Even in the best scenarios, getting a divorce can be difficult. These days, many couples are choosing divorce mediation instead of going to court for a traditional divorce. Mediation can be a good option because it has a lot of benefits. It keeps things private, doesn’t cost as much money, and gives you a chance to have a say in how things happen. If you’re thinking about doing divorce mediation, it’s helpful to work with someone who knows what they’re doing, like Dawn Renken, who is a mediator and divorce lawyer.

Listed below are some ways you can work to make the mediation process easier:

Remove Emotion

When you do mediation, both people have to agree to work together and find solutions for their divorce. It’s important to talk to each other in a respectful way. Try not to blame or accuse each other, and use words that are fair to both people. If you are angry or only care about what you want, it can make mediation more difficult. So, it’s good to practice talking without emotion and being open to suggestions from the mediator. The mediator will help if one person is being overbearing or asking for things that aren’t fair. But if the mediator can’t make things fair, you might need to try another method to finalize your divorce.

Get the Right Papers

Before your mediation appointment, gather all the necessary paperwork regarding your money, property, and kids. These papers can help with the discussions and make it easier to agree on things. Here are some examples of papers you might need:

• Marriage certificate
• Prenuptial agreement
• Proof of income
• A list of things you own, like money in the bank, retirement accounts, and investments
• A list of all the debts you have
• Any other papers you think might be helpful

Having these papers ready will make it easier to talk and find agreements.

Decide What You Want

Both people need to know what they want before doing mediation. Start by making a list of what you would like to happen in your divorce. Then make a list of things that you could accept even if they’re not exactly what you want. And finally, think about things that you absolutely cannot accept. It’s important to know these things so you can talk about them during mediation. If you’re not sure what can happen in mediation, don’t be afraid to ask your mediator questions.

Think About Your Kids

If you have kids, it’s important to think about what’s best for them. Kids can be strong, but they need help and support during a divorce. This might mean making tough choices about where the kids will live and when they will see each parent. You also need to think about money and how to support your kids financially. Always remember to think about what’s best for your kids and try to make good decisions. There are classes you can take to learn more about divorcing with kids, and we can help you find one.

Divorce mediation can help you solve problems without fighting, keep things private, and decide how your divorce will happen. If you follow these steps and work with someone like Dawn Renken, who is an experienced divorce mediator, you can go through the divorce process smoothly and agree on things that are good for both parties.

What Goes in a Marital Settlement Agreement?

Depending on where you live or whom you talk to, you may hear different names for the settlement agreements that couples reach in divorces. Along with the most common—marital settlement agreement (MSA)—these other names include:

• divorce agreement
• divorce settlement agreement
• settlement agreement
• property settlement agreement
• marriage settlement agreement, and
• marital divorce agreement.
• In the end, all these names mean the same thing: a written document that details how a couple has agreed to handle all of the issues that must be addressed when they get divorced, including:,
• how they will divide their marital property and debts
• alimony (sometimes called spousal maintenance or spousal support), and
• child custody, visitation (or parenting time), and child support (if they have minor or dependent children).

An MSA usually also has other provisions (“terms”) that detail how the couple will handle possible future events. For instance, spouses might agree that they will at least try mediation if they have any disputes in the future.

Why Choose Us?

Dawn Renken is an experienced family law attorney in Houston, Texas. She has helped families with all kinds of divorce cases, whether they’re simple or more complex. Attorney Dawn Renken is a highly skilled family law practitioner based in Houston, Texas. Her expertise lies in handling a broad spectrum of divorce cases, ranging from amicable mediation to challenging contested situations. In 2014, Attorney Renken got her mediation license from ADR Services International Inc. Since then, she has helped divorcing couples who seek alternatives to traditional courtroom proceedings.

Family Law Attorney in Houston

Renken Law Firm provides legal services to families throughout the Houston area. Our team of lawyers cares about you and will help you with things like custody issues, divorces, and other family problems. Call us today to talk about your situation and ask any questions you have.

 

Renken Law Firm, PLLC
11500 Northwest Fwy #586
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 956-6767
Visit our website
View our Google Business Listing

What Is Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation is for couples who seek an efficient, yet fair, divorce process. Mediation is a collaborative process that allows individuals to control the outcome. The mediator is a neutral, third-party professional who keeps spouses focused on the goal of a fair outcome, not battling over past resentments.

During divorce mediation, the mediator guides couples in addressing all the issues associated with divorce, including asset division, custody arrangements and spousal and child support.

Couples often choose divorce mediation because mediation is faster, less expensive and less contentious than a traditional divorce process. Reducing the stress and trauma of the divorce process itself may ease co-parenting after divorce, as well.

Mediation is often a “one-stop” option for couples, as the mediator prepares the full divorce settlement agreement and provides the paperwork necessary for the divorce to become final with a court.

How Is Divorce Mediation Different From Traditional Divorce?

Many say one of the biggest pros of divorce mediation is that it is fundamentally different from a traditional divorce process.

