Preparing for Divorce Mediation
Divorce mediation provides a non-adversarial setting to resolve issues involving finances, property, division of assets, child custody and ongoing support. The mediator is a neutral third party trained to facilitate communication and help resolve disputes. Texas family court likes the mediation process because it frees up time and resources and generally moves cases forward more… Read More »
Second Marriage? Consider a Prenuptial Agreement
Regardless of your age, your chances of remarriage are good. After a first marriage, most people understand the realities of assets and liabilities and how they are split during a divorce. Assets developed and held after a first marriage are important to protect during a second marriage. There are compelling reasons to think about a… Read More »
Talk the Talk: Being Prepared for Mediation or Settlement Conversations
Whether you are at the outset of a divorce proceeding, or in the midst of it, taking time to understand how to present yourself effectively in mediation or settlement conversations is important. Part of my job as a divorce attorney in Houston is to offer you the avenue toward divorce that best suits your situation…. Read More »
I Think My Ex Is Hiding Assets: What Can I Do?
What you can do depends on where you are in the divorce process and whether you complete your divorce through mediation or litigation. During a divorce, your lawyer can use subpoenas to compel your ex to produce complete financial records. If he or she will not, the divorce court can hold him or her in… Read More »
Facing Divorce? Pros and Cons of Mediation
Mediated and litigated, “traditional” divorce lead to the same place: you end up separated from your spouse, you divide your assets, and you reach some sort of custody agreement for your children, if you have any. So what difference does it make if you get there through mediation or a litigated divorce? In mediation, you… Read More »
More About the Nature of a Binding Mediation Settlement Agreement
Thoroughly understanding the terms and conditions of a contract or any agreement is very important. For this reason, lawyers work to ensure that agreements contain no ambiguities. With a binding mediated divorce settlement, clearly written terms and full understanding are crucial. What happens if you realize later that you signed the agreement under the duress… Read More »
The Difference between Binding and Non-Binding Mediated Settlements
Mediation has certain merits and many couples successfully resolve their disputed issues through mediation. When signing a mediation settlement agreement (MSA), couples have two options. An MSA can be either binding or non-binding. This fact bears significant importance and is worth explaining. How a non-binding mediation agreement works Under the Texas Family Code, either spouse… Read More »
Arbitration for Divorce and Custody Issues
If you are having trouble resolving custody issues, arbitration is another available resolution option. As with mediation, sometimes the courts order couples to arbitration to resolve their differences. How is arbitration different from mediation? Unlike mediation, where the mediator acts as a neutral third party and is not allowed to give opinions, the arbitrator’s job… Read More »
Resolving Custody Conflicts Through Mediation
You can wind up in mediation to work out your disagreements with your spouse about child custody. The court can order you to mediation or you can choose it as an alternative to litigation. In fact, you can resolve divorce and all of its issues through mediation, if appropriate. The mediator’s role The mediator cannot… Read More »