading information
    • Attempt to breach website security
    • Use the site for unauthorized solicitation or advertising
  6. Limitation of Liability
    To the fullest extent permitted by Florida law, Terry Schneider / TMS Mediation is not liable for damages arising from:

    • Website use
    • Reliance on website content
    • Technical failures or interruptions
  7. Indemnification
    You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Terry Schneider / TMS Mediation from claims arising from your website use or violation of these Terms.
  8. Governing Law and Venue
    These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Florida. Venue shall lie exclusively in Florida. Any dispute is governed by Florida Law and will be resolved in Florida only. Mediation is required prior to institution of litigation.
  9. Changes to Terms
    We may update these Terms at any time. Continued use constitutes acceptance.
  10. Contact Information
    Terry Schneider / TMS Mediation
    Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator
    Email: Terry@TMSmediation.com
    Phone: 954-667-9763