Divorce mediation is a non-adversarial process, unlike traditional divorce, in which lawyers represent spouses against each other.

In mediation, spouses work together with the help of a neutral third party to reach agreements that make the most sense after considering their actual family circumstances.

With divorce mediation, couples often finalize their divorce without making court appearances. Divorce mediation also takes less time than the traditional divorce process. On average, traditional divorce takes families at least a year, and potentially much longer.

The mediation process, on the other hand, can be completed as quickly as couples choose.

Another pro of mediation is that spouses have flexibility to cost effectively reach agreements when they have complicated circumstances. For example, spouses who own a family business might want to craft a creative arrangement that allows both spouses to stay involved in the business in the future. Working with their mediator and other business advisors, such visions can be turned into the appropriate legal documents to protect both spouses.

Alternatively, the traditional divorce process is usually designed to sever all assets at the time of the divorce. While this might be a desired outcome in most cases, your family might want or need more flexibility due to unique circumstances.

Mediation also allows for more creative parenting agreements when courts tend to default to every other weekend and one night per week arrangements.

4 Benefits to Choosing Mediation for Your Divorce

Divorce mediation offers divorcing couples the opportunity to work together to find amicable solutions for their specific needs. Listed below are 4 Benefits to Choosing Mediation for Your Divorce:

• Faster: One of the most enticing aspects of divorce mediation is its generally faster process compared to courtroom divorces. By facilitating direct communication between both parties in the presence of a mediator, conflicts can be resolved more efficiently. In traditional divorce cases, communication occurs primarily through attorneys, leading to protracted and slow negotiations. If you seek a swifter divorce process, mediation might be the ideal choice.
• Privacy: In a courtroom divorce, any statements or evidence, including financial documents, become part of the public record. This lack of privacy can be disadvantageous for individuals seeking to maintain confidentiality. However, in divorce mediation, everything discussed during mediation sessions remains entirely confidential. The only individuals privy to the specifics of the discussions between the divorcing spouses are the mediator they have mutually selected. If privacy is of paramount importance to you, consider divorce mediation.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Divorce mediation allows couples to reduce various additional expenses that often contribute to the high cost of divorce. By sharing the cost of a mediator instead of individually hiring attorneys, minimizing negotiation time, and frequently requiring only a few sessions to finalize divorce agreements, mediation proves to be an affordable option.
• Effective for Child-related Matters: Even if you face complex divorce issues like child custody and support agreements, mediation can still be a viable choice. Mediators possess the expertise to guide you in considering all potential future scenarios and crafting a comprehensive plan that accommodates your needs and those of your children.

Why Choose Us?

Attorney Dawn Renken has dedicated her career to helping families find solutions for their needs. In addition to having years of experience practicing as a family law attorney, she is also a Licensed Mediator through ADR Services International Inc. She is able to use her hands-on knowledge of divorce cases and agreements to help couples work together to reach divorce agreements. This includes helping divorcing couples work together to divide property, assets, debt, child custody, and more.

Schedule a consultation with our team to learn more about your options for divorce.

Family Law Attorney in Houston

Renken Law Firm is a trusted resource for family law matters in Houston, TX. Our team of family lawyers is dedicated to providing personalized attention as you navigate through complex family issues, such as custody disputes, divorces, and other familial conflicts. We offer a range of services, including family mediation and adoption, aiming to help our clients find resolutions without the need for costly court litigation. Our clients engage our family law attorneys at Renken Law Firm to ensure the protection of their rights and the best interests of their families.

While every family law case is unique, understanding the process can alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that accompanies it. At Renken Law Firm, we have a team of committed professionals who will guide you through every step of your case, from beginning to end. We believe that knowledge is empowering, and we will work tirelessly to provide you with the information and support necessary to make informed decisions for yourself and your family. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, where we can discuss your individual situation and address any questions you may have.

 

Renken Law Firm, PLLC
11500 Northwest Fwy #586
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 956-6767
Visit our website
View our Google Business Listing

Divorce mediation is an excellent option for any divorcing couple that is able to calmly work together to discuss the terms of their divorce. This includes couples that share minor children together. Child support and custody mediation are just some of the many topics your mediator can help you to navigate when trying to come up with a finalized divorce agreement. Not only is mediation considered a cost effective alternative to litigated divorce, it also leaves more of the decisions up to the divorcing parties.

If you do not believe the parent you are divorcing is capable of reaching an amicable agreement that promotes the best interest of your child, divorce mediation is not the right option for you. Contact Renken Law Firm today to learn more about what steps you need to take in order to divorce your spouse in Texas.

Mediation for Custody Agreements

Mediation is a great way to come to terms for a custody agreement, as well, because of the greatly reduced cost versus a full-blown child custody lawsuit. While there may be some fees associated with the mediator, these fees are often split between the parents and will almost definitely be a tiny fraction of what attorney fees would equate to in a lawsuit. Also, although you may still have to file a petition to get the court to sign off on your custody agreement, you will still be able to avoid the expense of numerous hearings, court reporters, and any administrative costs imposed by the court.

