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Mediation Lawyers Resolving Issues
Divorce is never easy. However, in Texas, mediation is often one of the easiest ways to go about it. In many cases, the two former spouses can discuss the divorce terms with a mediator and resolve their issues without coming in front of a judge.
Mediation can work for many couples, and it offers many benefits. If you and your spouse are divorcing amicably or are at least able to have a calm conversation, it might be the right choice for you.
Avoid public records
Houston mediation is always much less expensive than a court trial. It is also confidential, so there is no public record of what happens in your sessions. Many people hate the idea of their friends, family members, or colleagues being able to read the transcript of their divorce. Mediation allows the spouses to determine what seems fair to them, with the help of a divorce attorney in Houston, instead of what the legal system determines as fair. Mediation can also help the former partners learn how to communicate as exes, particularly if they will be co-parenting going forward.
Mediation is not for everyone. If your marriage has involved abuse, you might not want to go through the mediation process. If one partner is still hoping for a reconciliation, mediation usually will not work well. Both parties need to be willing to compromise and negotiate for a mediation to succeed.
Arranging Mediation in Houston
The mediation process usually begins with a phone call with the mediator, where you provide some background information. You’ll figure out what topics you already agree on and determine what still needs to be accomplished. Usually, you’ll need to gather information, such as the exact value of all of your assets.
You have the option of having a Houston divorce lawyer present during mediation. Sometimes, both spouses decide to have family law attorneys on their side during the mediation process. Most mediators will encourage you to attend the first session alone and then bring a lawyer to your later sessions if it feels necessary. Eaton Family Law firm is happy to be a Houston mediation lawyer.
Once you have completed your agreement with the help of your Houston family law attorneys, the mediator will usually write out the agreement and a parenting plan, if applicable. This paperwork will be filed with the court and is legally enforceable along with your divorce decree. If one spouse does not follow the custody agreement or agreements about the property division, the other spouse can take them to court to enforce the agreement.
When you go through mediation, you can be confident that your opinions will be heard and communicated. Your mediator can help keep potentially emotional conversations on track and help you and your ex reach an agreement with which you can both be satisfied. Agreements made in mediation are followed more often than those made in court.
If you think mediation might be right for you, and your in Houston and surrounding areas, give one of our family law lawyers a call today. We can help your Houston mediation get started.