Temple, Texas Mediation Lawyer

Helping You and Your Spouse Resolve Disputes in an Amicable Way

Mediation is a tactic to resolve matters between family members when conflicts and disputes arise in emotional or challenging situations. It’s also commonly known and widely used in the business world. Attorneys with mediation skills or mediators intervene to help both parties reach a resolution related to spousal support, child support, parenting time and visitation, general decision-making about children, and property division.

Mediation is a positive resource that allows both parties to design their solution and reach a mutually beneficial agreement to avoid a costly trial and ongoing legal battle. It is a means to an end, though a hearing or trial will be set if an agreement cannot be reached.

There are six basic steps to mediation, including:

Introductory remarks
Statement of the problem by both parties
Information gathering time
Identification of the issue
Bargaining and generating solutions
Reaching an agreement

Dispute resolution offers a neutral third-party perspective and advantage to both parties, or the “30,000-foot view” you can’t see with so many obstacles in the way. Barina Law Group can help you focus on the bigger picture in divorce mediation or other family legal disputes.

Need a divorce mediation attorney in Temple, Texas? Call our office at (254) 274-2736 or complete an online form to schedule a consultation.

The Benefits of Divorce Mediation

Making the decision to proceed with a divorce is life-changing. For many, it is a stressful process, sometimes requiring them to go to court. Having to discuss these vulnerable aspects of your life, such as child custody and property division, only brings more stress. While it may seem overwhelming, there are options that provide individuals with more control and less stress in their divorce. This is known as divorce mediation, which involves a third-party mediator and the assistance of your divorce mediation attorney to prepare.

Below are just some of the many benefits of pursuing mediation over a contested divorce.

1. Negotiations

In traditional divorce litigation, you may find that you do not have the opportunity to negotiate specific aspects of your separation. However, the main premise behind the mediation process is to negotiate aspects of your divorce. From child support to alimony, you will be able to provide your stance on these components. For example, if you have any specific items or pieces of property that you feel should belong to you after the divorce, you can present that to the mediator. From there, you can negotiate to reach a fair agreement.

2. Less Time & Money

Litigation requires multiple court appearances as well as exorbitant amounts of money. This alone adds stress to your divorce process, as you have to worry about how you will manage these finances alone. However, mediation can help save time and money for everyone involved. Thanks to a mediator and your divorce mediation attorney, you can avoid multiple court appearances, meaning no extensive court fees.

3. Preventing Stress

Along with saving time and money, mediation can also help prevent stress. It offers a less overwhelming approach to divorce, as you can enter your mediation sessions with an open mind. Your attorney can help you prepare for these sessions, acting as your guide through the process. The mediator will work with you in communicating with your ex-spouse, helping you reach the compromise that works best for everyone.

4. More Privacy & Control

When going through litigation, you will have to discuss the terms of your divorce in a public setting. Furthermore, many of the decisions will be left to the courts, leaving you with little control. In mediation, you will be able to negotiate as much as possible, giving you the control you need to make decisions that will impact your life. You will also have these negotiations in a private setting, avoiding public records and courtroom discussions.

5. Gaining Co-Parenting Skills

The mediation process will also positively impact your children. Not only will they not have to withstand the stressful litigation process, but you will also gain the skills needed for co-parenting. For example, when working with your ex-spouse to co-parent, negotiation and compromise will be necessary skills. By reaching agreements in mediation, you may find it easier to do so as a parent. This will set your children up for a much more positive experience overall, showing them that their parents are on the same page.

6. The Closure You Need

When going through a divorce, it is important to get the closure that you need. One chapter of your life is ending for another to begin. While it may be overwhelming, you can do so positively. Mediation allows you to gain the closure that you need, finalizing your marriage without the negative tensions that non-collaborative divorces can allow.

How Do I Prepare for Family Mediation?

The best way to prepare for family mediation is to focus on the end goal and mediation as the means of getting there. Many couples end up in mediation as they lose sight of what’s important, and Barina Law Group can help you stay the course when it feels impossible.

In family mediation, we advocate for you and your children, first and foremost, as our clients. As such, part of preparing for mediation is considering your interests and non-negotiables before we get to the bargaining or negotiation stage.