Mediation is also great because it naturally leads to improved communication between the two parents. By opening these lines of communication, many problems can be resolved and two caring parents worried about the best interests of their children are likely to find themselves thinking along the same lines in no time. If two parents can start communicating in mediation, this can also lead to better communications after the mediation is over, and a less contentious handling of future matters pertaining to the kids.

Another great advantage of mediation is that it allows the parties to determine their own fates. Through mediation, the parties can actually come to terms different than the court would ever give. And, there is no uncertainty. You are able to decide how best to raise your children without the court deciding for you.

Of course, aside from the cost savings and the collaborative nature of the mediation process, mediation is immensely faster than litigation. Litigation can often run for months, or even years. But, mediation is usually finished in a few hours and getting court approval only takes as long as is required to get on a hearing docket.

Mediation Services for Couples With Children

Even if you are working through serious divorce issues such as custody and child support agreements, mediation can work for you. Mediators are trained to help you consider all potential possibilities and scenarios you will want to plan for in the future to reach an agreement. When you work with Attorney Dawn Renken for your mediated divorce you can go over visitation schedules, child support, future plans, and more. Do not try to navigate the complexities of divorce on your own, instead work with a mediator who is interested in promoting the best interest of your children and works to ensure both parents voices are being heard and represented in the final divorce agreement. The only people who need to know the specifics of what goes on between the divorcing spouses is the mediator they have both selected. If privacy is a top priority for you, consider divorce mediation.

Divorce Attorney for Mediation in Houston

Attorney Dawn Renken is a practicing family law attorney in Texas, who specializes in divorce cases in Houston, TX. Attorney Renken received her mediation license through ADR Services International Inc. in 2014. Since this time, she has worked with a wide range of divorcing couples looking for alternatives to traditional courtroom divorces.

Divorce Mediator Houston Texas

Renken Law Firm is here to help couples who wish to dissolve their marriage, whether that be through divorce or legal separation. We are here to help those who are ending marriages that have been contested, uncontested, or collaborative. We are fully prepared to help you navigate the specifics of your case. All marriages are different, making each divorce equally unique with its own set of needs that must be addressed. Contact our law office to explore your options moving forward, and find out how we can help you.

 

Renken Law Firm, PLLC
11500 Northwest Fwy #586
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 956-6767
Visit our website
View our Google Business Listing

Divorce mediation is an attractive alternative to traditional divorce for many reasons. This is because the traditional divorce process requires more time and money than mediation and all the details of your divorce agreement are public record. When you use mediation to reach an agreement for your divorce, the details of your divorce are private.

It is important to realize while divorce mediation is typically much faster than litigated divorces, you will still have to wait the minimum of 61 days for your divorce to become finalized in Texas.

Contact us online or reach out directly to schedule a consultation with divorce mediation attorney Dawn Renken.

How Long Does Divorce Mediation Take?

The mediation process can be as short as one session or last several weeks. Sometimes it can be longer. How long divorce mediation takes depends on factors such as:

• the number of issues to be addressed
• how complex the issues are (for example, if there’s a lot of property to divide)
• the time between sessions, and
• the level of cooperation between the spouses.

In mediation, you’ll have a lot more control of the process—especially when it comes to pace and scheduling—than you would with in a court case.

How to Choose a Mediator

In choosing a mediator, a lot depends on the issues you’re trying to resolve. For example, if your only disagreement relates to money or distribution of marital property, you might want a mediator who specializes in financial disputes. Or, if child custody is the main sticking point, you could opt to work with a mediator who is specifically trained in custody and visitation. However, any mediator you work with—specialized or not—should have divorce-specific training and be familiar with your state’s divorce-related laws.

Are Divorce Mediators Lawyers?

Divorce mediators come from many backgrounds. They are often lawyers, but they can also be other professionals like CPAs (certified public accountants), psychologists, social workers, or MFTs (marriage and family therapists). The most important qualification is that the mediator has divorce-specific mediation training. (Keep in mind that even lawyers who mediate disputes aren’t allowed to offer legal advice and must remain neutral.)

Mediators sometimes suggest that the spouses bring in specialists to address certain items. For example, it might be helpful to have an appraiser to assess the value of property so that it can be fairly divided between the spouses. Or a psychologist might be able to help resolve a stalemate on custody and visitation.

Even though hiring specialists might add to the cost of your mediation, you’d likely need to hire those same professionals if you went directly to court. And, in all probability, you’d be paying even more for their services, because they’d have to appear in court to testify.

What Makes a Good Mediator?

Many mediators offer a free informational session or have a thorough bio on their website—take advantage of these opportunities to find out as much as you can about qualifications when doing your research. Ideally, your mediator will have significant training (many mediation courses involve at least 40 hours of instruction) along with specialized divorce knowledge. A mediator who doesn’t focus on divorce might be qualified to handle your mediation, but a specialist might be able to suggest more creative solutions for issues you and your spouse are struggling to resolve.

