• Home
  • Divorce Mediation
  • Divorce Consulting Expert
  • Coaching
    ▲
    • Co-Parenting Coaching
  • All Services
    ▲
    • Collaborative Divorce
    • Divorce Mediation
    • Divorce Consulting Expert
    • Divorce Support Groups For Men
    • Divorce Support Groups For Women
    • Divorce Coaching
    • Co-Parenting Coaching
    • Post-Divorce Transition Support
    • For Attorneys
      ▲
      • Business Valuation Services
      • Forensic Accounting
      • Collaborative Divorce
      • Denise French
      • Shelli Dodson
  • Blog
  • About
  • Work With Us
    ▲
    • Contact
    • Schedule An Appointment
    • Pay Now
  • Post Divorce Transition Support
    ▲
    • Men’s Support Group
    • Women’s Support Group
    • Community Services
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

281-505-8177
CONTACT US

SCHEDULE A
FREE CONSULTATION

Contact Us: 281-505-8177

Divorce Strategies Group

Divorce Strategies Group

Denise French

  • Divorce Mediation
  • Divorce Financial Advisor
  • Coaching
    • Divorce Coaching
    • Co-Parenting Coaching
  • All Services
    • Divorce Mediation
    • Divorce Financial Advisor
    • Divorce Support Groups For Men
    • Divorce Support Groups For Women
    • Divorce Coaching
    • Co-Parenting Coaching
    • Post-Divorce Transition Support
    • Collaborative Divorce
    • For Attorneys
      • Business Valuation Services
      • Forensic Accounting
      • Collaborative Divorce
  • Work With Us
    • Contact
    • Schedule An Appointment
    • Pay Now
  • For Attorneys
    • Business Valuation Services
    • Forensic Accounting
    • Denise French
    • Shelli Dodson

Texas Divorce Mediation

December 20, 2022 By Denise French, CVA, MAFF, CDFA, CRPC

A Cost Effective and Expeditious Way to Divorce Amicably

Divorce can be hard on both the divorcing parties’ emotions and their wallets.   There is an alternative to traditional divorce litigation which may ease the emotional strain of a divorce and can be more cost effective in comparison to the traditional divorce process. That alternative is mediation. The Texas Bar Association defines mediation as a common dispute resolution method used to facilitate the reaching of an out of court settlement between two parties.

Over the years, mediation has been used increasingly in divorce and custody matters since it permits the parties to make final decisions instead of leaving decisions up to the Texas courts.  It also enables parties to handle their divorce in a private environment and create customized plans which fit their needs, not just boiler plate guidelines from the state.   

There are multiple benefits to mediation over traditional divorce. First, mediation can avoid a bitter contentious court room battle thereby promoting post-divorce harmony between the parties. Second, mediation may make a divorce easier on children of the marriage. Children often suffer emotionally as the result of a contentious divorce. Third, mediation may expedite a settlement agreement which is preferable to prolonged litigation. Fourth, mediation enables the parties to make the final decisions as to property and custody issues rather than leaving them up to a court. Finally, mediation is praised for its cost effectiveness given that the cost of mediation is considerably less than the cost of traditional divorce litigation.

The process

The actual mediator’s role is to be neutral and not represent either party to the divorce. Mediators are not allowed to give legal or financial advice to either party.  A mediator is not acting as a judge nor is the mediator able to dictate any terms to either party.   Instead, the mediator’s role is to encourage the parties to reach an agreement by talking through options, considering the strengths and weaknesses of both parties’ cases, the costs of litigation versus the merits of a settlement, etc.

Mediation is not required to produce an agreement. Indeed, in some instances, the parties simply cannot reach an agreement with each other. In that event, traditional divorce litigation is the only realistic option. If an agreement is reached during mediation, the parties will sign a binding written contract that will be enforceable in the Texas courts.

It is a good idea for the divorcing parties to each have their own attorneys who will be present during the actual mediation. This ensures that the parties’ respective interests will be protected during the process as they will have legal advice provided on every offer and option discussed.

Seeking advice

Some mediators are more active in the process than others depending on their personalities.   At Divorce Strategies Group we play a very active role in the mediation process.  We first meet with both parties to explain the process and confirm both parties are committed to mediation.  Next, we gather a list of financial items which enables us to create a martial inventory for the parties.  We then meet with each party individually walking through the estate matters and potential division options. This also creates an opportunity to discuss what life will look like after the divorce for each individual – how much will you potentially receive in assets? Where will you be financially?  Can you afford to keep the home? What is your tax situation?  While we are not giving tax or financial advice, we are providing information to help you make informed decisions.  We then bring in a family law attorney for each party to discuss children’s issues including a parenting plan and financial issues with your children.   The attorney will also review the estate and potentially offer alternatives or guidance.   Each party will have their own attorney who will act as an advocate for them. While the mediator is a neutral party, your attorney is your advocate in the process providing legal counsel and guidance for you.      

If you are considering a divorce and wonder if mediation is right for you, schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation today with Divorce Strategies Group.  We encourage you and your spouse to attend the consultation to learn about how this process may help you navigate the waters of divorce in a gentler, softer manner. 

Filed Under: Divorce Support, Mediation Tagged With: divorce, divorce advice, divorce mediation, divorce process, mediation

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • High Stakes, High Net Worth:
  • Why Choose Mediation Instead of Court?
  • New Year New You: Three Resolutions Worth Making
  • Texas Divorce Mediation
  • Back to School Basics for Busy Co-Parents

Recent Comments

    Archives

    • January 2023
    • December 2022
    • August 2022
    • June 2022
    • May 2022
    • January 2022
    • June 2021
    • May 2021
    • April 2021
    • March 2021
    • February 2021
    • January 2021
    • December 2020
    • November 2020
    • October 2020
    • September 2020
    • August 2020
    • July 2020
    • June 2020
    • May 2020
    • April 2020
    • March 2020
    • February 2020
    • January 2020
    • December 2019
    • November 2019
    • October 2019
    • September 2019
    • August 2019
    • July 2019
    • June 2019
    • May 2019
    • April 2019
    • March 2019
    • February 2019
    • January 2019
    • November 2018
    • August 2018
    • July 2018
    • June 2018
    • April 2018
    • February 2018
    • January 2018

    Categories

    • Alternative Dispute Resolutions
    • Dividing Property
    • Divorce Coaching
    • Divorce Finance
    • Divorce Support
    • Family & Children
    • Mediation
    • Uncategorized

    Meta

    • Log in
    • Entries feed
    • Comments feed
    • WordPress.org

    Footer

    Copyright © 2023 - All Rights Reserved | Web Design by The Crouch Group | Log in