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Child custody is often a contested issue during divorce. When parents fight over who gets custody or terms of custody, courts can motion to use alternative dispute resolution procedures. A spouse can also enter a motion for alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Texas courts give special consideration to parent-child relationships and encourage amicable dispute resolutions. ADR can help parents resolve parent-child issues involving conservatorship, possession and child support, and arrive at early settlements during pending litigation.
You should discuss alternative dispute resolution with your Texas divorce lawyer so you understand what is involved and what to expect.
Texas Family Code SubChapter on Alternative Dispute Resolution Procedures provides you with these ADR options:
- Mediation. A neutral third party helps facilitate a settlement, reconciliation, or understanding between you.
- Mini-Trial. You and your attorneys present your positions before an impartial third party or selected representatives for each party. The impartial third party may offer an advisory opinion on the merits of the case, but it is not binding unless you agree and settle.
- Moderated settlement conference. This is a forum for case evaluation and realistic settlement negotiations that allows both sides to present their positions before a panel of impartial third parties who may offer a non-binding advisory opinion.
- Summary jury trial. Also a forum for case evaluation and negotiated settlement, you and your attorneys present your case before a panel of jurors (usually six) who offer a non-binding advisory opinion.
- Arbitration. Non-binding arbitration allows you and your lawyers to present your positions before an impartial third party who renders a specific decision. Before engaging in arbitration, spouses can decide to make the arbitrator’s decision binding or non-binding.
Contact us for help with your divorce, child custody, or other family law issue
Robert Reid McInvale
Attorney at Law
Robert Reid McInvale is an experienced family law attorney with a comprehensive practice in Lubbock. He provides dedicated and strong advocacy for his clients, helping them with all the issues surrounding their divorce, separation, child custody, and other marriage and family matters. Attorney McInvale—Reid to clients and friends—seemed destined for a law career. Born while his father was attending Emory University Law School, Reid grew up in Manchester, GA. His father was the city attorney for many years, as well as head of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce. It is in the family blood to become lawyers and help people get justice. U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall is part of the McInvale family tree.
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