What is Mediation?

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a confidential process where people in conflict work with a neutral mediator to find solution that meet everyone's needs. Mediators do not give legal advice or make decisions - they guide communication so parties can create their own agreement. 

Mediation focuses on current and future interests. not blame. It is voluntary, cost-effective, and keeps decision-making in the hands of the parties. 

Our Services

We help resolve disputes in areas such as:

Our Mediators

Our mediators meet Texas legislative requirements and have specialized training in mediation and negotiation. They bring diverse backgrounds and styles, increasing the chances of resolution.

Family law attorney mediators handle family law cases, ensuring expertise in sensitive matters such as divorce and custody. We follow standards set by the Texas Legislature, State Bar of Texas, and professional mediation associations. 

Why Choose Mediation?

• Fair, confidential, and voluntary
• Allows parties to express concerns and control outcomes
• Focuses on interests, not just legal positions
• Cost-effective and faster than court
• Often results in high satisfaction and lasting agreements

How Mediators Help

Mediators:

• Listen and clarify issues
• Remain impartial
• Guide collaborative problem-solving
• Create a safe environment for discussion

FAQ

How Does Mediation Benefit the Parties In a Conflict?

• Mediation is orchestrated in a fair and even-handed manner in a relaxed yet business-like atmosphere by the mediator, to minimize stress and emotional trauma for all concerned.
• Mediation allows parties uninterrupted time to state positions and speak to the issues, and provides a platform to express emotions, frustrations and underlying concerns.
• Mediation provides for the individual's personal involvement by allowing him or her a chance to "process" the issues in their own minds and come to a personal resolution.
• Mediation allows the parties to retain control over the outcome; the mediator controls only the process, the parties control the settlement agreement outcome.
• Mediation focuses on feelings and interests rather than on just law and facts. The parties also settle disputes and comply with agreements because they want to, not because they are forced to do so.
• Mediation is future based; what can be done to resolve this dispute and possibly prevent such disputes in the future?
• Mediation is cost effective and costs significantly less than a jury trial. It is also less costly emotionally, than allowing a conflict to go unresolved.
• Mediation is expedient and timely.
• Mediation is a confidential and voluntary process.  The parties have nothing to lose and everything to gain -- it's win/win situation.
• Mediation generally produces a favorable outcome and a high degree satisfaction of all parties involved.

How Does the Mediator Help?

In mediation, a mediator guides participants through difficult conversations, providing a safe environment to discuss their conflict.  The mediator will:

• Actively listen allowing everyone an opportunity to build greater understanding. 
• Ask questions of all parties to clarify the issues.
• Be impartial and not takes sides, give advice, or make judgments. 
• Guide the participants through a collaborative problem-solving process during which participants can develop solutions that meet their needs. 

What Do I Lose if I try Mediation?

The simple answer is almost nothing. If an acceptable settlement agreement is not reached through mediation, the parties (and their attorneys) will have expended a minimum amount of time and money. If the parties cannot reach a settlement, they still have the option of seeking other legal remedies. You do not lose any of your options by participating in mediation. Further, the success or failure of a mediation session cannot always be measured solely by whether or not the parties "settle" their case. Rather, if significant progress is made, if issues are limited, if either, or both parties gain a more realistic view of the situation, then the mediation process has been successful.

How does Tarrant County Dispute Resolution secure qualified mediators?

Dispute Resolution relies heavily on the assistance of skilled, qualified mediators. Our experienced  mediators have obtained their 40-hour introductory certificate and most  have completed additional training as needed to become skilled that their craft. Dispute Resolution keeps records of all mediators as they are added to our directory of participating mediators. Mediators interested in joining this growing list, should complete the Mediator Application or contact the Dispute Resolution at 817-884-2257 or dr@tarrantcountytx.gov for further information.

Where are the mediation sessions held?

Dispute Resolution will secure rooms in the County courthouse or other buildings we have made arrangements with and will let you know the location when the mediation is scheduled. Virtual mediations via Zoom are also available.

When are the sessions held?

Mediation sessions are scheduled for either a ½ day session for up to four hours. Mediation sessions are normally scheduled at 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. 

How are mediators selected for cases?

Mediators are selected according to the mediator’s area of expertise, availability.

Is there a rescheduling or cancellation policy?

Dispute Resolution reschedules cases if we are notified in a timely manner. A confirmation email is sent prior to your session for this very reason. If your mediation has to be rescheduled, please contact Dispute Resolution  at 817-884-2257.

In consideration of their time and that of all parties concerned, please notify Dispute Resolution at least 48 hours in advance if you are unable to attend the session.

What if we don’t reach an agreement?

If no agreement is reached, parties with court cases have the option of pursuing the remedy in court. In court cases, a Mediation Status Report will be sent to the Courts advising the result of mediation (settled or not settled) so the court can schedule a trial or hearing. Discussions during mediation are considered confidential and cannot be used against you in court.