Don’t be shy about asking how many cases the mediator has handled, and what percentage resulted in a written settlement agreement. However, if you’re very comfortable with a mediator who’s properly trained, lack of experience needn’t be a deal breaker.

You might also want to find out whether the mediator is certified by your state’s courts. Court certification isn’t always necessary to be a mediator, but it’s another indicator of expertise in the field. You might be able to find a list of certified mediators on the state court’s website.

Finally, choose a mediator you feel you can trust. Aside from expertise, you need someone who you believe will listen carefully and be even-handed in interacting with you and your spouse.

How to Find a Mediator

Recommendations from friends or family members who’ve been through divorce mediation are often the best referrals you can get. Here are some additional ways you might be able to narrow down your mediator search:

• Your marriage counselor or therapist. If you’ve used the services of a marriage counselor or therapist, ask them for the names of mediators they’ve worked with and trust.
• An online mediation service. If you decide to mediate online, you won’t have to pick a mediator—the service you choose will assign your case to a qualified mediator who appears to be a good match for your situation.
• Your local courthouse. The court clerk might maintain a list of court-appointed mediators who are available for private mediation.
• Your state court’s administration office. The office that oversees all the courts in your state might have a list of approved mediators—check the state judiciary website for a list or give the office a call.
• Your state or county bar association. Your state or county “bar association”—a professional organization of lawyers—might have a list of qualified mediators. Any mediators on the bar’s list are likely to be attorney-mediators.
• National and state mediation organizations and directories. The Academy of Professional Family Mediators, the National Association of Community Mediation, and the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals are just a few of the many organizations where you can find mediators.

What Does My Divorce Mediator Do?

The role of the mediator is to simply ensure all important matters are discussed and dealt with, as well as ensure neither party is using bully tactics in order to get the other party to agree to the terms they desire for their divorce. Your divorce agreement is only finalized when both parties agree to the terms of the divorce and sign off on it. If you are unable to work together to reach an amicable divorce agreement, mediation will not be a viable method for divorce. If you and your spouse are actively looking to work through your divorce together, Renken Law Firm can help by offering affordable divorce mediation in Houston, TX.

Divorce Attorney for Mediation in Houston

Attorney Dawn Renken is a practicing family law attorney in Texas, who specializes in divorce cases in Houston, TX. Attorney Renken received her mediation license through ADR Services International Inc. in 2014. Since this time, she has worked with a wide range of divorcing couples looking for alternatives to traditional courtroom divorces.

Divorce Mediator Houston Texas

Renken Law Firm is here to help couples who wish to dissolve their marriage, whether that be through divorce or legal separation. We are here to help those who are ending marriages that have been contested, uncontested, or collaborative. We are fully prepared to help you navigate the specifics of your case. All marriages are different, making each divorce equally unique with its own set of needs that must be addressed. Contact our law office to explore your options moving forward, and find out how we can help you.

 

Renken Law Firm, PLLC
11500 Northwest Fwy #586
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 956-6767
Visit our website
View our Google Business Listing

These days, more than ever before divorcing couples are looking for alternatives to traditional courtroom divorces for dissolving their marriage. One of the most popular alternatives being used is divorce mediation.

What is Divorce Mediation?

Until the last 10 years or so, just about the only course for divorcing couples was to hire lawyers to do battle for them. Often the spouses would not even speak with each other, “communicating” only through their attorneys. And attorneys proliferated. The addition of “no fault” to divorce laws has given rise to an emerging alternative for divorcing couples: mediation. Mediation is the process in which the divorcing couple works out its problems, disagreements, and marital issues with a trained, impartial third party””the mediator. The mediator assists the couple in resolving its differences in a constructive way to reach a “win-win” decision rather than the adversative “win-­lose” situation.

Who are Mediators?

The mediator may be a marriage counselor, social worker, psychologist, or lawyer trained in family and divorce mediation. At present, mediation is still open turf for any of the above professions to claim. Texas does not have any licensing requirements for mediators. At any rate, the mediator should have received formal training from a recognized program or institute, such as the Academy of Family Mediators. They should be versed in family budgeting, the law, tax consequences of divorce, and a variety of options and alternatives crucial to contemplating divorce.

How the Mediator Can Help

The major differences between mediators and lawyers are that the mediator assists you and your spouse in working out your disagreements together; emphasizes the restructuring of the family from a practical point of view, in addition to the legal side; pays more attention to your emotional needs; and, is impartial, representing neither you nor your spouse, but both. Unlike the legal adversarial system, mediation is more sensitive to the integrity of the marriage. It tries to build on the strengths of the relationship, avoiding the “we’ll get him/her” so common with the adversarial position.

Why Choose Divorce Mediation in Texas?

