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The traditional divorce process (attorneys, judges, child services) is a one-dimensional process focused on the legal steps of separating the marital community into halves. Today, divorce is more than just your legal rights; it is your emotional and financial future. The Mediation Process includes legal, financial and coaching professionals needed to build a complete future, not just half a life. The Mediation Process helps you and your spouse acknowledge the decision, work through issues, and develop a plan that helps you and your family move forward.
Get your Divorce Judgment as quickly as you want and at a low cost.
Avoiding the courtroom battles between divorce lawyers that characterize divorce litigation, you work together through mediation to achieve a reasonable settlement with which the whole family can live. If there are children in the marriage, their interests are carefully considered. No one is required to appear in court at any time. A Marital Settlement Agreement is prepared, signed with a notary, and filed as part of the Judgment, which resolves all divorce issues.
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Our unique model encourages collaboration, and as a result, ligation costs are greatly reduced or eliminated. Unlike the road most couples travel, filled with emotionally exhausting and financially draining potholes, the Mediation Process is uniquely different. Contact us for a free consultation.
“…handled my divorce mediation process. They were professional and genuinely concerned about my comfort level during a very difficult time. They brought up suggestions that benefited both parties without judgment…They helped me go through the process as smoothly as one could expect…I have received after care from them as well…they continue to extend help and encouragement to me to this day. I would highly recommend Triad to anyone in need of divorce mediation or financial advisement.”
Your Case. You Decide.
Mediation is the answer to many people’s dilemma on how to proceed with a divorce. The advantages of mediation include staying out of court and keeping the overall cost of your Texas or California divorce to a minimum. This can be especially important in cases involving Travis County child custody issues.
No one ever enters into a marriage believing it will one day end in divorce, but when there is no chance of reconciliation, it makes good sense to consider all your alternatives. Austin Divorce Attorneys say that mediation is a means by which persons seeking a divorce can act in the best interests of their family in a private, peaceful setting. By choosing mediation over litigation, you ensure that you get the final say regarding child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, and Montgomery County property division.
Today, more Texas residents are choosing to mediate their divorce than ever before. With the economy struggling, people understand that every penny saved will help bolster their child’s success later in life. On average, meditation in San Diego, CA, and San Diego County costs 80 percent less than a divorce through litigation.
If you hope to maintain an atmosphere of civility with your ex-spouse, it might be time to consider all of your alternatives and determine whether mediation is right for you. We offer mediation services in Austin, TX, San Diego County, San Diego, CA, and Travis County in Texas. We are ready to answer all of your most pressing questions, including sensitive issues involving child custody. Call us today and start getting answers.
How Do I Know if Mediation is Best in My Situation?
This is an important question that can only be answered through honest insight and self-reflection. First and foremost, both parties must be willing and ready to participate in the mediation process. This does not mean that they have to agree—if an agreement were possible, likely, you wouldn’t be seeking a divorce in the first place.
A mediator strives to keep lines of communication open and create an atmosphere of civility so that negotiations can proceed to a solution that both parties agree is fair. This can be especially difficult when issues such as child custody arise, as each parent may have a very different idea of what is best for their child.
Child custody issues are common from Austin to Houston, but no two cases are alike. A quality mediator understands this fact and seeks to guide both parties to make decisions in their child’s best interests.
Still, child custody is not the only issue couples face during an Austin, TX, or San Diego, CA, divorce. A mediator can help with other contentious issues, including…
- Property Division through Divorce
- Child Support
- Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)
- Child Custody Parenting Plans
Keep in mind that mediation is not about winning or losing. Most people agree that a contentious divorce is bad for everyone, from children to parents, and if the court decides the outcome, neither party will likely be happy with the result.
Mediation allows willing participants to put aside petty differences to avoid the court and reach an agreement by adhering to non-adversarial methods. Even the court recognizes that when arrangements are made and agreed upon by both divorcing parties, they are far more likely to be followed. This is especially true in cases involving child custody, where a parenting plan must be drafted.
Another important fact to remember is that even if you seek litigation to settle your Texas divorce, the court will likely order you to mediate for every issue, from child custody to property division. Statistics show that 97 percent of divorces and child custody parental agreements are settled via mediation.
Why not settle your Austin or San Diego divorce through mediation today? If the outcome is the same whether you seek litigation or not, it makes sense to save as much money and hassle as possible.
FAQ on Divorce Mediation in Texas
How does mediation work in a divorce in Texas?
In Texas, divorce mediation is a process where a neutral third party, known as a mediator, helps spouses negotiate and reach agreements on various aspects of their divorce, such as property division, child custody, and support. The mediator facilitates communication, helps clarify issues, and explores potential solutions but does not make decisions for the parties. Mediation sessions are confidential and aim to create a mutually acceptable settlement without needing a court trial.
How much does divorce mediation cost in Texas?
The cost of divorce mediation in Texas can vary widely based on factors such as the mediator’s experience, the complexity of the issues, and the number of sessions required. Mediation can cost between $150 and $500 per hour. Some mediators may charge a flat fee for their services. Overall, mediation is often less expensive than going through a full court trial.
How long after mediation is divorce final in Texas?
The time it takes for a divorce to be finalized after mediation depends on how quickly the parties can reach an agreement and how busy the court is. Once a mediated settlement agreement is signed, it is submitted to the court for approval. If the court approves the agreement, a final divorce decree can typically be issued within a few weeks to a few months.
What not to say in divorce mediation?
In divorce mediation, it is important to avoid:
- Making accusations or blaming the other party
- Using inflammatory or derogatory language
- Making threats or ultimatums
- Bringing up unrelated personal grievances
- Refusing to compromise or listen to the other party’s perspective
What are three disadvantages to mediation?
- No Binding Decision: A mediator cannot impose a binding decision, unlike a court judgment. If parties cannot agree, they may still need to go to court.
- Power Imbalances: Mediation may be less effective if there is a significant power imbalance between the spouses, such as in cases involving domestic abuse.
- Non-Legal Focus: Mediators are not judges and do not provide legal advice. Parties may need separate legal counsel to ensure their rights are fully protected.
What should you avoid in mediation?
In mediation, you should avoid:
- Letting emotions drive your decisions
- Withholding important information or being dishonest
- Ignoring the long-term consequences of agreements
- Failing to consider the needs and best interests of any children involved
- Rushing to a settlement without thoroughly understanding the terms
How do I prepare for mediation in Texas?
To prepare for mediation in Texas, you should:
- Gather all relevant financial documents, such as tax returns, bank statements, and property records
- Make a list of key issues you want to address, including child custody, support, and property division
- Think about your goals and priorities, as well as areas where you are willing to compromise
- Consider consulting with an attorney to understand your legal rights and options
- Prepare to communicate openly and listen to the other party’s perspective
Who pays for mediation in Texas?
Both parties typically share the cost of mediation. This can be agreed upon before the mediation sessions begin. Sometimes, the court may order one party to pay for mediation, or the costs may be divided based on each party’s financial situation.