Not all divorces end in contentious legal battles, and just because you’re required to go to mediation isn’t an indication that your divorce process is unusually adversarial. Sometimes, there are just one or two sticking points that can’t be resolved easily. When the parties to a divorce can’t agree to a settlement through their attorneys, state law requires that they attend mediation prior to the next option, which is divorce court.

During mediation, you, your spouse, and if you’re represented by counsel, your attorneys will meet with an impartial third party to discuss the unresolved terms of your divorce. The mediator is usually a retired judge or an attorney who is not connected with either or your lawyers. Texas law defines the role, responsibilities and requirements of a divorce mediator. Mediators are required to be current on the laws governing divorce and child custody and to attend training courses.

There are multiple steps to the Texas divorce process, but by law, you must attend mediation before taking a divorce case before the courts. The following are the steps involved in getting a divorce in Texas:

1. You or your spouse files the original petition with a Texas family court.
2. The respondent (the one who didn't file) has 20 days to file an answer to the petition.
3. You and your spouse will request and provide information during the discovery phase.
4. Once you and your attorney have examined all of the information, you can begin negotiating. If you can agree on terms, one of the lawyers can produce an agreed decree of divorce to present to the courts.
5. If you can't agree on terms, you must attend mediation before appearing in court.
6. Even if you've attended mediation, the divorce court judge can order you to return to mediation before settling your case.

Mediation can be an effective way to make sure that you get what you’re expecting in a divorce settlement and it can help ease the way through the process. At the Law Office of Scott D. Reiner, PLLC, we represent spouses who are seeking divorce in Houston and provide guidance during mediation. To schedule an appointment with family law and divorce attorney Scott Reiner, call our Houston law officer today.