When Texas couples whose marriages are coming to an end can’t agree on the terms of their divorce but want to avoid having a judge make the decisions for them, mediation may be a good compromise. With mediation, a mutually agreed upon neutral third party works with the spouses to resolve the divisive issues. Mediation usually is less expensive and quicker than a courtroom battle.
Divorce mediation may not work for all couples, especially if there has been a history of abuse in the marriage. For the process to work, couples need to communicate clearly, and it may not work if one spouse fears reprisals from the other.
Mediation also may not work if spouses cannot be understanding of each other’s needs. These needs should be communicated clearly. When there is a lack of communication, mediation could drag on and not reach an end. Mediation also might not work if one spouse thinks the other is not being truthful about their financial picture. People in this positiion will need to do their own investigation. If not, they may have to hire an accountant to do it for them, thus upping the costs of the divorce.
Divorce mediation can go a long way toward solving issues related to ending a marriage. However, having a mediator guide a divorce settlement may not work for all couples, since each situation is different. If couples are unsure if mediation is the right court for them, they may want to consult with their respective family law attorneys who may be able to help them look at other ways to handle the process.