Richard Smukler

Rich Smukler Mediation

Video Conferencing Available
West Palm Beach, Florida 33434

561-866-1688

Alimony, Automotive Disputes, Business Law, Child Custody, Commercial, Contract, Co-Parenting, Divorce, Domestic Relations, Family Law, Foreclosure, HOA, Insurance, Landlord/Tenant, Legal Malpractice, Matrimonial Property, Medical Malpractice, Parental Rights, Parenting Plans, Personal Injury, PostNuptials, Premises Liability, PreNuptials, Pro Se Divorce, Product Liability, Real Estate, Securities, Spousal Support, Trusts and Estates, Uncontested Divorce, Wills


 I am here to help you with your Uncontested, Pre-suit, Pro se Divorce Mediation. It is a voluntary process chosen by couples that have decided to divorce, but who want to avoid the financial and emotional costs associated with retaining attorneys and litigating their disputes. With a deep appreciation for the nuances of civil litigation and alternative dispute resolution, I promise to mediate your case with integrity and compassion. I am a Florida Supreme Court Certified Civil Circuit Mediator, Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, and Qualified Advanced Arbitrator, among other certifications. Licensed to practice law for almost forty years, I am extremely proud to be AV rated Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell for the highest level of professional Excellence. Video-conferencing is available through Zoom technology during these difficult times. Please call with any questions.

Choose Your Mediator Wisely

As seasoned litigators, you are all aware of the basic differences between mediation versus arbitration. The Mediator and Arbitrator should both retain an exterior demeanor of strict neutrality, without suggesting to the parties any sense of partiality. The Arbitrator, of course, presents a judicial air, and though seemingly impartial, must eventually decide in favor of one side or the other, while the Mediator works to facilitate compromise.

There is a sweet irony to be appreciated. The Mediator must appear neutral when all parties are before him. Yet, when in caucus, the Mediator's task is often to point out the weakness of either side's case in order to move them to a posture more likely to eventuate in compromise. In effect, the Mediator becomes an advocate for each side, playing the devil's advocate, if you will.

Select your Mediators and Arbitrators wisely, if you can. Find someone who understands the legal principles involved in your case. Only then, will the strengths of your arguments be appreciated and become an arrow in the quiver of "your" devil's advocate.

DO NOT ASSUME that your Mediator knows the law. Provide a memorandum to your Mediator and adversary, especially if you are on firm ground. This will provide opposing counsel with a chance to point out to his client some of their weaknesses, adding to the possibility of resolution. Once you get to trial, all bets are off.

Education

B.A. Pennsylvania State University - 1964
J.D. Villanova University School of Law - 1972
M.A. Villanova University (English Literature) - 1994

Professional Affiliations

Special Assistant Attorney General (PA) (past)
Private Practice  (PA and FL -1972 - current)   
Florida Bar Association         
Pennsylvania Bar Association
Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator
Qualified Florida Advanced Arbitrator
FINRA Certified Arbitrator and Mediator
Palm Beach, Broward  and Dade County Bar Associations
ASFMA (Assoc. of South Florida Mediators and Arbitrators)
FAPM (The Florida Academy of Professional Mediators)   
Collins Center for Public Policy
Certified  in Residential Foreclosure Mediation
(compliant with  Supreme Court Administrative Order AOSC09-54)
Broward County Bar Association ADR Committee                                              
Palm Beach County Bar Association ADR Committee                                         
American Arbitration Association Neutral                                                            
Florida Bar Association (ADR Section)                                                                 
South Palm Beach Bar Association                                                                      
Florida Bar (Trial Lawyers Association Section) 
Florida Supreme Court Certified Assistant Circuit Civil and County Mediator Trainer

Locations

We have locations available in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties: 

             

Palm Beach Gardens 3801 PGA Boulevard FL 33410

Boca Raton*  433 Plaza Real, Suite 275, FL 33432  

West Palm Beach (Phillips Point)  777 W. Flagler Drive,  West Tower,  Suite 800, FL 33401

Ft. Lauderdale  6750 N. Andrews Avenue, Suite 200, FL 33309

Ft. Lauderdale (Downtown)  110 E. Broward Blvd., Suite 1700, FL 33301

Miami  (Brickell Bayview)   80 SW 8th St., Suite 2000, FL 33130

Phone: 561-866-1688

Email: [email protected]