In this episode, Karen and Catherine talk with Tina Keyes, a Florida Supreme Court certified family mediator and divorce coach. Tina shares how her own family experiences led her to create a Kids First mediation model, designed to reduce conflict and keep the focus on families—not legal battles.

We cover what pro se mediation really means, how to know if it’s the right fit, and why coming prepared—both financially and emotionally—is the key to success.

What pro se mediation is and who it works best for

Why Tina avoids 8-hour “marathon” sessions and instead uses short, focused meetings

How to prepare for mediation: from parenting plans to verified financial data

The importance of putting kids first throughout the process

Why making decisions based on facts, not emotions, leads to better long-term outcomes

About Our Guest

Tina Keyes is a Florida Supreme Court certified family mediator, certified divorce coach, and co-parenting specialist. She is also certified in trauma-informed practice, special needs divorce, and high-conflict co-parenting. Through her Kids First Mediation framework, Tina helps families reduce stress, save money, and make child-focused decisions.

Learn more: floridadivorcemediation.com

Kids First program: kidsfirstmediation.com

Resources

Prepare for mediation with the MDS Financial Portrait™: mydivorcesolution.com

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