What You Need to Know About Mediation in a Texas Divorce

 Posted on March 14, 2023 in Divorce

Divorce can be a difficult and emotionally-charged process. If you are considering a divorce in Texas, one of the options available to you is mediation. Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that can help divorcing couples reach amicable agreements without the need for a trial. In some cases, couples may be required to participate in court-ordered mediation, while in others, they may agree to use this process and work together to negotiate agreements on any outstanding issues that need to be settled in their case. By understanding how this option may be used, you can determine if it will be beneficial in your situation, and you can find the best solutions that will allow you to complete the divorce process successfully.

What Is Mediation?

Mediation is a process that helps divorcing couples resolve the outstanding disputes in their case with the help of an impartial third party. The mediator provides guidance and encourages communication between the parties, helping them find areas where they can compromise and come to an agreement. All discussions the spouses participate in during mediation are confidential. This means that anything discussed during the mediation sessions cannot be used as evidence in court should the mediation process fail.

Prior to beginning the mediation process, each spouse will usually be given the opportunity to meet with the mediator separately. This will allow each party to express their individual concerns and identify the issues that will need to be settled. The couple will then meet together with the mediator present so that negotiations can begin in earnest. The goal during this process is for the spouses—with help from the mediator—to come up with mutually agreeable solutions for all issues related to their divorce, such as child custody arrangements or property division matters.

Once both spouses have agreed on all terms of their divorce settlement agreement, it will be written up and submitted for court approval. If a family court judge approves the settlement, the divorce will be finalized. However, if agreements cannot be reached on some or all of the issues that need to be addressed, the couple may proceed with litigation instead. 

The Benefits of Mediation

A mediated divorce has several potential benefits over traditional litigation, including cost savings, increased privacy, and less emotional stress for the parties, their children, and anyone else who is involved. Additionally, couples who mediate their divorces tend to reach more satisfactory agreements because they have more control over the decisions made. Since mediation encourages open communication and cooperation between the parties, it can lead to improved relationships down the road, which can be beneficial for parents who will be sharing custody of children.

Contact Our San Antonio Divorce Lawyer for Mediation

Divorce can be an emotionally difficult process no matter how amicable the relationship between spouses is. In Texas, mediation is one option that can help divorcing couples reach mutually agreeable resolutions without having to go through trial proceedings or lengthy negotiations. At Brandon Wong & Associates, we provide mediation services for couples going through divorce, and we also provide legal representation for spouses who are participating in mediation. We work to help couples resolve issues as amicably as possible while also making sure they understand their rights and options. Contact our Bexar County divorce mediation attorney today at 210-201-3832 to set up a consultation and learn how we can help with your case.

Sources:

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.6.htm

https://texaslawhelp.org/article/divorce-and-mediation