Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process that has become a requirement in most family law cases. A mediator is a neutral third-party who helps facilitate the settlement negotiations between the parties. Generally, one party and that party’s attorney stay in one room; the other party and that party’s attorney stay in another room; and the mediator goes between the rooms. The parties can conclude the mediation with a Mediated Settlement Agreement (“MSA”). This is an irrevocable settlement agreement that is filed with the court. Either party can seek a final judgment on the MSA and have a decree or final order entered.

Can you mediate prior to filing for divorce?

Mediation most often occurs toward the end of a case. The parties may have been through one or more hearings; conducted extensive discovery; attended depositions; and were probably set for final trial. Can mediation occur prior to even filing

A common question in a divorce is who gets to keep the pets. Whether it be a dog, cat, parrot, fish, bearded dragon, or snake, most pets are considered members of the family. There is no doubt that many people will advocate for their rights as a pet parent. But is there a required possession schedule so that each person has continued rights to visit the pet? In Texas, the answer is no.

Pets are property in Texas

Texas law treats animals as property. Beginning in 1858 with the Texas Supreme Court case of Howard v. York, Texas established that, not only are animals property, but they are characterized as either separate property or community property. Howard v. York, 20 Tex. 672 (Tex. 1858). Texas case law continued to develop and addressed that when an animal increases in value, the characterization of the value is the same as

In a Texas divorce, there are several issues that are unique to considering a business as an asset in the property division. The normal property division issues of identification, characterization, valuation, and division each have intricacies for businesses that need to be considered.

Addressing the type of entity (corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship) is important because the rules for a Texas divorce differ depending on the type of entity.

Determining the date of formation of the business entity may be crucial to the characterization as either separate property or community property.

Any changes in the formation of the entity during the marriage could change the characterization and are an important factor to note.

And, vital to any business operating during a divorce is the question of how to continue to operate the business without suffering a devaluation of the interest while the divorce proceeds. The day-to-day operation issues and protecting the

Today I presented on The Anatomy of Trial Preparation — a free continuing legal education on Facebook for Texas Lawyers. Want to watch my live presentation, click here.

What is the difference between “getting ready” for trial and “preparing for trial”? To me, the difference is in evaluating and planning strategy for all of the eventualities that could come up. This is playing the chess board in advance of trial. I love the show Queen’s Gambit. Remember how she played through the games on the ceiling while she laid in bed? This is the kind of preparation that I’m talking about.

The first step in preparation is to prepare an outline of the issues and method of proof involved in the case. While this step may start early on during the case, usually it is not super effective until much of the