During our initial consultation, you’ll learn the mediation steps, including logistics and operational activities such as drafting a mediation memo, filing, and preparing a first offer for your spouse to consider.

We will also cover your goals for mediation, what would help you achieve them, and possible obstacles you need to overcome. As your mediation attorney, part of the preparation includes tips and advice regarding mediation etiquette or what not to do in mediation, including finger-pointing, adding new information to sway the decision-making process, or demanding more money (or fill in the blank here) with no solid reasoning.

We try to remove the tension and focus on solving the problems at hand as best we can. During our time together, we ask that you write down your concerns and continuously review your goals to ensure we cover the essential details. Consider Barina Law Group for your family mediation needs.

In What Circumstances Do I Need Divorce Mediation?

Mediation is a personal choice, though it’s often evident when two people need an alternative dispute resolution. People with strained relationships, poor communication, and difficulty making decisions are usually appropriate reasons to consider an alternative method in divorce proceedings or working through child support, alimony, or other family law matters.

Sometimes couples divorce, thinking they will have an amicable breakup. In many situations, both parties agree on mediation as the only thing they agree on as they can’t move past their personal issues to resolve anything. In other situations, two spouses might use mediation to prevent any problems during the divorce to avoid costly legal litigation and trial.

There’s mediation when things don’t go as planned or a different solution is needed.

Our attorneys have experience resolving disputes and conflicts, and the attorney you choose to help you mediate will significantly impact the overall process and result. We help you plan and prepare for mediation and ensure your voice is heard and your needs are met.

Anytime there’s resistance in communication, solving a problem, or simply working with the other spouse, mediation can help the relationship once the divorce is over, as well as during the process of resolving the marriage.

Contact our law firm to learn more about mediation services in divorce proceedings and how you and your spouse can benefit. Schedule time with our Temple, Texas attorneys through our initial consultation: (254) 323-5506.

Can I Refuse Mediation?

Mediation is voluntary, not a legal maneuver meant to force decisions or an agreement between two people. The purpose of mediation, however, is to help both parties reach a mutually beneficial agreement regarding tough decisions when other means no longer work.

Mediation can save couples thousands of dollars in unnecessary legal fees, and there are many other benefits to consider:

It’s fair and neutral and run by a neutral third party.
It helps avoid trial and litigation.
It’s private.
It improves communication between you and your spouse.
It often uncovers multiple issues that need fixing.
It saves time in the long run.

Both parties must be willing to find a resolution together, though sometimes, a spouse may not be willing or ready. It’s common in divorce for one person to want a divorce while the other refuses. It can take time and space to come to terms with it, and refusing mediation might be a tactic to drag out the process.

Not participating in mediation could raise concerns in court, including with the judge, as they don’t appreciate their time being wasted. Hearings are expensive and meant for critical situations. Unsuccessful mediation will result in additional litigation costs.

Consult our lawyers with Barina Law Group and explore the benefits of mediation. Schedule an initial consultation and speak with a mediation attorney at your convenience: (254) 323-5506.

How Can a Temple, TX Family Law Attorney Help with My Dispute?

Disputes and conflict are a natural part of family law, and our legal experience is well-suited to help you resolve your issues, big or small, easy or complex. When two parties cannot agree, it’s time to consider the services of a mediation lawyer with Barina Law Group.

Using an experienced family law attorney can help you reach a resolution quicker and avoid some of the typical hang-ups related to divorce, child support, alimony, and other family law issues. This includes mediation when it’s necessary to prevent litigation and long-drawn-out battles that impact you and your children.

Barina Law Group will simplify the divorce process, clarify big decisions or offer solutions as issues arise, including mediation and other tactics to resolve the family law matter. Our approach will save you time, money, heartache, and frustration.

From divorce to child custody disputes and visitation schedules to enforcing legal agreements, modifications, and other family law matters, count on Barina Law Group for your legal case and our team of dedicated divorce mediation and family law attorneys.

Contact our firm and schedule an initial consultation to learn more about our legal representation and how it can help you succeed in your case. Contact us today: (254) 323-5506.