Pro Se Mediation and the Kids First Approach with Tina Keyes

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. Key Takeaways 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices