One Size Does Not Fit All
YOU are unique. Your FAMILY is unique. Your FINANCES are unique. Unfortunately, when facing a divorce, many couples go to court and end up with a very NON-UNIQUE settlement.
Mediation is the answer when you need a custom financial settlement or parenting plan tailored just for you. By working with a third-party neutral, you and your spouse have the opportunity to work through the issues and make the best decisions for your family. A Mediated Settlement Agreement is created by AGREEMENT and is not limited by the Texas Family Code.
An example of a financial settlement that differs from the Texas Family Code might involve alimony. Officially, alimony doesn’t exist in Texas. Per the Texas Family Code, spousal maintenance might be awarded for a specified length of time under very limited circumstances. However, through mediation, a couple can agree to “contractual alimony.” Very often, the earning power of one spouse is significantly less than the other and “contractual alimony” can be used to help maintain the living standard of the spouse who earns less, maybe for just a transitional period. Another scenario might be that the couple’s accumulated wealth is tied up in the equity of the home. “Contractual Alimony” might be used to provide resources for one spouse until the home is sold.
Custody and visitation (called conservatorship and possession in Texas) are additional areas where a custom plan really helps some families. 1st, 3rd, & 5th weekends aren’t practical for a parent who works on weekends. Parents who travel often for their work might not be able to comply with the Standard Possession Orders. It just makes sense for parents to be able to create a plan that fits their own needs.
Mediation works because the parties themselves create their own solutions. Divorce is stressful enough - make sure you and your spouse give yourselves the best chance for a workable outcome.
Mediate - Don’t litigate!