🎙️ MediateThis! is back to serve up a dose of reality for your wallet and your sanity — welcome to Part II of our Best Tips & Practices series.

This episode tackles a truth few want to hear: cheap legal help can cost you more in the end. But don’t be fooled — the priciest attorney, mediator, or guardian ad-litem isn’t automatically the best either.

We break down:

• Is your case right for mediation?
• How to hire a competent mediator.
• How to spot mediation versus manipulation, success versus settlement.
• How to vet, question, and choose the right professional for your situation.

Plus, a reminder to always know the current laws in your state — and why that knowledge can save you big bucks and bigger headaches.

Get informed. Save money. Protect your peace.

🎧 Hit play and get empowered to navigate the system smartly and swiftly.

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🎧 Have questions or stories to share? Email us at MBrickman@iChatMediation.com.

If you have a matter, disagreement, or dispute you need professional help with then visit iMediate.com - Email mbrickman@ichatmediation or Call (877) 822-1479

Matthew Brickman is a Florida Supreme Court certified family and appellate mediator who has worked in the 15th and 19th Judicial Circuit Courts since 2009 and 2006 respectively. But what makes him qualified to speak on the subject of conflict resolution is his own personal experience with divorce.

Download Matthew's book on iTunes for FREE:
You're Not the Only One - The Agony of Divorce: The Joy of Peaceful Resolution

Matthew Brickman
President iMediate Inc.
Mediator 20836CFA
iMediateInc.com

SCHEDULE YOUR MEDIATION: https://ichatmediation.com/calendar/
OFFICIAL BLOG: https://ichatmediation.com/podcast
OFFICIAL YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/ichatmediation
OFFICIAL LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ichat-mediation/

ABOUT MATTHEW BRICKMAN:
Matthew Brickman is a Supreme Court of Florida certified county civil family mediator who has worked in the 15th and 19th Judicial Circuit Courts since 2009 and 2006 respectively. He is also an appellate certified mediator who mediates a variety of small claims, civil, and family cases. Mr. Brickman recently graduated both the Harvard Business School Negotiation Mastery Program and the Negotiation Master Class at Harvard Law School.

🎙️ MediateThis! serves up a dose of reality for your wallet and your sanity — welcome to Part I of our Best Tips & Practices series.

This episode tackles a truth few want to hear: cheap legal help can cost you more in the end. But don’t be fooled — the priciest attorney, mediator, or guardian ad-litem isn’t automatically the best either.

We break down:

• Why “you get what you pay for” holds true in family law.
• How to spot overpriced legal pros.
• The non-negotiable truth: no one works for free, so budget wisely.
• How to vet, question, and choose the right professional for your situation.

Plus, a reminder to always know the current laws in your state — and why that knowledge can save you big bucks and bigger headaches.

Get informed. Save money. Protect your peace.

🎧 Hit play and get empowered to navigate the system smartly and swiftly.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

🎧 Have questions or stories to share? Email us at MBrickman@iChatMediation.com.

If you have a matter, disagreement, or dispute you need professional help with then visit iMediate.com - Email mbrickman@ichatmediation or Call (877) 822-1479

Matthew Brickman is a Florida Supreme Court certified family and appellate mediator who has worked in the 15th and 19th Judicial Circuit Courts since 2009 and 2006 respectively. But what makes him qualified to speak on the subject of conflict resolution is his own personal experience with divorce.

Download Matthew's book on iTunes for FREE:
You're Not the Only One - The Agony of Divorce: The Joy of Peaceful Resolution

Matthew Brickman
President iMediate Inc.
Mediator 20836CFA
iMediateInc.com

SCHEDULE YOUR MEDIATION: https://ichatmediation.com/calendar/
OFFICIAL BLOG: https://ichatmediation.com/podcast
OFFICIAL YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/ichatmediation
OFFICIAL LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ichat-mediation/

ABOUT MATTHEW BRICKMAN:
Matthew Brickman is a Supreme Court of Florida certified county civil family mediator who has worked in the 15th and 19th Judicial Circuit Courts since 2009 and 2006 respectively. He is also an appellate certified mediator who mediates a variety of small claims, civil, and family cases. Mr. Brickman recently graduated both the Harvard Business School Negotiation Mastery Program and the Negotiation Master Class at Harvard Law School.

