Welcome to the Association of South Florida Mediators and Arbitrators

The Association of South Florida Mediators and Arbitrators (ASFMA) is a professional Association for Mediators and Arbitrators in Broward, Miami Dade and Palm Beach County. ASFMA members come to the field of Dispute Resolution from a variety of disciplines and specialties, and include some of the most successful and experienced Mediators and Arbitrators in Florida.

Who Are We and What Do We Do?

Mediators and Arbitrators are individuals with specific Alternative Dispute Resolution training (ADR) who assist two or more people to find solutions to their dispute.

Mediators are neutral third party facilitators who help the parties reach their own mutually acceptable and voluntary agreement, without decision making power over the outcome. Basic steps in the process include gathering information, framing the issues, developing options and formalizing agreements. This process is helpful in resolving family, dependency, county and circuit civil cases.

Arbitrators are third party neutrals who meet with disputing parties, listen to both sides of the dispute, and then render a decision. Arbitrators may serve on a panel of three or as a sole arbitrator when rendering a decision. Decisions are either binding or non-binding for the parties, which is agreed to prior to the arbitration session. Arbitration is a popular ADR process for individuals, businesses, communities and governments.

Members of ASFMA have joined together to:

• Promote awareness and understanding of ADR processes
• Collect and distribute information about mediation and arbitration
• Provide a forum for continuing education, training, networking and problem solving for mediators and arbitrators
• Educate the public about mediation and arbitration and their benefits as dispute resolution processes
• Promote research on mediation, arbitration, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution

Why Become a Member of ASFMA?

• Obtain CME, CLE, CEU credits
• Partake in roundtable discussions and case reviews
• mentorship opportunities
• Access to lending library (tapes, CD’s, books, videos)
• Obtain current information about mediation, arbitration, legislative updates
• Monthly meetings which include engaging topics and guest speakers
• Networking opportunities
• Holiday and social events
• Training programs at a reduced rate

If You Are Interested in Becoming a Member of the Association:

• Attend one of our luncheon meetings- The schedule is on this website
• Contact Deborah Barham, VP of Membership, at info@asfma.org
• Complete the application on this website Application
  
  

Click Here to Downlaod our Articles of Incorporation

Click Here to Download our Old By Laws

Click Here to Download our  New By Laws