Tampa · Divorce Mediation Guide
Most contested divorces in Hillsborough County are ordered to mediation before a judge will hear them, so the real choice for a Tampa couple is not whether to mediate but with whom, and whether to do it before anyone files. We compared three divorce mediation attorneys in Tampa on Florida Bar records, what each one actually mediates, published hourly rates and verified Google reviews, and set out who each suits and where each falls short.
DJA Editorial · Legal Directory Research
Checked against state bar licensee records, court sources and public review platforms · Last updated September 2026
The short answer
Three attorney mediators, each leading for a different kind of Tampa divorce. This is a shortlist rather than a ranking, and the practice in the top slot is neither the cheapest nor the one with the most reviews.
1
Reineke Mediations
Best for couples who want to settle before either spouse hires a lawyer
2
Hernandez Family Law & Mediation
Best for budget conscious couples and Spanish speakers
3
Frost Family Law, P.A.
Best for high conflict or already filed cases that need a reality check
At a glance: Divorce Mediation Attorneys in Tampa, compared
| Firm |
Best for |
Mediation model |
Bar record |
Published rate |
Rating |
| Reineke Mediations |
Best for couples who want to settle before either spouse hires a lawyer |
Mediation only, pre-suit focus |
Beth Reineke, Florida 1990 |
$400/hr combined, $200 per spouse |
4.8 · 80 Google |
| Hernandez Family Law & Mediation |
Best for budget conscious couples and Spanish speakers |
Litigation firm that also mediates |
Cynthia Hernandez, Florida 2005 |
$150 to $250/hr combined, income based |
4.7 · 169 Google |
| Frost Family Law, P.A. |
Best for high conflict or already filed cases that need a reality check |
Full-time mediation after litigation career |
Monica Frost, Florida 1993 |
$240 first 2 Zoom hours, $250/hr in person |
5.0 · 44 Google |
Divorce Mediation in Tampa: the local picture
$150 to $400
What private mediation costs per hour
All three mediators below publish their rates, which is unusual. Reineke Mediations charges $400 an hour for pre-suit work, split so each spouse pays $200. Hernandez Family Law uses an income sliding scale from $150 to $250 an hour combined. Frost Family Law lists $240 for the first two Zoom hours and $250 an hour in person, without saying whether that is per spouse or for both.
6 months + 20 days
When a Florida divorce can start and finish
One spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before the petition is filed, or the case is dismissed. After filing, a judge generally cannot sign the final judgment until 20 days have passed. Mediating before filing lets a couple arrive at that clock with a signed agreement instead of starting negotiations on it.
$60 per spouse
The court program for couples under $100,000
Once a case is filed, Hillsborough’s Mediation and Diversion Services can mediate it for $60 per spouse per session when combined gross income is $50,000 or less, and $120 each above that. The statute bars the fee for a party found indigent. Couples over $100,000 combined are generally expected to hire a private mediator.
What clients in Tampa say: Across the reviews we could read for these three, what Tampa clients praise is neutrality and paperwork, not persuasion. Reviewers of the two full-time mediators describe someone who explained what the Hillsborough court would need and then produced documents the court accepted without changes. The litigation-first firm draws praise of a different kind: support and advocacy during a hard case. Decide which of those you are actually buying before you book, because a mediator cannot be your advocate.
How we chose these Divorce Mediation Attorneys in Tampa
We looked at attorney mediators serving Tampa couples and compared them on things you can check yourself: Florida Bar licence records for the named attorney, whether the attorney holds Florida Supreme Court family mediator certification, whether the practice mediates full time or alongside representing clients, whether it publishes its rates, and the visible client reviews on Google and Avvo.
The three are a shortlist, not a ranking. Firm details come from each firm’s own site, cross checked against Google Business Profile listings, Avvo and Florida Bar directory records, and court and statute sources for Hillsborough County. Bar numbers and licence status we could not confirm directly on The Florida Bar’s member search during this update are flagged on the page rather than filled in, and nothing a firm says about itself is presented as independently verified.
1. Reineke Mediations
Best for couples who want to settle before either spouse hires a lawyer
★★★★½ 4.8 / 5 · Google · 80 reviews
The pre-suit pick. Beth Reineke stopped representing clients and now only mediates, and her site says most of her caseload is couples settling before anyone files or hires separate counsel. For a couple looking for an experienced divorce attorney mediator in Tampa who will also draft the marital settlement agreement, financial affidavits, and child support guideline worksheets, this is the practice on the list built around that exact job. Her background is unusual for the role: she held Florida Bar board certification in marital and family law from 2000 to 2015.
