| Why did the Court order me to Family Mediation at the Domestic Relations Office? | Top |
The policy of the State of Texas, and requirements of our Harris County Family District Court local rules, require that pending contested matters be referred to mediation. The Domestic Relations Office, in cooperation with the Family District Courts, provides mediation services to assist families involved in litigation.
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| What is Family Mediation? | Top |
Family Mediation is a process in which a neutral professional assists in identifying issues and resolving disputes between parties. Issues of child custody, visitation, and child support are frequently in dispute. The mediator helps the parties to communicate, assists the parties to identify their options (choices) and aids in the writing of the agreement.
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| What can I expect? | Top |
| Once your case is referred to the Domestic Relations Office, which can be by either court order or a written agreement, you visit our Intake Office on the Second (2nd) Floor of the Family Law Center at 1115 Congress. The Intake Investigator will review your case to determine if it is appropriate for mediation. After your case has been evaluated, you will be given directions to our main office a few blocks away, where the mediation will be conducted.
Mediation is offered Monday through Friday, and, if agreeable to all parties, may take place on the same day as your Court referral. Before mediation begins, an orientation is given that consists of:
1. a detailed description of the process, and
2. a presentation of nationally recognized video "Don’t Forget the Children"
Mediation usually last four to eight hours. If an agreement is reached, the mediator will reduce it to writing and present it to the parties and attorneys for review and submission to the Court.
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| Who will Mediate my case? | Top |
Qualified, trained professionals on staff mediate cases referred to the Domestic Relations Office. Staff attorneys mediate cases involving custody, child support and marital property division. Family Court Investigators with a degree in Social Sciences mediate temporary custody and visitation.
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| Does my Attorney need to be there? | Top |
If an attorney represents you, the attorney must be there in order for you to have a signed binding agreement.
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| What if no Resolution is achieved through Mediation? | Top |
Not all cases can reach resolution through mediation. Sometimes, the parties are not able to reach an agreement and must go before the Court for a hearing. Mediation is not a substitute for a hearing before a Judge. It is an option to setting a dispute.
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