Family law mediation

Divorce, custody, and the disputes that follow a decree.

Family cases are different from the commercial docket, and I treat them that way. The parties will still be dealing with each other after the decree is signed, often for years, and a settlement that only moves money rarely holds. I handled family law matters through the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program before I began mediating, and I bring the same discipline to these cases that I bring to any other: get the record straight, hear both people out completely, and reach terms that both households can live with.

What I mediate

Divorce

Property division, characterization and reimbursement claims, the family residence, retirement accounts and businesses, and spousal maintenance.

Children

Conservatorship, rights and duties, possession and access schedules, geographic restrictions, child support, and medical and dental support.

Modification

Changed circumstances in possession, support, or conservatorship after a decree or order, including relocation.

Enforcement

Support arrears, missed possession, and clarification of orders that have stopped working for either household.

Temporary orders

Agreements reached while a case is pending, to avoid a contested hearing and set the tone for the rest of the case.

Pre-suit

Couples who have decided to divorce and want to agree on terms before anyone files. Counsel for each side is strongly encouraged.

How a family law session runs

Family law mediation is billed at $500 per hour, split between the parties, rather than at the civil flat rate. In person in the DFW area or by Zoom. A half day is usually enough for a single-issue modification; a divorce with children and a contested estate is a full day.

Separate rooms

Each party has a private room or Zoom breakout from the start if either prefers it, and always when there is a protective order or a history of family violence. Nobody is put in a room with the other side unless both agree. The intake form asks about this, and the answer is seen by me alone.

Counsel welcome, not required

Represented and self-represented parties both mediate here. I explain the process and the paperwork, and I make sure both people understand what they are signing. I do not give either side legal advice, and I will tell you when a question needs a lawyer.

Terms on paper

A mediated settlement agreement in a family case is binding when it meets the requirements of the Texas Family Code (Sections 6.602 and 153.0071): a prominent statement that it is not subject to revocation, signed by each party and by any counsel present. We draft it in the room so nobody leaves without it.

Before we meet

Complete the family law intake form and return it to katie@kbwpllc.com. If sworn inventories have been exchanged, attach them. If there is a court order setting the mediation, send that too. Everything you send is confidential and is not shared with the other side without your permission.

Family Law Intake Divorce and SAPCR · Fillable PDF · 5 pages Download →

Fill it in on screen, save the PDF, and email it back. A self-represented party may complete it directly.

Have a family case that should settle before the final hearing?

Check a date → Email me