Identity and footprint
Office4950 West Kennedy Blvd., Suite 302, Tampa, FL 33609
Phone(813) 205-6675 on the firm site and Google. Avvo lists a separate tracking number, (813) 214-5873.
Attorney mediatorBeth Reineke (Avvo lists her as Beth Gilmore Reineke)
Counties servedHillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco, in person or by video
HoursMonday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SchedulingOnline booking for mediation sessions, free phone consultation first
Practice and scope
Core workDivorce, paternity and family mediation only. She no longer litigates or represents either spouse.
Pre-suit and post-filingMediates both unrepresented couples before filing and court-ordered sessions with attorneys present, at different rates
Documents preparedMarital settlement agreement, court filing documents, financial affidavits and child support guideline calculations after settlement
Case types listedMilitary divorce, same sex couples, unmarried parents and paternity, cohabiting couples, complex property and retirement division
Other rolesTrained parenting coordinator, family arbitration and collaborative divorce training
Where it stopsHer own FAQ says pre-suit mediation is not suitable where there is domestic violence, hidden assets or unequal bargaining power, and advises seeing a family lawyer first
Credentials and licensing
Florida BarAdmitted 1990
Mediator certificationFlorida Supreme Court certified family mediator since 1997 Former board certificationFlorida Bar board certified in marital and family law, 2000 to 2015. It has lapsed since she stopped litigating.
Public disciplineAvvo shows no misconduct found
EducationJ.D., University of Florida, 1990. B.A. in finance, University of South Florida, 1987.
Bar servicePast president, Collaborative Divorce Institute of Tampa Bay (2010 to 2011). Hillsborough County Bar family law executive council.
Directory listingHolds a Distinguished Justice Advocates listing
Fees and consultation
Pre-suit rate$400 an hour, typically split so each spouse pays $200
RetainerNone for mediation sessions, billed by the hour. A separate deposit is taken before the settlement agreement is drafted.
Post-filing rateDifferent rates for contested sessions with attorneys, usually booked in half or full days
ConsultationFree phone consultation
PaymentCash, check or credit card
What clients say
✓ Neutral, did not take sides
✓ Court accepted the paperwork
✓ Explains Florida requirements
✓ Handled a special needs adult child
· Critical reviews not in the sample read
Reviewers repeatedly describe her as fair to both spouses and good at explaining what the Florida court requires in plain terms. One Avvo reviewer says the couple finished in two sessions and the court needed no further documents. One Google review describes her consulting the family’s special needs attorney on an adult child’s care. The 4.8 average implies some lower ratings we could not read.
Why they fit Tampa: The strongest fit of the three for an amicable Tampa couple who want one neutral professional to take them from first conversation to court-ready paperwork without two lawyers, and her finance degree and former board certification are relevant to retirement and business division. The caveat is price and scope: at $400 an hour she is the most expensive of the three per hour, the drafting deposit is not published, and she cannot advise either spouse. If one of you feels outmatched on finances, go in knowing her own FAQ says to see a family lawyer first.
2. Hernandez Family Law & Mediation
Best for budget conscious couples and Spanish speakers
★★★★½ 4.7 / 5 · Google · 169 reviews
The sliding scale pick. Cynthia Hernandez runs a full family law litigation practice and also offers family mediation in Hillsborough and Pinellas, priced by combined household income from $150 to $250 an hour, with no charge for travel or preparation time. She is a Supreme Court certified family mediator, a former Pinellas County public defender, and the office advertises Spanish service. It is also the only one of the three that offers after-hours and weekend sessions on request.
Identity and footprint
Office506 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL 33609
Phone(813) 841-2933. The firm’s Facebook page lists a different number: (813) 798-6337.
Legal nameHernandez Law Firm, P.L.L.C.