Raising a child now costs $319,000.
Yet most parents are told to make it work with a court-issued child support number based on income and overnights.

🎧 In this episode, Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator Matthew Brickman breaks down the real numbers behind raising a child in 2025—housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and more.

You’ll learn:

• What child support is really designed to cover
• Why the number almost never matches real-life parenting costs
• The hidden costs that blindside divorcing or separated parents

If you’re navigating divorce, co-parenting, or paternity, this episode is your budget wake-up call.

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🎧 Have questions or stories to share? Email us at MBrickman@iChatMediation.com.

If you have a matter, disagreement, or dispute you need professional help with then visit iMediate.com - Email mbrickman@ichatmediation or Call (877) 822-1479

Matthew Brickman is a Florida Supreme Court certified family and appellate mediator who has worked in the 15th and 19th Judicial Circuit Courts since 2009 and 2006 respectively. But what makes him qualified to speak on the subject of conflict resolution is his own personal experience with divorce.

Download Matthew's book on iTunes for FREE:
You're Not the Only One - The Agony of Divorce: The Joy of Peaceful Resolution

Matthew Brickman
President iMediate Inc.
Mediator 20836CFA
iMediateInc.com

SCHEDULE YOUR MEDIATION: https://ichatmediation.com/calendar/
OFFICIAL BLOG: https://ichatmediation.com/podcast
OFFICIAL YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/ichatmediation
OFFICIAL LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ichat-mediation/

ABOUT MATTHEW BRICKMAN:
Matthew Brickman is a Supreme Court of Florida certified county civil family mediator who has worked in the 15th and 19th Judicial Circuit Courts since 2009 and 2006 respectively. He is also an appellate certified mediator who mediates a variety of small claims, civil, and family cases. Mr. Brickman recently graduated both the Harvard Business School Negotiation Mastery Program and the Negotiation Master Class at Harvard Law School.

Divorce is tough. But when your child is dealing with mental health challenges, it adds a layer of urgency most families aren’t prepared for. In this episode, Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator Matthew Brickman tackle the sensitive intersection of child custody, mental health, and mediation.

💡 Learn how mediation can provide a compassionate, structured approach that supports both parental rights and a child’s emotional needs—without escalating to court.

Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, or neurodivergence in your parenting plan, this episode delivers practical guidance for putting your child’s well-being first.

🎧 Have questions or stories to share? Email us at MBrickman@iChatMediation.com.

If you have a matter, disagreement, or dispute you need professional help with then visit iMediate.com - Email mbrickman@ichatmediation or Call (877) 822-1479

Matthew Brickman is a Florida Supreme Court certified family and appellate mediator who has worked in the 15th and 19th Judicial Circuit Courts since 2009 and 2006 respectively. But what makes him qualified to speak on the subject of conflict resolution is his own personal experience with divorce.

Download Matthew's book on iTunes for FREE:
You're Not the Only One - The Agony of Divorce: The Joy of Peaceful Resolution

Matthew Brickman
President iMediate Inc.
Mediator 20836CFA
iMediateInc.com

SCHEDULE YOUR MEDIATION: https://ichatmediation.com/calendar/
OFFICIAL BLOG: https://ichatmediation.com/podcast
OFFICIAL YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/ichatmediation
OFFICIAL LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ichat-mediation/

ABOUT MATTHEW BRICKMAN:
Matthew Brickman is a Supreme Court of Florida certified county civil family mediator who has worked in the 15th and 19th Judicial Circuit Courts since 2009 and 2006 respectively. He is also an appellate certified mediator who mediates a variety of small claims, civil, and family cases. Mr. Brickman recently graduated both the Harvard Business School Negotiation Mastery Program and the Negotiation Master Class at Harvard Law School.

A listener writes in and asks, "Are there rules or guidelines to introducing children to a new partner after a divorce and can my spouse legally prevent this?"

Matthew Brickman answers your most frequently asked questions about divorce as he goes over several key points:

• Assume nothing.
• Know who you are before you get married.
• Know who you're getting married to.
• Know the laws and statutes in the state you live in.
• Don't take advice from anyone who isn't a legal professional in the state in which you're getting married and living in.

If you have a matter, disagreement, or dispute you need professional help with then visit iMediate.com - Email mbrickman@ichatmediation or Call (877) 822-1479

Matthew Brickman is a Florida Supreme Court certified family and appellate mediator who has worked in the 15th and 19th Judicial Circuit Courts since 2009 and 2006 respectively. But what makes him qualified to speak on the subject of conflict resolution is his own personal experience with divorce.

