New Sarasota Mediation Firm Marries Life, Work

Impact Mediation, a husband-and-wife mediation practice focused on family law and residential mortgage foreclosure cases, aims to make a positive impact on the greater Sarasota community.

Owners Michael and Ruth Harshman say they believe they offer a unique competitive edge with their new practice, situated at 4822 Sweetmeadow Circle. "We offer a male and female perspective to family law disputes," says Michael.

Ruth is hoping to move foreclosures through the system faster. "Right now they're clogging the system. Once they start moving through, the courts are going to need all the help they can get. Mediation can move the docket along a lot faster."

Both believe mediation is superior to litigation. "Mediation allows litigants to make decisions that will influence the rest of their lives, rather than leaving it up to a judge or jury," says Michael.

The couple married nearly two years ago and moved to Sarasota from Ohio. Michael, a pilot, flew the couple to various parts of Florida before they finally decided on Sarasota as a home.

"The people are friendly, it's beautiful and the cultural opportunities are wonderful," he says.

"And it's not Ohio," adds Ruth.

The couple hopes to become involved in higher education through one of the colleges and universities in the Tampa Bay region.

"Ruthie was on the board of trustees for Youngstown State University," explains Michael. "We've attended some functions at Ringling. We hope to get involved in higher education here in some way."

Adds Ruth: "This may be controversial, but I'm a graduate of Florida State."

Both Harshmans attended courses required by the Florida Supreme Court to mediate cases in the circuit court and county court for family and foreclosure mediation.

Writer: Missy Kavanaugh
Sources: Michael and Ruth Harshman, Impact Mediation