Lead attorneyCynthia J. Hernandez
LanguagesEnglish and Spanish, with a Spanish language services section
HoursMonday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., mediation after hours and weekends by request
Practice and scope
Core workFamily law litigation: divorce, custody, paternity, alimony, relocation, modification, dependency
Mediation offeredPre-filing, divorce with or without children, paternity, contempt and enforcement, modifications and temporary relief issues
Session formatHalf day (4 hour) and full day (8 hour) blocks, by video, at the Tampa office or at an attorney’s office
Mediator’s positionThe firm’s own FAQ strongly encourages each party to bring an attorney to mediation
Other rolesQualified parenting coordinator and court-appointed guardian ad litem in Hillsborough custody cases
Collaborative divorceLists collaborative divorce as a separate service
Credentials and licensing
Florida BarPractising in Florida since 2005 per the firm. The Florida Bar directory record for this office is member 10422.
Mediator certificationFlorida Supreme Court certified family law mediator, per the firm
Before family lawAssistant public defender in Pinellas County; opened her own office and moved to family law in 2007
EducationJ.D., Florida State University College of Law. B.A., University of South Florida.
Bar serviceHillsborough County Bar family law executive council; Florida Bar family law rules and forms committee
Fees and consultation
Under $50,000 combined income$75 per party per hour, $150 total
$50,000 to $100,000$100 per party per hour, $200 total
Over $100,000$125 per party per hour, $250 total
Proof requiredPay stubs, tax returns and W-2s at least three days before the session, or the standard rate applies
ExtrasNo charge for travel or preparation time
What clients say
✓ Compassion during a hard case
✓ Staff named and responsive
✓ Clear explanations of each step
· Reviews are about representation, not mediation
The Google reviews we read describe Cynthia Hernandez as supportive and clear, and name her assistant as responsive. Nearly all of them come from clients she represented in a divorce or custody case, not couples she mediated. That tells you about her manner, but it is not direct evidence of how she runs a neutral session.
Why they fit Tampa: The clearest value of the three for a couple under $100,000 combined who want a private certified mediator rather than the court program, and the only practical pick here if a spouse needs the session in Spanish or cannot meet on a weekday. The trade off is structural: this is primarily a litigation firm, the reviews reflect that, and the firm itself recommends each of you bring your own attorney. Ask how many mediations she handles in a typical month and whether the 4 hour block is the minimum you pay for.
3. Frost Family Law, P.A.
Best for high-conflict or already filed cases that need a reality check
★★★★★ 5.0 / 5 · Google · 44 reviews
The pick when the case is already contentious. Monica Frost spent almost 20 years litigating family cases and several years prosecuting before moving to full-time mediation, and her site says she will play devil’s advocate so each side can weigh risk against reward. For anyone searching for a family mediator in Tampa after a Hillsborough judge has ordered mediation, she works with both represented and self-represented parties, and she can draft and circulate the settlement agreement by DocuSign the same day as a Zoom session.
Identity and footprint
Office400 N Ashley Dr, Suite 1900, Tampa, FL 33602 (Rivergate Tower, parking validated)
Phone(813) 519-5396 on the firm site; Google lists (813) 712-8718. Confirm which reaches scheduling.
Attorney mediatorMonica A. Frost
Service area namedTampa, Brandon, Riverview, Valrico and Lithia, with a Plant City courthouse resource page
HoursMonday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SchedulingOnline booking through Calendly
Practice and scope
Core workPrivate family mediation for represented and self-represented parties; also serves as guardian ad litem
StyleStates she will play devil’s advocate and point out each party’s risk versus reward on each issue
FormatsZoom, or in person at a location of your choice or a reserved conference room at Rivergate Tower
Same-day agreementCan prepare the settlement agreement and send it for DocuSign signature the day of a Zoom session
Earlier careerInsurance defence, assistant state attorney in Hillsborough and Polk for 7.5 years, child support enforcement
Site still listsDivorce, custody, alimony, military divorce and other representation pages alongside mediation
Credentials and licensing
Florida BarAdmitted 1993
Mediator certificationFlorida Supreme Court certified family mediator, per the firm
Bar discipline backgroundFormer Assistant Staff Counsel to The Florida Bar, prosecuting attorney discipline cases
EducationJ.D., University of Miami School of Law, 1993. B.S., University of Florida, 1989.