Listed below are some of the top reasons to consider mediation for your Texas divorce:

• Less Time: While all divorces in Texas require at least 61 days to become finalized, mediation takes less time than litigated divorces. During mediation you and your spouse are given the opportunity to sit together and resolve the issues on your own without the back and forth communication between attorneys.
• More Affordable: The divorce mediation process is typically much more affordable for couples that are ready to end their marriage. You are able to sit down and quickly come to conclusions about what the best options are for both parties without letting attorney fees skyrocket.
• More Privacy: Litigated divorces are public record, this means any evidence submitted into the court, and information shared with the court, all becomes available for anyone who looks it up. If privacy matters to you, a mediated divorce is an excellent option. The terms of your divorce will remain private.
• Can Promote Better Co-Parenting: Mediation is a less contentious method of working out your divorce agreement. In many cases, this promotes a healthier environment for children involved in the divorce because they do not see their parents in a legal battle, rather they see them working together to find a solution that promotes their best interest.
• The Final Say is Yours: Unlike with litigated divorces, the terms of mediated divorces are completely up to the two divorcing parties. This means you have the final say when it comes to coming up with child custody and child support. If you are looking for a parenting plan that fits your specific needs and don’t want a judge weighing in on the outcome of your divorce, mediation grants you this freedom.

 

Divorce Attorney for Mediation in Houston

Attorney Dawn Renken is a practicing family law attorney in Texas, who specializes in divorce cases in Houston, TX. Attorney Renken received her mediation license through ADR Services International Inc. in 2014. Since this time, she has worked with a wide range of divorcing couples looking for alternatives to traditional courtroom divorces.

Divorce Mediator Serving Houston Texas

Renken Law Firm is here to help couples who wish to dissolve their marriage, whether that be through divorce or legal separation. We are here to help those who are ending marriages that have been contested, uncontested, or collaborative. We are fully prepared to help you navigate the specifics of your case. All marriages are different, making each divorce equally unique with its own set of needs that must be addressed. Contact our law office to explore your options moving forward, and find out how we can help you.

 

Renken Law Firm, PLLC
11500 Northwest Fwy #586
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 956-6767
Visit our website
View our Google Business Listing

A common misconception surrounding divorce mediation is that the goal is for two divorcing spouses to reconcile their differences in order to save their marriage. Mediation is not counseling and your divorce mediator will never try to push tactics for healing your marriage on you. The goal of mediation is simple, to help both parties have productive communication while coming up with a mutually beneficial and amicable divorce agreement.

Divorce mediation costs less than traditional divorce because it allows both parties the opportunity to have a direct conversation about serious matters such as child custody, child support, property division, and more. Traditional divorces can take much longer and cost significantly more because all communication goes through attorneys.

Mediation also allows divorcing couples more privacy than traditional divorce. This is because any divorce agreement or evidence submitted leading up to a finalized divorce agreement is public. This can mean your tax records, information surrounding your finances, problems in the marriage, and more are available for anyone to see. When you choose to reach an agreement through the divorce mediation process, all the specifics of your divorce will be kept private between the divorcing couple and the neutral mediator.

How Long Does Divorce Mediation Take in Texas?

Texas has a minimum 60 day waiting period after filing for a divorce before it can be finalized. This 60 day waiting period starts the day the original petition for divorce is filed with the court. This petition may be filed before mediation, during, or after.

If you are looking for the fastest timeline for your divorce, it is possible to have your divorce finalized on the 61st day after filing with the courts. It is important to realize every divorce case and mediation process is different.

While many couple may find they are able to work out all of the major factors of their divorce agreement in one mediation session, others may require more time. Additionally, mediation does not work for all couples making it difficult to predict exactly how long your divorce will take to go through.

How Does Mediation Work?

The mediation process starts once you and your spouse agree to use this method of alternative dispute resolution and choose your mediator. In most states, mediation is voluntary, so if either spouse disagrees and wants to follow the traditional divorce route, a court won’t force your spouse to engage in mediation. That said, there are some states where the court requires couples to demonstrate a good faith effort in mediation before scheduling additional court hearings.

Mediation will only work if both spouses are open to negotiating the terms of the divorce. Typically, you’ll set up an initial meeting between the spouses and the mediator. During the first meeting, each spouse will have the opportunity to explain expectations for the most common divorce-related issues, including:

• property division
• child custody and visitation
• child support, and
• alimony or spousal support.

This initial discussion will help the mediator gain an idea of how far apart you are and what areas need the most work.

Aside from statutory limitations of divorce, mediation doesn’t have a time limit. You can continue to mediate and work on your divorce judgment for as long as you, your spouse, and the mediator would like. Naturally, the longer it takes and the more meetings you have, the more expensive it becomes. You can decide to meet once per week, monthly, or at any other time. Most couples can resolve mediation with a few sessions, which typically costs thousands of dollars less than litigating your case in court.

Once you agree on all the outstanding issues, the mediator will draft a divorce settlement agreement for both spouses (and their attorneys) to review, sign, and present to the judge.

Divorce Attorney for Mediation in Houston

Attorney Dawn Renken is a practicing family law attorney in Texas, who specializes in divorce cases in Houston, TX. Attorney Renken received her mediation license through ADR Services International Inc. in 2014. Since this time, she has worked with a wide range of divorcing couples looking for alternatives to traditional courtroom divorces.

