Mediation is an alternative route to resolving differences among family members or between soon-to-be ex-spouses without going before a judge.
Mediation is often used for couples in the midst of a divorce who prefer to make amicable decisions about their future and the future of their children.
Mediation can also be used for families who are splitting up property or dealing with inheritance issues.
Mediation allows creative solutions
The purpose of
mediation is to reach mutually agreeable terms with the other party. This causes all involved to negotiate creatively for the most favorable outcome.
Mediation does not move forward until all parties are satisfied with the terms, so you can be assured that you will emerge happy when you go into mediation. It may not happen right away, but with time and negotiation, it can happen.
How long does mediation take?
Time for mediation varies. Typically requiring at least a few weeks and potentially extending over the course of several months, there are no limits as to how long you can be in
mediation. Because those entering into
mediation are typically trying to resolve things quickly and for the better, typically only a handful of meetings are required.
Mediation may be court-ordered if the judge is of the opinion that litigation efforts are potentially too lengthy. Many lawyers in
Houston, Texas will advise couples to attempt mediation before going before a judge as this can save time, expense, and ensure a quick and simpler divorce, especially if there are no children involved.
Mediation for custody of children
When going into
mediation, the party who will have custody of the children has usually been decided either by the parents or court ordered by a judge. Couples go into
mediation to decide who will have children during the school week, on certain holidays, on birthdays, and other specifics. This can be difficult for parents to do in court, and
mediation creates a more personal setting where parties may exchange ideas and make offers and counteroffers without continuously showing up for court.
Mediation meetings typically revolve around the schedules of both parties and their respective lawyers. Children are not involved in the mediation process in most cases unless they are older. Even then, they may be brought in to facilitate decisions but do not play a major role in the decision making.
Mediation in Houston, Texas is common for families with young children who wish to continue to co-parent after the divorce is finalized. If both parents plan to be a significant part of the child"s life after the divorce, it"s important that events, dates, and other areas significant to the children and both parents are outlined in black and white to minimize problems later down the line.
