While the rate of marital separation has dropped in recent years, divorce remains relatively common.
According to an estimate from the American Psychological Association, more than 40 percent of marriages end in divorce.
Going through a divorce is never easy — there are a number of different complex legal and emotional issues that must be addressed. Most divorcing couples want an effective, efficient, and low-conflict resolution to their case.
This is where divorce mediation can offer an answer. Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution through which parties work together to reach a voluntary settlement.
Here, our Waco, TX divorce lawyers provide an overview of the key things that you should know about divorce mediation in Texas.
Divorce Mediation Texas: Understanding the Process
In Texas, mediation is one of the most common methods that divorcing couples use to negotiate a settlement. Indeed, the state even encourages separating couples to use processes like mediation whenever possible. Under the Texas Alternative Dispute Resolution Procedures Act, it is official state policy to encourage the peaceful resolution of disputes — especially in family law cases.
With the divorce mediation process, an impartial third party will be assigned to your case. This third party is known as the divorce mediator. The core objective of the divorce mediator in Texas is to help facilitate open, honest, and productive communication between the parties. In many ways, the mediator is like a referee.
Though, to be clear, the mediator does not make final assessments, nor do they actually resolve specific issues. The mediator simply helps to keep the process moving in the right direction. They are there to assist the parties in making informed decisions in reaching their own separation agreement.
What are the Benefits of Divorce Mediation?
For many couples who are separating, divorce mediation offers substantial benefits. While it does not work in every case, parties are frequently able to reach agreements through mediation.
Specifically, some of the key benefits of divorce mediation include:
- A low-conflict and collaborative atmosphere;
- Emphasis on finding a peaceful resolution;
- Less expensive than litigation;
- Faster and more efficient than litigation;
- A private and fully confidential process; and
- Non-binding — you are not required to reach an agreement.
Ultimately, whether or not divorce mediation is the best option for your case will depend on many different factors that are unique to you, your partner, and your marriage.
Of course, one of the many benefits of divorce mediation is that you can try it, and, if it is not effective, you still have the ability to withdraw from the process and pursue other options.
Discuss Your Case With Our Texas Divorce Mediation Attorneys Today
At the Law Office of Simer & Tetens, our Texas divorce mediation lawyers are compassionate, effective advocates for individuals and families.
We are prepared to help you find a low-conflict solution to your divorce case. For a free initial consultation, please contact our legal team today.
From our law office in Waco, we handle divorce mediations throughout Central Texas, including in McLennan County, Hill County, Falls County, and Limestone County.