Divorce Mediator Serving Houston Texas

Renken Law Firm is here to help couples who wish to dissolve their marriage, whether that be through divorce or legal separation. We are here to help those who are ending marriages that have been contested, uncontested, or collaborative. We are fully prepared to help you navigate the specifics of your case. All marriages are different, making each divorce equally unique with its own set of needs that must be addressed. Contact our law office to explore your options moving forward, and find out how we can help you.

 

Renken Law Firm, PLLC
11500 Northwest Fwy #586
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 956-6767
Visit our website
View our Google Business Listing

Between the emotional pain, financial stress, and time consuming back and forth negotiation, it’s no secret that divorces can get pretty nasty. This is why more and more divorcing couples are deciding to pursue divorce mediation to dissolve their marriage. Divorce mediation works by assigning a neutral third party to work with both sides throughout their divorce case. The goal is to come up with an amicable divorce agreement that both parties are satisfied with.

Working with a Houston divorce mediator that is also a certified family law attorney can help to ensure you are exploring all of the necessary facets of a divorce agreement before finalizing any decisions. It is important to keep in mind that divorce mediation can only work if both parties agree to put their emotions aside and have calm, peaceful, and productive conversations about how to move forward with their divorce.

Attorney Dawn Renken is a practicing family law attorney in Texas, that specializes in divorce cases in Houston, TX. Attorney Renken received her mediation license through ADR Services International Inc. in 2014. Since this time, she has worked with a wide range of divorcing couples looking for alternatives to traditional courtroom divorces.

The Divorce Mediation Process

Although every mediator will have their own style, the general process of mediation is pretty consistent.

Before Mediation

Before the mediation, you might speak with the mediator or an assistant and provide background information about your marriage, your family, and the issues in your divorce. Or your mediator might have you fill out a questionnaire. The mediator might also ask you to write up a “mediation statement” outlining your basic information and the divorce-related issues you think need to be resolved.

The mediator might also ask you to sign an agreement that says that you’ll keep what’s said in the mediation confidential and that you understand that the mediator can’t disclose any of what goes on in your session in court.

During Mediation

Unless you do online mediation, mediation sessions are usually held in a conference room or comfortable office. Some mediators meet with everyone in the same room for the entire mediation, while others might break the spouses out into separate rooms for private discussions. For couples who have attorneys with them at mediation, the mediator might ask to meet privately with both sides before beginning the session.

After the mediator takes care of housekeeping issues such as the agenda for the session, you’ll probably get a chance to make a short statement about your situation, as will your spouse. After you’ve each had a chance to speak, the mediator might ask some questions to clarify or get more information. Your mediator might repeat or summarize your points to confirm that they understand what you’re trying to say.

The next step will be to figure out what issues you and your spouse really agree and don’t agree on.

The two most important things you can do to reach an agreement are to:

• -be open to compromise and
• -listen to (and try to understand) your spouse’s point of view.

Understanding your spouse’s position doesn’t mean you have to agree with it. But it’s possible that, once you’ve listened closely to your spouse’s concerns, you’ll have new ideas about how to resolve disagreements.

Completing the Agreement

If you finish negotiations and resolve some or all of your divorce-related issues, the mediator will write an agreement and, in many cases, a parenting schedule or parenting plan. Your settlement agreement will include only the topics that you resolved during mediation. (If you aren’t able to agree on all the topics, you’ll have to either agree on the unresolved issues later or ask a court to decide them after a court hearing.)

Some mediators will help you file divorce your paperwork with the court; others won’t. (You’ll want to ask potential mediators about the scope of the services they provide.)

If the court approves your settlement agreement, the agreement will become part of the final divorce decree. You can then enforce the terms of the settlement agreement just as you would any other order from a court.

Divorce Mediator Serving Houston Texas

Renken Law Firm is here to help couples who wish to dissolve their marriage, whether that be through divorce or legal separation. We are here to help those who are ending marriages that have been contested, uncontested, or collaborative. We are fully prepared to help you navigate the specifics of your case. All marriages are different, making each divorce equally unique with its own set of needs that must be addressed. Contact our law office to explore your options moving forward, and find out how we can help you.

 

Renken Law Firm, PLLC
11500 Northwest Fwy #586
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 956-6767
Visit our website
View our Google Business Listing

What Is Divorce Mediation?

For couples that have come to the decision together to divorce, mediation provides an alternative method than traditional courtroom divorces. Mediation involves a neutral third party: the mediator. The mediator works to help both spouses work through divorce issues and communicate while trying to make decisions that impact their futures.

Divorce mediation has become increasingly more popular because it is private, affordable, and allows both parties to have more control over the final outcome of their divorce agreement. Divorce mediation is a great option for divorcing couples where both parties are willing to put their emotions aside and work together to amicably end the marriage.

Family law attorney, Dawn Renken is a licensed mediator who can provide helpful legal advice throughout your divorce case. This includes resolving disputes, creating a child custody schedule, settling on child support payments, property divisions, and much more.

