If you’re in the middle of getting a divorce, you’ve just split up with your spouse or is ending a civil partnership, there are certain arrangements that you need to sort out. This is when a family law mediator can come in.

In today’s post, we’ll look at what this process is, what a trained mediator does, and how you can benefit from employing their services.

What Is Family Mediation?

This is the process where a professionally trained individual, which is referred to as a family law mediator, serves as an impartial, third-party who offers assistance for people with the following issues:

  • Child custody arrangements (including contact or residence for the children) after spouses break up.
  • Child maintenance costs
  • Division of assets
  • Different types of finances, such as debts, savings, residential, pension, etc.

A family law mediator can also help with other family law issues divorcing couples face, including children keeping in touch with relatives (in-laws, step-families, grandparents, etc.).

On top of those things, family law mediation is helpful when it comes to updating or modifying existing arrangements between divorced couples.

For instance, the needs of children change as they grow up. These changes may mean that former spouses may need to revisit child custody arrangements or finances.

If you go to a family court to sort out these issues, a judge will review the case. You will then be given a ruling that you may or may not agree with. How you feel about the court’s decision will be irrelevant since you will have to stick to the ruling provided by the court, even if you or your spouse (or both of you) are unhappy or dissatisfied about it.

However, when you choose to go with a mediator, you, along with your spouse, will have more control. The mediator’s primary responsibility is to find a middle ground between you and your former partner. In family law mediation, the mediator will find a solution or arrangement that works for the former spouses.

The mediator will then make sure that all parties (you and your former spouse) fully understand the agreement and explain how it can be legally binding. In many cases, mediation helps settle important issues between former spouses without having to go to court or attend a hearing.

How A Family Mediator Can Help

You can have more say in the matter about future arrangements.

Working with a mediator is not stressful, as compared to presenting your side before a judge and attending a hearing.

There should be less conflict between former spouses during the mediation process since the goal is to find a fair, middle ground that both parties can agree on.

The agreements made between former spouses can be modified easily (if both parties agree) as circumstances and situations change.

It’s more beneficial for the children involved.

With issues sorted through family law mediation, the situation becomes less damaging or upsetting to the children as they have a chance to maintain the important family relationships they have.

There’s also less anxiety and tension for all parties.

The family law mediation process is quicker and more affordable compared to lengthy, drawn-out court proceedings.

Texas Family Law Mediation

In the state of Texas, a mediator will identify the problems and the possible solutions to them. The goal is to obtain practical and feasible arrangements for the former spouses and any children involved.

Generally speaking, family law mediation is the ideal scenario. However, as every family case is different, it’s always better to meet with a mediator first before moving forward with any legalities.

If you are seeking a seasoned family law attorney, please reach out to our office. Our team is ready to discuss your case and offer solutions.