Denton Mediation Attorney

Experienced Mediation Attorneys in Denton, Texas

It is important to consider the option of a joint settlement instead of going to trial. Trials can be time-consuming and costly, and they leave the outcome of your post-divorce life in the hands of a judge. To have more control over the decisions that will shape your future, it may be beneficial to seek the assistance of a professional mediator. A mediator is trained in dispute resolution and can help you and your spouse reach an agreement. Our Denton mediation lawyer can help you determine if mediation is the best choice for your situation.

The objective of the lawyers at Denton Family Law in each case remains consistent – to assist every client with utmost integrity, aiding in the restoration of resilient lives and reinstating hope in situations where it seemed lost indefinitely. While they specialize in divorce cases, they identify as “family lawyers” who aim to bring back freedom, peace, and stability to deserving spouses and families.

For further details on our mediation services, please get in touch with us.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Mediation?

You and your spouse have the flexibility to reach an agreement at any point in time – whether it be prior to, during, or following the divorce process. Typically, there are two primary methods to reach an agreement. The first involves engaging in discussions with your spouse, along with your individual legal representatives, to negotiate and finalize an agreement. The second option is to proceed to court, where a trial will take place before a judge, and in certain instances, a jury. If a trial becomes necessary, the judge will adjudicate your disagreements and you will be bound by the final decision.

It is important to remember that judges are bound by the law and must make decisions based on the evidence presented in court. While they strive to be fair and impartial, they may not always have the time or resources to fully understand the complexities of your situation. This is why it is crucial to work with your attorney to present your case effectively and advocate for your interests.

A mediator acts as a neutral party who listens to the concerns and future plans of both parties after divorce, evaluates each party’s position, conveys their respective offers and agreements, and assists in reaching a mutual agreement. In other words, a mediator serves as a “facilitator.” The main objective of mediation is to achieve a legally binding and harmonious resolution between you and your ex-partner.

A mediator can come from various backgrounds such as accounting, law, or religious leadership. Nevertheless, a skilled divorce attorney who can offer wise counsel and a dose of reality when needed is typically the most suitable choice. This enables the mediator to delicately outline potential trial outcomes based on the specifics of your case. Different communities establish criteria for mediator education, ensuring that your attorney is well-versed in reputable mediators.

The Mediation Process

During mediation, both parties convene for one or a series of meetings to address disputed matters. Initially, the mediator will deliver their opening statements and endeavor to make everyone feel comfortable. Typically, the mediator will ensure that all participants understand that anything said during the mediation cannot be used in court later. Similar to attorney-client privilege, your communications and settlement offers are not admissible in court. Furthermore, you cannot summon the mediator at a later time to testify in your case. This meeting is strictly for the purpose of reaching a settlement. However, if you reveal during mediation that you have a new bank account, the opposing counsel can later subpoena that bank. Nonetheless, that information still needs to be disclosed.

Once the mediator has completed their introductions, the parties (either you or your attorney) will proceed to present the case. This allows your lawyer to present the facts without interruption as you both perceive them. Typically, after each party’s attorney has delivered their opening statements, the parties will be separated into different rooms. However, in more contentious cases, the separation may occur at the beginning of the process.

The mediator engages in shuttle diplomacy, moving between rooms to allow each party to express concerns they may not feel comfortable discussing in front of the other. For instance, one party may stress the importance of staying in the current home for the children’s education, while the other may argue that a new residence offers better educational opportunities. By facilitating communication and understanding each side’s perspective, the mediator aims to reach a compromise that satisfies both parties.

Once both parties have presented their arguments, the mediator will share specific information with the other party, with consent from each side, in order to facilitate reaching a resolution. A skilled mediator, particularly one experienced in divorce cases and knowledgeable about the consequences of litigation, can provide valuable insights on the potential outcomes of a trial for each party. It is remarkable how successful mediation can be, even in the most challenging divorce situations. The key strength of mediation lies in its voluntary nature, empowering the parties to take control of the settlement process.

Both parties have the opportunity to step back and consider any offers before agreeing to them. In a trial, your attorney presents your case, reviewing relevant facts, presenting evidence, and applying the law. The judge will then interpret the law and issue a decision. In mediation, you have more autonomy. You make the decision and are responsible for the outcome.

Avoiding Costly Legal Fees

Our lawyers frequently act as mediators and have successfully mediated cases on behalf of our clients. The hourly rates for mediation services are typically slightly lower than the rates for legal representation. For the most up-to-date rates for any of our lawyers to serve as a mediator, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our office. The cost of mediation is usually divided equally between the parties, although this is subject to their mutual agreement.

Neutral Mediators

Parties have the option to participate in mediation with or without legal representation. It is recommended that if you already have an attorney, you should have a thorough discussion about mediation with them prior to starting the process. When a mediator from Denton Family Law is involved, they do not represent either party as an attorney nor provide legal advice. Participants in mediation should solely rely on the legal advice given by their own independent attorney.

Schedule a Consultation With Our Denton Mediation Lawyer Today

Denton Family Law Group offers the expertise of our skilled Denton mediation lawyers to provide you with essential resources and legal guidance during the mediation proceedings. We aim to assist you in comprehending the available choices to ensure optimal decisions for both you and your children. Rely on our proficient mediation lawyers to assess your circumstances and lead you towards a favorable resolution that benefits all parties involved. Reach out to us today to arrange a consultation.