Download Matthew's book on iTunes for FREE:
You're Not the Only One - The Agony of Divorce: The Joy of Peaceful Resolution

Matthew Brickman
President iMediate Inc.
Mediator 20836CFA
iMediateInc.com

SCHEDULE YOUR MEDIATION: https://ichatmediation.com/calendar/
OFFICIAL BLOG: https://ichatmediation.com/podcast
OFFICIAL YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/ichatmediation
OFFICIAL LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ichat-mediation/

ABOUT MATTHEW BRICKMAN:
Matthew Brickman is a Supreme Court of Florida certified county civil family mediator who has worked in the 15th and 19th Judicial Circuit Courts since 2009 and 2006 respectively. He is also an appellate certified mediator who mediates a variety of small claims, civil, and family cases. Mr. Brickman recently graduated both the Harvard Business School Negotiation Mastery Program and the Negotiation Master Class at Harvard Law School.

Matthew Brickman speaks with Lawyer and Forensic Scientist Tad A. Nelson on MediateThis! to discuss retirement plans from mediation - there isn't one.

With over 400 jury trials under his belt, Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization for 30 years, and recognized as a Super Lawyer over 10 consecutive years, Tad Nelson is a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom. His reputation for aggressive representation, combined with an unparalleled level of expertise, has made him the go-to criminal defense attorney in Galveston County and beyond.

• Former Assistant District Attorney
• Board Certified® in 1996
• Certified SFST Instructor
• Certified in the DRE Protocol

Tad has not only mastered the law—he has mastered the science behind it. Achieving the prestigious Lawyer-Scientist designation from the American Chemical Society, he further solidified his expertise by pursuing a Master’s in Forensic Toxicology from the University of Florida. This deep understanding of forensic science gives him a cutting edge in cases involving DWI, drug charges, sexual assaults and other forensic-heavy criminal matters.

Beyond his scientific acumen, Tad has earned the highest possible AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, an honor recognizing both legal skill and ethical integrity. His aggressive nature, wicked courtroom skills, and commitment to justice make him a wrecking ball when it comes to defending the rights of his clients.

Website: https://tadlaw.com

If you have a matter, disagreement, or dispute you need professional help with then visit iMediate.com - Email mbrickman@ichatmediation or Call (877) 822-1479

Matthew Brickman is a Florida Supreme Court certified family and appellate mediator who has worked in the 15th and 19th Judicial Circuit Courts since 2009 and 2006 respectively. But what makes him qualified to speak on the subject of conflict resolution is his own personal experience with divorce.

Download Matthew's book on iTunes for FREE:
You're Not the Only One - The Agony of Divorce: The Joy of Peaceful Resolution

Matthew Brickman
President iMediate Inc.
Mediator 20836CFA

SCHEDULE YOUR MEDIATION: https://ichatmediation.com/calendar/
OFFICIAL BLOG: https://ichatmediation.com/podcast
OFFICIAL YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/ichatmediation
OFFICIAL LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ichat-mediation/

ABOUT MATTHEW BRICKMAN:
Matthew Brickman is a Supreme Court of Florida certified county civil family mediator who has worked in the 15th and 19th Judicial Circuit Courts since 2009 and 2006 respectively. He is also an appellate certified mediator who mediates a variety of small claims, civil, and family cases. Mr. Brickman recently graduated both the Harvard Business School Negotiation Mastery Program and the Negotiation Master Class at Harvard Law School.

Matthew Brickman speaks with Lawyer and Forensic Scientist Tad A. Nelson on MediateThis! to discuss the the impact someone having a mental heath crisis can have on employment and divorce.

With over 400 jury trials under his belt, Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization for 30 years, and recognized as a Super Lawyer over 10 consecutive years, Tad Nelson is a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom. His reputation for aggressive representation, combined with an unparalleled level of expertise, has made him the go-to criminal defense attorney in Galveston County and beyond.

• Former Assistant District Attorney
• Board Certified® in 1996
• Certified SFST Instructor
• Certified in the DRE Protocol

Tad has not only mastered the law—he has mastered the science behind it. Achieving the prestigious Lawyer-Scientist designation from the American Chemical Society, he further solidified his expertise by pursuing a Master’s in Forensic Toxicology from the University of Florida. This deep understanding of forensic science gives him a cutting edge in cases involving DWI, drug charges, sexual assaults and other forensic-heavy criminal matters.