Why Choose to Mediate Your Divorce?

Although judges often order divorcing couples to participate in mediation before going to trial, you have the option of mediating on your own—either before you file for divorce or at any time after. Mediating your divorce has a lot of advantages over litigating it (fighting it out in court).

• Cost. Mediation is much less expensive than a trial.
• Settling the case. Most mediations end in settlement of all of the issues in the divorce.
• Confidentiality. Mediation is confidential, with no public record of what goes on in your sessions.
• Freedom. Mediation allows you to arrive at a resolution based on your own ideas of what is fair in your situation, rather than having a solution imposed upon you based on rigid and impersonal legal principles.
• Advice still available. You can go to mediation and still choose to have a lawyer give you legal advice.
• Control. You and your spouse—not the court—control the process.
• Communication. The mediation process encourages communication between you and your spouse, helping you avoid future conflicts.

Successful mediation makes the rest of your divorce easier: Because you’ve done all the hard work of hammering out the details in the mediation, you can file an “uncontested” divorce. Uncontested divorces are usually less expensive and faster than litigated divorces (divorces where the couple battles in court).

With an uncontested divorce, you’ll save money on attorneys’ fees and the costs of going to trial. Also, many courts fast-track uncontested cases because everything has been worked out in advance, meaning that a judge will be able to finalize your divorce faster than if you’d gone to trial.

There are many reasons that make divorce mediation attractive to couples but it is not for everyone. In order to have a successfully mediated divorce, both parties must be willing to work together and compromise in a civil exchange to come to an agreement.

Reaching an amicable divorce can be difficult in relationships where spouses do not share similar goals or ideas about property division, child custody, or other important aspects of their divorce. Additionally, in situations where emotions are high and discussions are strained, mediation may not be the most efficient manner to reach a divorce agreement.

There are other options such as collaborative divorce, arbitration, and of course litigation for couples that mediation does not work for. Contact us today to get the answers you are looking for about divorce in Houston, TX and surrounding areas.

Experienced Family Law Attorney in Houston, TX

Our team proudly serves the Greater Houston area. All marriages are different, making each divorce equally unique with its own set of needs that must be addressed. Our team is dedicated to helping you and your family move forward without legal matters complicating your life. Contact our law office to explore your options for traditional marriage divorce and common law divorce, and find out how we can help you resolve any legal problems you are currently facing.

 

Renken Law Firm, PLLC
11500 Northwest Fwy #586
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 956-6767
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At Renken Law Firm, we strive to provide fair and inclusive legal services to every member of our community. Which has been reflected by OutSmart Magazine voting Renken Law Firm One of the Best Law Firms in Houston, two years in a row. One of the primary services we provide is divorce mediation for queer couples throughout the city.

What is Divorce Mediation?

In divorce mediation, you and your spouse meet with a trained, neutral mediator to discuss and resolve the issues in your divorce. Mediation sessions often take place in an informal office setting, but you might also be able to go through your mediation online.

A mediator can help you reach agreement on the issues you and your spouse need to resolve in order to finalize your divorce, such as child custody, child support, and property division. Mediators don’t make decisions or offer legal advice, but rather serve as facilitators to help spouses figure out what’s best for their situation.

When spouses reach agreement through mediation, most mediators will draft (and possibly file with the court) a divorce settlement agreement.

How Does the Process Work?

The mediation process is flexible and can be adapted to the needs of the couple getting a divorce. Sometimes a couple in the middle of litigation may decide to try (or may be required by the court to try) mediation to resolve their case before going to trial. In such a case, the parties likely already have attorneys and the information they will need to mediate, and they may spend an entire day in mediation trying to resolve all their issues fully and finally.

Other couples may consult a mediator on their own to help them divorce without consulting with attorneys first. In such a case, the couple and mediator are likely to meet in a series of mediation sessions, usually one to two hours long. That process could look something like this:

• First meeting: The couple and the mediator identify the issues in the divorce case that need to be discussed and the order in which they will be discussed. They then decide what information needs to be gathered and shared. Between the first and later sessions the couple gathers all relevant financial data, or, if necessary, the opinions of experts such as appraisers or accountants. These materials are treated with the same care and concern as they would see in an adversarial divorce process.
• Further Meetings: Discussions revolve around how to compromise on the various issues in order to meet the needs of both parties. The mediator assists by providing information about the court system and common ways divorce issues are resolved in a divorce settlement.
• The Agreement: When an agreement has been reached on all issues, the mediator drafts the agreement for review by each of the parties and their attorneys.

 

How Do You Complete Your Texas Divorce After Successful Mediation?

After you’ve signed a mediated settlement agreement, the final divorce paperwork will have to be prepared and filed, including:

• the proposed final divorce decree, and
• a motion to enter a judgment based on your agreement.
• Your lawyer can do this for you, if you have one. Some mediators might also be able to help file the paperwork.