Bar sectionsHillsborough County Bar family law section and mediation and arbitration section
Fees and consultation
Zoom rate$240 for the first two hours, then $200 an hour
In-person rate$250 an hour
Minimum and cancellationTwo hour minimum, 24 hour cancellation policy
When you payDue in full at the end of the session, no advance payment required
What clients say
✓ Moves stuck negotiations
✓ No nonsense, direct
✓ Used more than once
· Some reviews date from her litigation years
Reviewers who mediated with her describe a direct style that works on high conflict cases, and one says she used Frost twice for custody mediation. Another credits her with bringing an unwilling other parent to terms. Several other reviews come from clients she represented in divorces years ago, so read the dates. Every rating we saw was five stars.
Why they fit Tampa: The best placed of the three when positions have hardened, a case is already filed, and someone needs to hear plainly how a Hillsborough judge is likely to see their demand, which is where a long litigation and prosecution career earns its keep. Her per-hour pricing also lands between the other two. The caveats: the site never says whether the rate is per spouse or combined, two different phone numbers circulate, and the site still carries representation pages, so ask whether she currently takes clients.
What to check before hiring a Divorce Mediation Attorney in Tampa
✓ Look up the mediator on The Florida Bar, then on the courts’ mediator list
The Florida Bar’s free member search shows admission date, status and public discipline. Supreme Court family mediator certification is a separate credential tracked by the Florida Dispute Resolution Center. Check both for the individual who will run your session, since none of the three practices here publishes a bar number.
✓ Ask whether the rate is per spouse or for both of you
Reineke and Hernandez state it plainly. Frost does not. At $250 an hour the difference over a three hour session is $750. Also ask whether drafting the settlement agreement is billed hourly, as a deposit, or included.
✓ Check whether you qualify for the court program first
If your case is filed and your combined gross income is under $100,000, Hillsborough’s court program charges $60 or $120 per spouse per session. A private mediator may still be worth it for timing or privacy, but compare the two numbers before you book.
✓ Decide whether each of you needs your own lawyer
A mediator is neutral and cannot advise either spouse. If one of you controls the finances, suspects hidden assets, or there is any history of abuse, get independent advice before signing anything. Reineke’s own FAQ says so, and Hernandez recommends attorneys attend.
✓ Gather the financial documents before the first session
Florida divorces require financial affidavits and mandatory disclosure. Arriving with pay stubs, tax returns, account and retirement statements and debt balances is what lets couples finish in one or two sessions rather than four, which is the single biggest factor in the final bill.
Divorce Mediation Attorneys in Tampa: frequently asked questions
How much does divorce mediation cost in Tampa?
Private attorney mediators on this page publish rates between $150 and $400 an hour for both spouses combined. Reineke Mediations charges $400 an hour split between the spouses, Hernandez Family Law charges $150 to $250 depending on household income, and Frost Family Law lists $240 for two Zoom hours and $250 an hour in person. The court program for filed cases under $100,000 combined income costs $60 or $120 per spouse per session.
Is mediation required for a divorce in Hillsborough County?
In practice, yes, for contested cases. The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit uses a uniform order referring family cases to mediation, and parties who fail to comply can be sanctioned. Couples can mediate before filing instead, which is voluntary, and arrive at court with a signed agreement.
How long do we have to live in Florida before filing?
At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before the petition is filed. A Florida driver licence, voter registration card or ID card can prove it. After filing, the judge generally cannot enter a final judgment until 20 days have passed, though that can be shortened in limited circumstances.
Can a mediator file our divorce or go to court for us?
No. A mediator is a neutral and cannot represent either spouse or appear at the final hearing. An attorney mediator can prepare the marital settlement agreement and the court forms after you settle, and at least one spouse then attends a short uncontested final hearing.
What if we cannot afford a lawyer or a private mediator?
File an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status with the Hillsborough clerk to ask for the filing fee to be waived. The court mediation fee is not charged to a party found indigent. Bay Area Legal Services runs a free Family Forms Clinic and Legal Information Center for self-represented Hillsborough filers.
What does it cost to file for divorce in Hillsborough County?
About $408 for the dissolution petition, with the summons charged separately . That fee is the same whether you mediate or litigate, and it is the one cost the civil indigent application can remove entirely.
DJA Editorial
Legal Directory Research
Compiles Distinguished Justice Advocates city guides from state bar licensee records, court and statute sources, and publicly visible client reviews. Firms appear as a shortlist rather than a ranking. Figures a firm publishes about itself are labelled as such, and anything that could not be verified is flagged on the page rather than estimated.