Beyond his scientific acumen, Tad has earned the highest possible AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, an honor recognizing both legal skill and ethical integrity. His aggressive nature, wicked courtroom skills, and commitment to justice make him a wrecking ball when it comes to defending the rights of his clients.

Website: https://tadlaw.com

If you have a matter, disagreement, or dispute you need professional help with then visit iMediate.com - Email mbrickman@ichatmediation or Call (877) 822-1479

Matthew Brickman is a Florida Supreme Court certified family and appellate mediator who has worked in the 15th and 19th Judicial Circuit Courts since 2009 and 2006 respectively. But what makes him qualified to speak on the subject of conflict resolution is his own personal experience with divorce.

Download Matthew's book on iTunes for FREE:
You're Not the Only One - The Agony of Divorce: The Joy of Peaceful Resolution

Matthew Brickman
President iMediate Inc.
Mediator 20836CFA

SCHEDULE YOUR MEDIATION: https://ichatmediation.com/calendar/
OFFICIAL BLOG: https://ichatmediation.com/podcast
OFFICIAL YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/ichatmediation
OFFICIAL LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ichat-mediation/

ABOUT MATTHEW BRICKMAN:
Matthew Brickman is a Supreme Court of Florida certified county civil family mediator who has worked in the 15th and 19th Judicial Circuit Courts since 2009 and 2006 respectively. He is also an appellate certified mediator who mediates a variety of small claims, civil, and family cases. Mr. Brickman recently graduated both the Harvard Business School Negotiation Mastery Program and the Negotiation Master Class at Harvard Law School.

Matthew Brickman speaks with Lawyer and Forensic Scientist Tad A. Nelson on MediateThis! to discuss the correlation between divorce and the effect it can have the psyche post-divorce.

With over 400 jury trials under his belt, Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization for 30 years, and recognized as a Super Lawyer over 10 consecutive years, Tad Nelson is a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom. His reputation for aggressive representation, combined with an unparalleled level of expertise, has made him the go-to criminal defense attorney in Galveston County and beyond.

• Former Assistant District Attorney
• Board Certified® in 1996
• Certified SFST Instructor
• Certified in the DRE Protocol

Tad has not only mastered the law—he has mastered the science behind it. Achieving the prestigious Lawyer-Scientist designation from the American Chemical Society, he further solidified his expertise by pursuing a Master’s in Forensic Toxicology from the University of Florida. This deep understanding of forensic science gives him a cutting edge in cases involving DWI, drug charges, sexual assaults and other forensic-heavy criminal matters.

Beyond his scientific acumen, Tad has earned the highest possible AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, an honor recognizing both legal skill and ethical integrity. His aggressive nature, wicked courtroom skills, and commitment to justice make him a wrecking ball when it comes to defending the rights of his clients.

Website: https://tadlaw.com

If you have a matter, disagreement, or dispute you need professional help with then visit iMediate.com - Email mbrickman@ichatmediation or Call (877) 822-1479

Matthew Brickman is a Florida Supreme Court certified family and appellate mediator who has worked in the 15th and 19th Judicial Circuit Courts since 2009 and 2006 respectively. But what makes him qualified to speak on the subject of conflict resolution is his own personal experience with divorce.

Download Matthew's book on iTunes for FREE:
You're Not the Only One - The Agony of Divorce: The Joy of Peaceful Resolution

Matthew Brickman
President iMediate Inc.
Mediator 20836CFA

SCHEDULE YOUR MEDIATION: https://ichatmediation.com/calendar/
OFFICIAL BLOG: https://ichatmediation.com/podcast
OFFICIAL YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/ichatmediation
OFFICIAL LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ichat-mediation/

ABOUT MATTHEW BRICKMAN:
Matthew Brickman is a Supreme Court of Florida certified county civil family mediator who has worked in the 15th and 19th Judicial Circuit Courts since 2009 and 2006 respectively. He is also an appellate certified mediator who mediates a variety of small claims, civil, and family cases. Mr. Brickman recently graduated both the Harvard Business School Negotiation Mastery Program and the Negotiation Master Class at Harvard Law School.