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1) Where mediation fits in a Texas divorce case
In many Texas divorce matters, mediation occurs after the case is filed and the parties have exchanged enough information to negotiate meaningfully, but before a final trial. A court may refer (order) a case to mediation under Texas ADR statutes, and parties can also choose mediation voluntarily. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code, Chapter 154
Practical takeaway: Ask your attorney what your county court typically expects before mediation (financial disclosures, inventories, appraisals, proposed parenting terms) so you are negotiating from a complete and accurate picture.
2) Before mediation: preparation and information gathering
Much of the timeline is shaped by preparation. Before mediation, parties commonly work through:
- Financial documents: income records, bank statements, retirement and investment accounts, real estate documents, and debt statements.
- Inventory and valuation issues: identifying what is community vs. separate property and whether any assets need appraisals or business valuation.
- Parenting-plan topics (if children are involved): conservatorship/decision-making, possession and access schedules, child support framework, and communication protocols.
- Temporary orders context: if temporary orders are in place, they often influence what is realistic in settlement negotiations.
Tip: Use mediation prep to avoid post-mediation delays
Tip: Bring a clean list of accounts, balances, and proposed division terms (plus supporting statements). Missing numbers are one of the most common reasons drafting the final decree stalls after a settlement.
3) The mediation session: what typically happens
Most divorce mediations follow a structured negotiation process. While each mediator has a different style, a typical session includes:
- An overview of the process, including confidentiality expectations under Texas ADR law. CPRC § 154.073 (confidentiality)
- Each side identifying key priorities and disputed issues (property division, support issues, parenting terms, and related items).
- Private caucuses (separate rooms) where the mediator carries proposals back and forth.
- Drafting settlement terms if agreement is reached.
Mediation is often less formal than court, but it is still a serious legal negotiation.
4) If you reach an agreement: documenting it correctly
If mediation results in settlement, the next step is usually a written mediated settlement agreement. In Texas divorces, a mediated settlement agreement can become difficult to undo if it meets statutory requirements (including prominent required language and signatures). Texas Family Code § 6.602
Clear drafting matters, especially for:
- Property division: who refinances, who pays which debt, deadlines for sale/transfer, tax issues, and transfer mechanics.
- Parenting provisions: exchange logistics, holidays, communication, and dispute-resolution steps.
Checklist: After mediation (if you settled)
- Confirm whether the agreement is a full settlement or partial settlement, and get a copy before you leave (or as soon as it is finalized).
- Confirm who drafts the decree and the target turnaround time for the first draft.
- List every transfer task (deeds, titles, account changes) and assign an owner and deadline to each.
- Identify items that require extra documents (for example, retirement division orders) and who prepares them.
- Calendar the final hearing/prove-up steps your county requires and what must be filed beforehand.
5) After mediation: what happens in court if you settled
When the case settles, the process typically shifts from negotiation to final paperwork and a brief uncontested court setting (often called a prove-up, though the exact procedure varies by county). Common next steps include:
- Drafting and reviewing the final divorce decree and any related orders.
- Collecting signatures and completing any required ancillary documents (for example, deeds, vehicle transfers, or retirement division orders where applicable).
- Setting the final hearing when the paperwork is ready and the court has availability.
Texas also has a general 60-day waiting period from filing to granting a divorce, with limited exceptions. Texas Family Code § 6.702
6) If you do not settle everything: partial agreements and next steps
Not every mediation ends in a full settlement. Parties may resolve many issues but remain stuck on one or two points (for example, a business valuation dispute or a parenting schedule detail).
If only a partial agreement is reached, next steps often include:
- Documenting what was agreed and narrowing what remains disputed.
- Targeted discovery or appraisals to address specific unknowns.
- Additional negotiations (sometimes a second mediation).
- Preparing for trial on unresolved issues under the court’s scheduling orders.
7) Common timeline drivers (what speeds up or slows down the process)
Several factors commonly affect how smoothly the post-mediation timeline goes:
- Document readiness: missing financial records or incomplete inventories delay meaningful settlement and decree drafting.
- Complexity: businesses, multiple properties, stock compensation, or disputed separate-property claims add steps.
- Parenting disputes: cases involving children may require more detailed planning and sometimes input from neutral professionals.
- Court scheduling: local dockets and procedural preferences vary by county.
FAQ
How long after mediation is a Texas divorce final?
It depends on whether you settled, how quickly the decree and related documents are drafted and signed, your county’s court availability, and whether the 60-day waiting period has already passed.
Is a mediated settlement agreement binding in Texas?
A mediated settlement agreement that meets Texas Family Code requirements can be difficult to set aside, which is why clear, complete terms matter before you sign.
What if we only settle some issues in mediation?
A partial agreement can still reduce cost and risk by narrowing what remains for discovery, hearings, or trial.
Next step: get help moving from mediation to final orders
If you want help preparing for mediation, reviewing a mediated settlement agreement, or moving an agreed case to final orders, contact our office.
Texas-specific disclaimer: This article is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Mediation and court procedures can vary by Texas county and by the facts of your case. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed Texas family law attorney.
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timeline” usually means a sequence of steps (preparing, mediating, documenting any agreement, and then finalizing or returning to the court track), not a single fixed set of deadlines. This guide explains what typically happens next and how to keep the case moving.”,
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