Contents
Why Mediation is a Crucial Step Before Your Texas Temporary Orders Hearing
Divorce is a difficult and emotional process, and it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to making legal decisions that will affect the rest of your life. In Texas, one of the first steps in a divorce case is obtaining temporary orders to help maintain stability and order during the pending divorce process. But before you go before a judge for your temporary orders hearing, there is another important step that you should take – mediation.
What is Divorce Mediation?
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that allows couples to come together with the help of a neutral third party to reach agreements on issues related to their divorce. While it may seem like an unnecessary step before your temporary orders hearing, many benefits to mediation make it a crucial part of the divorce process.
Benefits of Mediation Before Temporary Orders Hearing
Time and Cost Savings
One of the main reasons couples must attend mediation before their temporary orders hearing in Texas is that it can significantly cut down on the time and costs associated with going to court. When couples cannot agree on issues related to their divorce, they usually end up in court, where a judge will make decisions for them. This can take months or even years, depending on the case's complexity and the court's availability.
On the other hand, mediation can often be completed in just a few sessions, which means that couples can reach agreements more quickly and avoid the lengthy court process. This saves money on legal fees and court costs and allows couples to move on with their lives sooner rather than later.
Control Over Decisions
In addition to time and cost savings, mediation allows couples to control decisions affecting their lives. When a judge makes decisions for you, there is little room for negotiation or compromise. However, in mediation, both parties can voice their concerns and work together toward finding mutually beneficial solutions. This can lead to more satisfying outcomes for both parties and a less contentious divorce process.
Setting a Cooperative Tone
Another important reason for attending mediation before your temporary orders hearing is that it sets the tone for the rest of your divorce proceedings. Going through a divorce can be emotionally taxing, and it’s natural for tempers to flare and tensions to run high. By facing each other in a neutral setting and working through disagreements, couples can establish a more cooperative mindset that may carry over into future negotiations.
Foundation for Final Settlement
Furthermore, the temporary orders during mediation will often form the basis for the final divorce settlement. This means that if both parties can reach agreements during mediation, they are more likely to continue cooperating and coming to agreements. This can help streamline the divorce process and make it less stressful for everyone involved.
Mediation Process in Temporary Orders
What Happens During Mediation?
Now that we understand why mediation is so important before a temporary order hearing let’s discuss what happens during mediation. The goal of mediation for temporary orders is not to reach a final resolution on all issues related to the divorce; instead, it is to establish some rules during the pending divorce process. This includes child custody and support, spousal support, and property division.
Role of the Mediator
The mediator, a neutral third party trained in conflict resolution, will facilitate discussions between the couple and help them compromise on these issues. If an agreement is reached, it will be put in writing and submitted to the court for approval. If no agreement is reached, the case will proceed to a temporary orders hearing, where a judge will decide for the couple.
Future Mediation Sessions
It’s important to note that even if you attend mediation before your temporary orders hearing, you may still have to go through another round of mediation before your final divorce settlement is reached. However, the experience gained during mediation for temporary orders can make future mediation more successful and productive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mediation is a crucial step in the divorce process, especially before a temporary order hearing. Not only does it save time and money, but it also allows couples to maintain control over decisions that will affect their lives. Couples can establish a cooperative mindset by attending mediation, leading to more satisfying outcomes and a smoother divorce process. So, if you’re facing divorce in Texas, don’t overlook the importance of mediation – it may be the key to a more peaceful and successful outcome for both parties.