An amicable divorce is always preferable to a more contentious alternative whenever possible. Neither party wants to spend an unnecessary amount of time and effort battling it out in a courtroom.
Successful mediation requires a willingness to compromise with your soon-to-be ex-spouse, but it helps maintain a healthy family dynamic while also ensuring that both sides retain a certain level of control over the outcome without the need for the court to pass judgment. You can make the best decisions when settling divorce matters by understanding how mediation can benefit you every step of the way.
Child custody
When co-parents fight for child custody in court, it can be easy to lose sight of the child’s best interests. Mediation between parents ensures that both sides stay involved in their child’s upbringing and makes it easier to arrive at a functional parenting time schedule.
Asset division
Texas is a community property state, meaning that spouses share ownership of any property acquired by either spouse during the marriage. This property is subject to equitable distribution during a divorce, but mediation allows each party to advocate for their own priorities without court intervention.
Business ownership
The family business is a specific marital asset that is sure to be a focal point of contention between you and your spouse. It may become necessary to liquidate the business to easily comply with the equitable distribution process, but mediating a solution with your spouse makes it possible to maintain full ownership of the business by compromising on other marital assets.
It is often the case that a judge’s ruling on divorce or custody matters will not satisfy either party. Mediation is often the best course toward an outcome that both you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse can comfortably live with.