Avoid Court With Divorce Mediation
Top Property Division Lawyers
A majority of family law cases resolved during mediation. Even if court intervention is required, the parties have generally narrowed the issues considerably through mediation and only present a small subset of the original issues to the court. Mediation reduces the total cost of divorce and puts control in the hands of the client. A Houston divorce mediation lawyer at the Ramos Law Group can assist you throughout the Texas divorce mediation process, by aggressively negotiating on your behalf as well as serving as an effective and impartial mediator.
The attorneys at the Ramos Law Group are experienced negotiators in divorce mediation. One of our top divorce lawyers, Mary E. Ramos, is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has years of experience mediating difficult family law issues.
What Is Divorce Mediation?
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution where a neutral third party, the mediator, facilitates communication between the parties in an attempt to reach a mutually agreeable resolution. Unlike a judge, a mediator does not impose a decision but helps parties work together to find a solution that best meets their needs.
Mediation in divorce is an opportunity for parties to communicate and resolve claims and disputes in a neutral, open, safe, and friendly setting. Through communication, the parties can resolve most, if not all issues between them. As for the mediators, they are not there to take sides, they are there to aid both sides in finding a common ground that works for everyone.
To find out more about the mediation for the divorce process and the role of a mediator, please review our mediation FAQs.
How to Prepare for a Divorce or Family Law Mediation in Houston
Remember these helpful tips to increase your chances of a successful outcome in your family law or divorce mediation.
Gather Important Documentation
Before mediation, gather all necessary documentation to support your position. Information might include financial records, property appraisals, pay stubs, tax returns, and other relevant documents. Organizing these materials beforehand will help you present your case more effectively during mediation.
Know Your Rights and Obligations
Familiarize yourself with relevant Texas family law statutes, such as the Texas Family Code sections. These laws can help you better understand your rights and obligations in a divorce or family law dispute. If a Houston family law attorney represents you, they will review all the relevant laws that apply to your case. Reviewing everything beforehand can clarify legal issues and ensure you are well-prepared for mediation.
Establish Your Goals and Priorities
Clearly define and prioritize your primary objectives. Consider a few things you might be willing to compromise on beforehand. Be realistic about the outcome and remain flexible during the mediation process.
Develop a negotiation strategy that outlines your desired outcomes and the concessions you are willing to make. Consider various scenarios and be prepared to adjust your strategy as needed during the mediation process.
Practice Effective Communication
Open and effective communication is crucial for successful mediation. Practice active listening, express yourself clearly, and remain respectful throughout the process.
Avoid getting emotional or aggressive, as this can hinder any productive discussions. Mediation can be emotionally taxing, especially when discussing sensitive topics. Take time to process your emotions, seek support from friends, family, or a therapist, and enter the mediation process with a clear and focused mindset.
Choose the Right Mediator
Select a mediator with experience in family law or divorce cases in Texas. A skilled mediator will know the state’s laws and have the necessary expertise to guide both parties toward a fair resolution. Attorney Mary E. Ramos at Ramos Law Group is board-certified in family law and has years of experience conducting divorce mediations across Texas.
Consult With a Divorce Mediation Attorney
While you may represent yourself in mediation, consulting with an experienced family law attorney is advisable to ensure your interests are protected. An attorney can guide you through the mediation process, offer legal advice, and provide support throughout the negotiations.
Divorce – Think of the children
Work on being flexible with the other parent.
Uncontested Divorce
The importance of gathering information.
Tip – Filing your original petition
There are several things to gather and consider.
What Happens After Divorce Mediation?
If the parties reach an agreement during mediation, the agreement is binding and irrevocable. Generally, the agreement goes into effect immediately. Once an agreement has been signed, it must still be presented to the court in a process called a ‘prove up.’ The mediated settlement agreement is only an outline of the final order. It contains the primary agreements, but one of the attorneys must draft a detailed final order that accurately reflects the agreement. To learn more about the legal process involved in Texas divorce mediation, please see the blog entry below:
What Happens After Divorce Mediation?
Important Tips
Once the decision to divorce has been made, it benefits both parties to treat the process as a business transaction. Both parties can work together to resolve outstanding issues and ultimately reduce the total cost of getting divorced. Not all divorces need to drag on for years and involve hostile negotiations. Making and considering reasonable offers in mediation is critical to keeping the cost of a divorce low.
Mediation may require multiple sessions and can be a lengthy process. Approach each session with patience and an open mind, ready to listen and consider the perspectives of all parties involved. Remember that the goal of mediation is to reach a mutually beneficial resolution for everyone involved.
Availability and Pricing
If you need a Houston divorce mediation lawyer, Mary E. Ramos is available for full or half day mediations during normal business hours. She also offers evening and weekend mediations.
Mediation rates start at $550 per party for a half day and $1,100 per party for a full day.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a divorce mediation, feel free to give us a call today.