Mediation is the process which allows the disputing parties, together with the assistance of a neutral third person (acting as a facilitator), to isolate the issues in order to develop options, consider alternatives, and reach a consensual settlement that will accommodate the needs of both parties. The Mediator serves as the “middle person” in the dispute. The disputing parties are in control of their own outcome; they share the responsibility for making decisions that affect their lives. All persons involved in the dispute must consent to the use of Mediation.
Divorces cost a lot of money. In fact, according to one study by lawyers.com, Texas is the fifth most expensive state in which to get a divorce. The same study reveals that nearly three-fourths of all Texans retained the services of a licensed attorney to help with some aspect of their divorce. Unfortunately, those unable to pay for a lawyer are all too commonly forced to fumble through the Texas divorce process in the dark, with little to no information. This is especially a problem where a person lacks access to the internet.
With respect to cost, there are several factors that impact the total cost of a divorce in Texas. Generally, an uncontested divorce is much cheaper than a contested one. As a rule of thumb, the more disputed issues a couple has, the more they are going to spend paying someone else to resolve them.
For most divorcing couples involved in litigation, attorney fees make up the lion’s share of the costs. Factors that impact the cost of an attorney include the attorney’s level of experience, their hourly rate, and the number of hours required to resolve the case. Across the state, Texas couples spend on average about $260 to $320 per hour to secure the services of a lawyer. After factoring in the number of hours needed to resolve the case, Texans spend approximately $11,000-$13,000 on lawyer fees alone. Added to that, Texans spend about $1,400 on non-lawyer-related fees, such as court costs and expert witness fees (such as property appraisers and child psychologists).
Unlike traditional divorce lawyers, we have no financial incentive in taking your case to trial. We can’t. We are not attorneys. Nor can we give legal advice. Instead, our mediation services aim to reduce the cost of mediation for divorce and to help spouses realize that the other party is not out to get them. You don’t have to like each other, but you do need to work together. Our mediation services help divorcing spouses learn new constructive ways to communicate. This in turn reduces the chance of future disputes over child custody and other matters.
We love what we do. Our mediation services help couples overcome insurmountable differences to come to agreement for the benefit of all involved. Clients who work with us leave mediation empowered and with a renewed sense of hope for the future.
If you are interested in whether voluntary mediation is a fit for you and your spouse, contact us today for more information. In addition to family mediation, we also offer business mediation services. Schedule an appointment today or leave us a message on our website.
Mediation is a process that gives couples the option of avoiding the exorbitant costs of getting a contested divorce in Texas. Mediation aims for a win-win situation, benefiting both spouses.
The process proceeds with the spouses each going to separate rooms. A designated neutral third party (the mediator) then goes back and forth between the rooms facilitating good faith negotiations. When successful, the parties resolve their differences and settle upon mutually agreed terms with respect to how their property will be divided and how they will share parenting time with any minor children of the marriage.
Yes. Under the Texas Alternative Dispute Resolution Procedures Act, qualified mediators are those who adhere to certain ethical guidelines and complete at least 40 ADR training hours. In addition, for family law cases, mediators must have an additional 24 hours training in childhood development, family law, and family dynamics. If you need a custody mediator for your court-ordered family court mediation, our certified paralegal mediators are here to help.
Unlike traditional divorce lawyers, we have no financial incentive in taking your case to trial. We can’t. We are not attorneys. Nor can we give legal advice. Instead, our mediation services aim to reduce the cost of mediation for divorce and to help spouses realize that the other party is not out to get them. You don’t have to like each other, but you do need to work together. Our mediation services help divorcing spouses learn new constructive ways to communicate. This in turn reduces the chance of future disputes over child custody and other matters.
We love what we do. Our mediation services help couples overcome insurmountable differences to come to agreement for the benefit of all involved. Clients who work with us leave mediation empowered and with a renewed sense of hope for the future.
If you are interested in whether voluntary mediation is a fit for you and your spouse, contact us today for more information. In addition to family mediation, we also offer business mediation services. Schedule an appointment today or leave us a message on our website.
Mediation is confidential. All discussions during mediation are confidential and privileged. Generally, the mediator may not be compelled to testify as to any statements made by either party during the mediation process. While your final judgment is a public document filed with the Court to secure your divorce, your financial information and personal issues remain confidential as they are never filed in Court pleadings. However, there are some exceptions, such as what GSP&A call, the ‘Mediator’s Miranda Warnings’. We cannot keep the following confidential if a judge determines that disclosure of our private confidential discussions are necessary to prevent a manifested injustice, establish a violation of law, or prevent harm to the public health or safety: (1) Any threat – past or present – of violence, harm or worse to anyone involved in the mediation. (2) Commission of a criminal offense. (3) Any other exceptions that might be required by any organizations or authority (i.e. USPS, Government(s), corporations, court programs.
Mediation keeps your children from being in the middle. With the speed, confidentiality, and reduced costs of mediation, the divorce process is smoother and less likely to negatively impact your children. In mediation, you can try out custody arrangements and parenting plans to see if they work for you and your children before committing them to a formal, binding order of Court. Research shows that nearly 25% of the children of divorce are “at risk”— some experience issues in school, some may experiment with drugs, alcohol, or sex, or develop psychological problems. Mediation helps you put your children’s health, education, and welfare first.
Do the disputing persons need an attorney for mediation? Are attorneys allowed in Mediation?
You do not need an attorney for Mediation; however, you can have your attorney present. If you have an attorney you may still participate in Mediation. You can consult with your attorney for advice at any time during the Mediation process. Your attorney may review any agreement reached in Mediation before it is submitted to the Court. Your attorney may be personally present during any Mediation sessions with the consent of the parties.
How long does Mediation take?
It depends on the persons. Remember, you are in control of your time. The Mediator will set aside time for each session, which is normally from one to four hours per session and the sessions are scheduled based on days and times agreeable to the disputing persons and the Mediator. This is a voluntary process, unless you have been ordered by the court to attend Mediation sessions.
Who pays for Mediation?
Both parties usually share the costs of mediation.
HOURS
GSP&A offer the following rates for scheduled mediations. Except for the initial consultation, which is no charge, mediations are schedule for morning or afternoon. (Special circumstances after hours are also available):
HALF-DAY SESSIONS (FOUR HOURS)
Morning – from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Afternoon – from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
SIX-HOUR SESSIONS
From 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
*There are times when a complex divorce without attorneys may require modification to hours. If so, GSP&A will suggest a series of two-hour or four-hour sessions rather than one extended session.
A one-time, nonrefundable administrative fee of $100 is due from each participant or party upon receipt of invoice. This fee will be applied to the cost of the mediation fee. The balance of the total fee is due one weeks prior to the date of mediation. If mediation is canceled or rescheduled two or three business days prior to the mediation date, a $150 late cancellation fee will be due from the party or parties canceling or rescheduling the mediation. If mediation is canceled or rescheduled one business days prior to the mediation date, a $200 late cancellation fee will be due from the party or parties canceling or rescheduling the mediation. If mediation is canceled on the actual mediation date, the full mediation fee is due from the party or parties canceling the mediation.
Half-day session: $200 per participant or party
Six-hour session: $325 per participant or party
Full-day session: $450 per participant or party
Two-hour session: $150 per participant or party