Divorce and Mediation in Tarrant County

Divorce is a process that brings on feelings of fear, anxiety, uncertainty, and loss of control.  There is the fear of living by yourself, being responsible for all of the monthly bills, and often times becoming a single parent.  Anxiety can become heightened when you and/or your spouse have accumulated credit card bills and other debt.  Uncertainty and loss of control go hand-in-hand in that you have not been through the process of divorce and allowing a judge to make a decision (or more like “decisions”) allows one person (who does not know YOU), to make very crucial decisions about your life (and the life of your child[ren]).

You may be asking yourself; "what can I do," "I must be able to have some say."  You are correct! 

The first step is to hire an attorney that you can trust. Make certain that you are comfortable in communicating with your lawyer.  They are your advocate! 

It is also important to understand that your attorney (if their practice is solely dedicated to family law) handles divorces on a daily basis.  They are familiar with the psychology of how you and your spouse react to offers and the negotiation process.  With that being said, your attorney should be able to give you a good idea of what the outcome of your divorce would be if your case goes to trial.

Mediation is one of several options to avoid taking your case to court to have a stranger (the “judge”) decide how your assets and debts will be divided, where your children will reside, and which parent pays child support.

The mediation process is simple and effective.  The following is what you can expect:

1.  You and your attorney will be in one room, your spouse and their attorney are in a separate room.  You will not see each other during the process (unless you choose to do so).
2. A mediator (who is usually a former judge or an attorney) shuttles between the two rooms throughout the day to help the two of you reach a settlement.
3. The mediator does not represent either you or your spouse, they are a neutral third party that is very familiar with the judges and how those judges decide issues in family court.
4. Mediation can be scheduled for a one-half or full-day. 
5. Be prepared to come to the table with an open mind.
6. You may not be 100% satisfied with the process or the outcome.

Although you may not be 100% satisfied with the outcome of mediation, it is my experience throughout several years as an attorney that a client who settles their case in mediation is much happier than a client that takes their case before a judge.

If you are about to file for divorce, or are contemplating the process, please contact the Setzer Law Firm PLLC for a consultation.  An attorney will discuss the facts of your case including custody and child support issues.  We will also explain how mediation can help you in the settlement process.