What Is the Role of a Mediator in a Texas Divorce?

 Posted on August 14, 2024 in Divorce

Mediation is a popular and effective way to get divorced. Approximately 80 percent of couples who attend divorce mediation reach settlements, saving themselves large amounts of time and money that might have been spent on drawn-out court battles. Mediation has proven so successful, in fact, that judges often order couples to participate in divorce mediation before hearing the case.

The divorce process has many parts that provide many opportunities for disputes, which are often resolved with the help of a mediator. This article will focus on how mediation can help divorcing couples, the role of a mediator, and how to contact a Texas divorce mediation attorney.

What Is Mediation?

Mediation is a type of alternative dispute resolution, which means resolving a dispute outside of court. It is a private process in which both parties negotiate with each other through a mediator. Mediation has several advantages over litigation:

• It can be less time-consuming
• It is often less expensive
• It allows the parties to control the outcome by tailoring solutions that best accommodate both spouses

Divorcing parties are not required to bring attorneys to mediation, but doing so is often a great advantage.

What Is the Role of a Mediator?

A mediator is a neutral third party who is certified in mediation and conducts the mediation process. Mediators are often former judges or attorneys themselves and are trained to help opposing parties reach a compromise.

In mediation, the mediator first meets with both parties together and explains the process. After hearing the facts of the case and each side’s arguments, the mediator places each party in a separate room and alternates between them. The mediator’s goal is to help the parties settle whatever issues are in dispute. Once a settlement is reached, the mediator drafts an agreement for both parties to sign, after which it becomes legally binding.

How Does a Mediator Become Certified?

Mediators must pass a rigorous process to receive their certification. They begin with a 40-hour intensive training program that covers the basics of mediation. Topics covered in the training program include negotiation strategies and tactics, ethical considerations, and communication techniques.

Once this is complete, the candidate must undergo another 24-hour advanced training program focusing on subjects such as family law, child development, and family dynamics. The candidate then must conduct at least 200 mediations or 1,000 hours of mediation.

After successfully completing all of these steps and an application, a person may be certified as a mediator by the Texas Mediator Credentialing Association. Mediators must continue to undergo at least 15 hours of continuing education annually and conduct a minimum of 150 hours of mediation or 25 mediations each year.

Contact a Parker County, TX Divorce Mediation Attorney

Bringing your attorney to mediation can be very beneficial. Bringing a Palo Pinto, TX divorce mediation lawyer who is a certified mediator herself can be the key to achieving the best outcome possible. Kary Key has been a certified family law mediator since 2006 and is ready to vigorously protect your interests throughout the mediation process. Call The Law Offices of Kary L. Key at 817-599-6969 today.