Mediation

Mediation is an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) method commonly used in resolving divorces. It encourages settlement, communication and compromise instead of resolving conflict at the courthouse by contested trial. For most cases, especially those involving child custody, support, visitation and parenting plans, Texas courts will order couples to attempt mediation before bringing a contested case to court.

The process involves meeting with a mediator and working through the many aspects of a divorce agreement. The mediator works with the parties and their attorneys to facilitate an agreed upon settlement of the dispute. A mediator cannot “decide” or “rule” on any disputed issue but serves only to help the parties evaluate their options and find creative ways to settle contested issues.

If you reach an agreement, the attorneys and the mediator prepare a binding mediated settlement agreement for everyone to sign. From this document, the attorneys draft a decree of divorce, which the judge signs after a short presentation by one of the parties and his or her attorney. This completes the divorce.

Divorces resulting from mediation are usually less expensive and less contentious than those where the parties resolve their disputes by a contested trial in front of a judge or jury. The attorneys of KoonsFuller have many years of experience in family law mediation. Our divorce mediation services include both representing individual clients and serving as mediators. However, in those situations where mediation fails to reach an agreement, we rely on our extensive litigation experience to obtain the best possible outcome for our clients.