When your mediated settlement agreement meets the requirements discussed above (including the statement that it can’t be changed), Texas law says that you are entitled to a final divorce decree that follows the terms of the mediated settlement. That’s true whether the mediation took place before you filed for divorce or during the divorce proceedings.

This rule has only two exceptions. The first is if the judge finds that the settlement was illegal or resulted from fraud, duress, or coercion. The second exception is if the agreement isn’t in a child’s best interests, and either:

• a spouse’s decision-making was impaired due to being a victim of domestic violence, or
• the agreement allows unsupervised access to a child by a parent with a history of physical or sexual abuse.

Unless one of those circumstances applies, the judge may not refuse to enter a divorce decree based on what a mediated settlement agreement says—even if the judge doesn’t believe it’s fair or in a child’s best interest.

It’s worth pointing out that these Texas rules on mediated settlement agreements do not apply to agreements that spouses reach outside of mediation, on their own or through their lawyers.

Your divorce will be final after the judge signs the final decree. The judge may not sign the decree until at least 60 days after you filed the initial divorce papers, except in certain cases involving family violence.

Inclusive Family Law Attorney in Houston, TX

Our team proudly serves the Greater Houston area. All marriages are different, making each divorce equally unique with its own set of needs that must be addressed. Our team is dedicated to helping you and your family move forward without legal matters complicating your life. Contact our law office to explore your options for traditional marriage divorce and common law divorce, and find out how we can help you resolve any legal problems you are currently facing.

 

Renken Law Firm, PLLC
11500 Northwest Fwy #586
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 956-6767
Visit our website
View our Google Business Listing

When people hear the term “divorce mediation” they often wonder “Is divorce mediation the same as couples counseling?” It is important to make the distinction between the two because mediation is not counseling.

Mediation is a tool to help make the divorce process easier, quicker, and more affordable for both spouses. Mediation is not intended to help couple’s resolve issues and stay married. Your mediator is there to ensure both parties are working together, maintaining a calm and collected demeanor, and that neither party is using bully tactics to get there say in the divorce agreement. Your mediator works to ensure both parties are being heard and will help to navigate your discussions into productive places so you can stay on track and come to an amicable divorce settlement.

Stages of Mediation

Many people think that mediation is an informal process in which a friendly mediator chats with the disputants until they suddenly drop their hostilities and work together for the common good. It doesn’t work this way. Mediation is a multi-stage process designed to get results. It is less formal than a trial or arbitration, but there are distinct stages to the mediation process that account for the system’s high rate of success.

Most mediations proceed as follows:

• Stage 1: Mediator’s opening statement. After the disputants are seated at a table, the mediator introduces everyone, explains the goals and rules of the mediation, and encourages each side to work cooperatively toward a settlement.
• Stage 2: Disputants’ opening statements. Each party is invited to describe the dispute and its consequences, financial and otherwise. The mediator might entertain general ideas about resolution, as well. While one person is speaking, the other is not allowed to interrupt.
• Stage 3: Joint discussion. The mediator might encourage the parties to respond directly to the opening statements, depending on the participants’ receptivity, in an attempt to further define the issues.
• Stage 4: Private caucuses. The private caucus is a chance for each party to meet privately with the mediator. Each side will be placed in a separate room. The mediator will go between the two rooms to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each position and to exchange offers. The mediator continues the exchange as needed during the time allowed. These private meetings comprise the guts of mediation.
• Stage 5: Joint negotiation. After caucuses, the mediator might bring the parties back together to negotiate directly, but this is unusual. The mediator usually doesn’t bring the parties back together until a settlement is reached or the time allotted for the mediation ends.
• Stage 6: Closure. If the parties reach an agreement, the mediator will likely put its main provisions in writing and ask each side to sign the written summary of the agreement. If the parties didn’t reach an agreement, the mediator will help the parties determine whether it would be fruitful to meet again later or continue negotiations by phone.

 

Is Divorce Mediation Right for You?

While divorce mediation is a great solution for many couples looking to have an affordable and private divorce, it is not the right fit for everyone. Even if you ultimately decide mediation is not the process you wish to use when finalizing your divorce, it can be a helpful tool that allows you the ability to work with a neutral third party to discuss important factors in your divorce.

If you and your spouse are unable to communicate in a calm and productive manner or you are unable to meet in the middle on serious divorce issues, mediation may not work for you. Remember divorce mediation is not the same thing as couples therapy. Call us today to learn more about the mediation process and to get legal advice for your divorce.

 

Affordable Divorce Mediation in Houston, TX

Our team proudly serves the Greater Houston area, including but not limited to Brazos County, Cypress, Fort Bend County, Galveston, Houston Heights, Houston, Humble, Katy, Kingwood, Memorial Houston, Montgomery County, Montrose, Richmond, Rosenberg, Spring, The Woodlands. All marriages are different, making each divorce equally unique with its own set of needs that must be addressed. Contact our law office to explore your options moving forward, and find out how we can help you.

 

Renken Law Firm, PLLC
11500 Northwest Fwy #586
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 956-6767
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