What is mediation,
and how does it work in Texas?

People hear the word mediation and picture a courtroom, a judge, and two lawyers arguing. That is not what mediation is. Not even close.

Mediation is a process where a neutral third party helps two sides of a dispute work toward a resolution they both agree to. No judge decides the outcome. No one wins or loses in a legal sense. The parties themselves control what happens, and the mediator's job is to help them get there.

I've been in conflict resolution in one form or another for 25 years. What I've learned is that most people who end up in a dispute don't actually want a fight. They want to be heard, they want a fair outcome, and they want to move on with their lives. Mediation gives them that chance.

How mediation works in Texas

In Texas, mediation is governed by Chapter 154 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Courts can order parties to mediate before a case goes to trial, and many do. But you don't have to wait for a court order. Anyone can choose mediation voluntarily at any point in a dispute, and in most cases that's the smarter move.

Here's what the process typically looks like at ResolveTogether Mediation.

First, a free consultation. Before anything else we have a 30-minute call to talk through your situation. I want to understand what's going on, what you're hoping to resolve, and whether mediation makes sense for your particular circumstances. Not every dispute is right for mediation, and I'd rather tell you that upfront than waste your time and money.

Then, intake. If we move forward, both parties complete a brief intake form. A 25% retainer secures the date, which is fully refunded if you cancel more than 24 hours in advance.

The session itself. Depending on the situation, we may start with everyone in the same room or meet with each party separately. I use both approaches depending on what the case calls for. Sessions run anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day.

If we reach an agreement. I prepare a written Mediated Settlement Agreement the same day. In Texas, a properly executed MSA is binding and enforceable, which gives everyone real certainty about the outcome.

If we don't reach an agreement. Everything said in mediation is confidential and cannot be used in subsequent legal proceedings. You've lost nothing by trying.

What kinds of disputes work well in mediation

The short answer is most civil and business disputes. Some of the most common cases I handle include business and contract disputes, workplace and employment conflicts, personal injury cases, construction disputes, neighbor and HOA disagreements, and debt and consumer matters.

What mediation is not well suited for is cases involving criminal conduct, active domestic violence situations, or situations where one party simply refuses to participate in good faith. Those cases exist, but they're the exception.

Why mediation makes sense financially

I'll be direct about this. Litigation is expensive. A business dispute that goes to trial in Texas can cost each side tens of thousands of dollars in attorney fees, court costs, and lost time. Mediation typically costs a fraction of that. At ResolveTogether Mediation, a half-day session is $500 per party. A full day is $1,000 per party. Compare that to what a single day of trial preparation costs with an attorney and the math is pretty clear.

Beyond the cost, there's the privacy factor. Court proceedings are public record. Mediation is completely confidential. For businesses especially, that matters a great deal.