Texas Mediation Attorneys
Finding solutions to legal needs outside the courtroom
Finding yourself in need of legal services can be immensely stressful. Not only do you have the weight of your case on your shoulders, but you also face the possibility of ending up in court, which can result in additional expenses, delays, and stress. There are better options available to you, though.
Using mediation can not only decrease stress and expenses for legal matters but can also lead to better results due to its collaborative, solution-oriented nature.
If you’re having difficulty settling a legal dispute cooperatively, finding a time-sensitive solution without wasting inordinate amounts of money may feel impossible. Texas mediation attorneys can assist you in reaching a settlement without costly litigation or having to go to trial. Reach out to the mediators at Shann M. Chaudhry, ESQ., Attorney at Law, PLLC, to help you reach the resolution you need.
What Is Mediation?
Unlike alternative dispute resolution, where an arbitrator listens to both sides in a disputed legal matter and issues a binding decision, mediation involves negotiation between the parties to resolve an issue. An impartial individual, the mediator, manages communication and promotes reconciliation, making a mutually agreeable resolution more likely.
Mediation is not mandatory in Texas, but judges may require disputing parties in a case to attempt mediation before proceeding with a trial.
This is why consulting with experienced San Antonio, TX mediation attorneys is vital to your legal matter. Their knowledge of state law and ability to negotiate will prove crucial to the outcome of your issue.
Benefits of Using Mediation
Legal matters can disrupt your entire life, from impacting your ability to run your business to jeopardizing your finances and reputation. The risks can be substantial. Sometimes cases do not settle at mediation because the case has progressed to a point where attorneys’ fees, costs, and expenses incurred leave the litigants no choice.
Regardless, no one can represent what the fact finder (judge or jury) will rule. So you are taking a high-risk chance proceeding to trial.
Working toward a resolution with an experienced mediator can decrease these risks. A mediator with experience in relevant practice areas can deliver meaningful insight and guidance as to your options for a settlement. The benefits to your case go beyond expert representation and often include:
- Quicker negotiation outcomes
- Improved communication
- Better focus on the issue at hand and not emotions
- Less formality
- Cost-savings
- Relationship preservation
Regardless, no one can represent what the fact finder (judge or jury) will rule. So you are taking a high-risk chance proceeding to trial.
Working toward a resolution with an experienced mediator can decrease these risks. A mediator with experience in relevant practice areas can deliver meaningful insight and guidance as to your options for a settlement. The benefits to your case go beyond expert representation and often include:
- Quicker negotiation outcomes
- Improved communication
- Better focus on the issue at hand and not emotions
- Less formality
- Cost-savings
- Relationship preservation
With an experienced Texas mediation attorney, you may be able to reach the amicable solution you need. Whether you’re in the middle of a trust dispute or a client sues you for breach of contract, the mediation team of SMCE ESQ PLLC can make a difference at the negotiation table.
Another critical aspect of the mediation process is that it’s conducted privately and out of the public eye. Avoiding your legal matter being on public display and eliminating the pressure on your reputation and that of the other party can do wonders for negotiating a compromise or settlement.
Why Work with a Texas Mediation Attorney?
The experienced mediation attorneys at SMCE ESQ PLLC help clients reach compromises that benefit their best interests in complex dispute matters involving real estate, elder law, estate planning, trusts, and more.
Trust our San Antonio, TX, mediation attorneys to provide you with knowledgeable advice and representation at any stage of your disputed matter. Our decades of experience helping clients navigate challenging case disagreements will benefit your efforts to find an amicable resolution quickly.
The Mediation Process
Unlike litigation, which relies on a set process, mediation is more flexible. However, it does have general phases that you may experience as you work toward a settlement. If you decide to pursue a mediated approach to your legal matter, you can expect the process to involve the following steps:
- Introduction by the mediator to the parties, which includes a quick overview of what expectations they have.
- Introduction of the parties to one another.
- Each side is allowed to present their view of the dispute without any interruption by the other.
