The Importance of Mediation and Your Lawyer’s Role
Mediation is a confidential settlement process where parties in dispute meet with a neutral person – the mediator – to try to find a resolution to areas of conflict. The mediator may meet with the people in conflict and/or their attorneys to understand each party’s goals for resolution. When an agreement has been reached, the mediator writes a legally binding document that outlines the terms of the settlement.
Benefits of Mediation
When you go to court, the court makes a decision and you are required to adhere to the court’s ruling. With mediation, you make decisions, not the court. The main advantage of mediation is that you control the outcome; you and the other party or parties can structure the settlement any way that is mutually acceptable. Mediation costs less than a trial and it often feels better. It’s more informal and can be a friendlier way to settle a disagreement.
The Value of Mediation
Creating your own resolution to a dispute through mediation is beneficial to both parties. You design your own terms and outline your resolution in such a way that (hopefully) all parties are comfortable with the decision.
- You can be creative in ways to resolve the issue.
- Everyone has all the time he or she needs to explain the situation; its causes and possible, agreeable resolutions.
- Mediation can better preserve relationships, especially when it involves families.
- Mediation lets you and the disputing party work together for a solution. Solutions are your shared goal; mediation can and should be the end to “the blame game.”
The Role of Your Houston Mediation Attorney
Taking your dispute to court is what you do if mediation doesn’t settle all issues. Here in Houston and throughout Texas, mediation is mandatory prior to divorce trials, so it’s important that you have an attorney who is knowledgeable and experienced with the mediation process.
Divorce is seldom about two people; it can impact the lives of other family members for years to come, so you should seek professional assistance as you make what can be life-changing decisions. A mediation attorney in Houston who is certified in family law can help you make the long-term choices that are best for you, your spouse, and your children.
A Houston mediation attorney can explain what is legally advisable and possible so that the mediation resolution doesn’t put you at future risk. Your Houston mediation attorney can ensure you are “protected” during the process and the outcome of issue resolution.
Diane Reul, Board Certified, Family Law – Texas Board of Legal Specialization, is a mediation attorney in Houston who wants to help you through the mediation and – if needed – divorce. Her proficiency in family law is driven by compassion as well as experience. If you need conflict resolution or want to know what divorce options are best for you and your family, call (713) 622-3770 or contact her today. Tomorrow can be a better day.
