Mediation Did Not Work For My Texas Divorce—What Are My Next Options?
Are you divorcing your spouse in Houston? Did you already try mediation? You may be wondering what options to have left to try to resolve your divorce. Do not give up: It is important to put your focus into trying to find the best outcome for you and your family. Here, our Houston divorce attorneys highlight your three main options for moving forward if mediation did not work.
- Try Mediation Again—Most Likely With a New Mediator
Under Texas Civil Practices and Remedies Code Sec. 154.023, mediation is a fully voluntary process whereby parties try to settle their issue before an impartial mediator. If mediation did not work to settle your divorce, that does not mean that it can never work. Indeed, it is not uncommon for divorcing couples in Texas to try multiple mediation sessions. You can always try mediation again. It is an especially good idea if you made some tangible progress during the first mediation session. Depending on how well the process worked, you may want to consider selecting a new mediator.
- Keep Trying to Work Out a Settlement Agreement With Your Attorney
Even if formal mediation did not work for your divorce, that does not mean that you cannot work out a settlement agreement. You and your spouse always have the option to keep negotiations open on key issues, such as property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. You do not have to try to figure out everything alone. You and your spouse can continue to negotiate a divorce settlement with the guidance and support from an experienced Houston divorce lawyer.
- Prepare for Divorce Litigation
Most divorces are settled by the parties outside of court. That is to say that only a very small share of divorces in Texas are contested all the way through a full trial. Uncontested divorce settlements are far more common. That being said, litigation is a possibility in any divorce case. If mediation failed to produce successful results, you may need to prepare for litigation.
Most people want to avoid litigation for their Texas divorce. There are good reasons to avoid divorce litigation whenever possible—it can be time-consuming, costly, and high-conflict. Of course, there are plenty of circumstances in which parties need to litigate to protect their rights and interests. Still, it is always best to make a good faith effort to consider all options for settling your divorce.
Schedule a Completely Confidential Consultation With a Divorce Lawyer in Houston, TX
At Lindamood & Robinson, P.C., we are committed to providing superior legal guidance and support to our clients. Our Texas divorce lawyers have the professional experience you can trust. If mediation did not work for your divorce, we are here to help you find the best path forward. Contact us right away for a strictly confidential consultation. With a law office in Houston, we provide family and divorce services in Harris County and throughout Southeastern Texas.