- The mediator will work with the parties to create a list of issues in need of resolution.
- Each party will have a one-on-one with the mediator to discuss the case without the other side present. This is something not possible in litigation.
- Following the mediator’s expectations and guidance, both sides of the disputed matter will negotiate. The mediator will keep these conversations focused on the issues at hand.
- If an agreement is reached, all parties will draw up and sign settlement paperwork before the end of the mediation. The final documents are usually finalized within 30 days of mediation.
- Should no settlement be reached (impasse is reached) the Mediator will report as much to the Court.
- If no settlement is reached, the next step is to move forward towards the trial process.
We do more than courier information between the parties. We use our knowledge and expertise, challenging both parties, and making sure a clear picture exists of what moving forward looks like: the time commitment, the cost, the stress, the attorney’s fees, and all the other intangible costs litigants face.
At Shann M. Chaudhry, Esq., Attorney at Law, PLLC, we pride ourselves on finding pragmatic solutions to complex problems, even when parties feel like there is no way forward. Working with our skilled legal team can help you realize this self-determination and possibly avoid placing your fate in the hands of a jury.
We do more than courier information between the parties. We use our knowledge and expertise, challenging both parties, and making sure a clear picture exists of what moving forward looks like: the time commitment, the cost, the stress, the attorney’s fees, and all the other intangible costs litigants face.
At Shann M. Chaudhry, Esq., Attorney at Law, PLLC, we pride ourselves on finding pragmatic solutions to complex problems, even when parties feel like there is no way forward. Working with our skilled legal team can help you realize this self-determination and possibly avoid placing your fate in the hands of a jury.
Our Mediation Services
The legal team at SMCE ESQ PLLC has extensive experience both in and out of the courtroom. We pride ourselves on providing a realistic and neutral overview of your issue and work diligently to achieve fair outcomes.
Our mediators leverage their skills across several practices of law, including:
- Construction Disputes
- Business Disputes
- Probate Disputes
- Property Disputes
- Estates and Trusts Contests
- Homeowners Association Disputes
Don’t give up hope on negotiating a fair outcome for your disputed legal issue. Any case that has experienced a breakdown in cooperation could benefit from mediation services.
Are You in Need of a Mediator to Solve Your Dispute in Texas?
If your civil matter cannot be resolved or the other party refuses to negotiate, you need to work with Texas mediation attorneys. It takes more than excellent communication skills to negotiate a resolution in contested legal matters successfully. At SMCE ESQ PLLC, we represent clients throughout San Antonio and Austin, TX, who want to resolve disputed case issues privately, quickly, and affordably.
Our dedication and hard work highlight our commitment to efficiently reaching compromises and alternative solutions to complicated legal problems. Contact our office today and set up a consultation to discuss your disputed matter and find out more about how mediation can help.
Texas Mediation FAQs
Can I go to mediation without an attorney?
While it isn’t mandatory to have an attorney present during mediation negotiations, it may be unwise to enter mediation without one, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- You’re unfamiliar with the laws governing your case.
- You aren’t sure how the circumstances of your case could impact your legal rights.
- You’re having difficulty separating your emotions from the issues needing resolution.
- Communication has broken down between you and the other party.
- You don’t have a clear understanding of how the mediation process works.
What's the difference between mediation and arbitration?
Arbitrators make binding decisions on cases after listening to testimony from both parties and reviewing the submitted evidence. Mediators do not make case decisions or awards. Instead, they help parties reach their own mutual agreement on a disputed matter in hopes of avoiding a costly trial.
At what stages of the dispute can mediation be used?
Until a judge enters a decision into the record, mediation can be a beneficial alternative that allows you to exert greater control over disputed aspects of your case and find solutions. Sometimes, hiring a mediator early on can help parties avoid losing interest in settling.
How long does mediation take?
Mediation timelines can vary greatly, though the average is just a day or two for a few negotiation sessions. The parties must prepare in advance and provide a briefing of the issues to the mediators. Most cases get settled in a full day or half day mediation.
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