About Us
Thank you for considering us as your mediators. Hopefully the bios below will aid you as you come to a decision regarding how you will be best served through the divorce process.
Elinor Robin, PhD
Elinor has spent the last 30 years studying the psychological, financial, physical, and legal aspects of divorce. She has mediated thousands of divorces in the public and private sectors.
As a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediation Trainer Elinor has trained over 13,000 people, nationally and internationally in mediation. In addition to her mediation credentials, she is licensed in Florida as both a Mental Health Counselor and a Marriage and Family Therapist. Her background also includes time spent in small business and a wide range of experiences from within the family, civil, criminal, and juvenile courts.
Elinor holds a PhD in Psychology, with a specialization in Conflict Management. Her work as a mediator is geared towards encouraging her clients to navigate their transitions from the current circumstances towards the ideal ones. To accomplish this she taps into what she’s learned from her own and others’ life experiences.
David Spofford, JD
David is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator. In addition to his current mediation endeavors, David’s career has included law practice in Texas and Florida, and work as both a software engineer and a life-coach. A “seeker,” for most of his adult life, David is very involved with various personal growth and men’s groups. He has spent the last quarter century gathering, learning and using tools to aid himself and others in claiming and experiencing the glorious lives we all deserve. His formal education includes the following achievements:
- Doctor of Jurisprudence, University of Houston, Houston, TX
- Masters of Computer Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL
- Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Houston, Houston, TX
- Professional Coaching Certificate Program, Florida International University, Miami, FL
Together
Together David and Elinor offer:
- A unique co-mediation model that offers a male-female balance
- Problem solving tools that stress personal responsibility and individual choice
- Knowledge and understanding of both the legal and the psychological/emotional issues of divorce
- Compassion, clarification, and understanding
- Keen vision for things that may be otherwise overlooked
- Help with negotiation, communication, and conflict management
- A positive, practical, and holistic perspective
- Assistance in creating collaboration and win-win results
- An exploration of all sides of an issue and the possible actions and strategies for its optimal resolution
Services & Pricing
We offer divorce mediation and document preparation services in Duval, Clay, and Nassau Counties, Florida. We are available in other jurisdictions by request.
Mediation
Mediation is an informal and confidential process of assisted problem solving and negotiation. The mediation model that we use at A Friendly Divorce was designed to make the transition of divorce easier and less expensive. Our co-mediation model uses two mediators, one with a mental health background and one with a legal background. Typically, attorneys are not included as a part of the process; however you can consult with an attorney and/or a CPA prior to signing your agreement and forms.
Document and Form Preparation
We will prepare your Marital Settlement Agreement, which describes how you will handle your money, and your Parenting Plan, which describes how you will co-parent your children. Additionally, we will fill out the other necessary forms you will need to obtain an uncontested divorce. After your documents are signed, we will file them with the court.
Our Process
Depending on the issues and the personalities involved, our process typically involves two or three meetings. Each meeting runs from one to three hours. The length of time between meetings varies and is determined by your schedules and preferred pace. Often, the process will be combined with some individual telephone or email consultation.
Our Pricing
Dissolution of Marriage/Divorce with minor children $3800
This fee includes up to eight hours in session (meeting in our office or on Zoom), preparation of your Marital Settlement Agreement and Parenting Plan, preparation of the standard paperwork/forms needed for filing an uncontested dissolution of marriage/divorce, and reasonable telephone and/or email communication throughout the process.
Dissolution of Marriage/Divorce – no minor children – 6 hours in session – $2800
This fee includes up to six hours in session (meeting in our office or on Zoom), preparation of your Marital Settlement Agreement, preparation of the standard paperwork/forms you will need to file for an uncontested dissolution of marriage/divorce, and reasonable telephone and/or email communication throughout the process.
Dissolution of Marriage/Divorce – no minor children – 4 hours in session – $2300
This fee includes up to four hours in session (meeting in our office or on Zoom), preparation of your Marital Settlement Agreement, preparation of the standard paperwork/forms you will need to file for an uncontested dissolution of marriage/divorce, and reasonable telephone and/or email communication throughout the process.
Payment Options
We accept checks, cash, and credit cards. Half of your fee is due at the first session and half at your second session.
Additional/Alternative Services
We can customize our services to meet your needs. Please let us know what you need.
Additional Charges
If you need complex documents, like a QDRO (which is used to divide certain types of pensions) or deeds prepared we will refer you to outside legal resources.
Currently, the Clerk of the Court charges a $408 filing fee for filing a dissolution of marriage. Once your agreement and forms are filed with the Clerk of the Court your case can be set for a final hearing as an uncontested dissolution of marriage.