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
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