Mediation

Navigating legal disputes within a family can be an incredibly stressful experience, but mediation offers a path toward resolution outside of a heated courtroom battle. In our latest video, we dive into the specific types of cases that are most frequently handled through mediation to help you understand your options.

The discussion focuses on two primary areas:

• Probate and Estate Litigation: This includes cases that have already been filed in court, as well as pre-litigation disputes that families hope to settle early.
• Guardianship: While certain issues in guardianship are open to mediation, it is important to remember that legal incapacity must always be decided by a court. Furthermore, any settlement agreement reached during mediation must receive final approval from the court.

Whether you are currently facing a legal challenge or simply want to be prepared for the future, this video provides essential insights into how mediation can work for you. Click the link above to watch the full explanation and learn more about navigating these complex legal waters with confidence.

 

 

Video Transcript

So currently, there are two types of cases that I most frequently mediate. The first type is probate or estate litigation. And sometimes that’s—usually, it’s where a case has already been filed, but occasionally, it is pre-litigation. The other type of case is guardianship, and there are certain issues in guardianships that are subject to being mediated. However, incapacity has to be decided by the court, and also the court must approve any mediated settlement agreement in a guardianship.

 

Ever wonder how a mediator actually ends up on a case? It is a question many people have when they first step into the world of litigation. In this video, we pull back the curtain on how these selections are made, revealing a process that is more balanced than you might think.

About half of the time, attorneys involved in litigation voluntarily reach out directly. They look for a mediator who is well-suited to the specific facts of a case or someone who can truly relate to their clients’ needs. It is all about finding the right fit for a personal connection.

The other half of the time, the legal system itself steps in. Several courts across North Texas maintain official mediator lists and will appoint the speaker to serve in specific cases. Whether through a personal recommendation or a formal court appointment, the goal remains the same: helping parties navigate their disputes effectively. Watch the video to learn more about how these professional paths cross!

 

 

Video Transcript

About half the time, I would say attorneys approach me. The attorneys involved in litigation are voluntary participants in mediation, and they ask me because they feel like I would be well-suited to the facts of their particular case or to relate to their particular clients. The other half of the time, several of the courts in North Texas have me on their mediators list, and they actually appoint me as mediator to serve in certain cases.

 

Are you looking for a mediator who truly understands the nuances of conflict resolution? In our latest video, one of our experienced professionals shares their journey from the classrooms of Pepperdine University School of Law to the courtrooms of North Texas.

Experience matters when it comes to resolving complex disputes. Having the background and experience as a civil litigator, a law firm owner, and an associate judge in probate court helped shape my mediation skills and knowledge. Since joining the Blum firm, I’ve successfully mediated numerous cases each month, specializing in everything from employment disputes to probate matters.

We are proud to share that most cases mediated here reach a successful resolution. Tune in now to see why this level of expertise is exactly what you need in your corner.

 

 

Video Transcript

I attended Pepperdine University School of Law from 1986 to 1989. Pepperdine was one of the first law schools to really emphasize alternative dispute resolution, and part of that was mediation. So I actually had some formal training in law school regarding mediation.

Then, throughout my experience as a civil litigator since the early to mid-90s, I was involved in mediation, frequently attending mediations all over North Texas. I started mediating cases back when I had my own law firm, before I became an associate judge in probate court. At that time, I mediated employment disputes.

But since joining the Blum firm, I have been mediating several times a month. I’m happy to say that most of the cases I’ve mediated have been resolved at mediation.

Ever wonder what actually happens behind the closed doors of a mediation session? In our latest video, we share why we find mediating cases so incredibly rewarding. It isn’t just about the legalities; it’s about the people.

Mediation provides a unique space for parties to experience a sense of catharsis. It is an opportunity for individuals to share their stories, explain how they arrived at their current situation, and voice their true desires. By utilizing years of experience and a diverse skill set, we can help guide these conversations toward a resolution.

What makes this process truly special is the focus on creative problem-solving. Often, the best solutions are the ones the parties hadn’t even considered—resolutions that everyone can live with. Ultimately, the goal is to resolve litigation in a way that feels fair and final for all involved.

Watch the video now to hear more about the personal and professional passion behind resolving disputes through mediation!

 

Video Transcript

So, I really enjoy mediating cases because it gives me an opportunity to kind of use all of my experience and my skill sets. I enjoy giving parties an opportunity to have a bit of catharsis and tell me, you know, how they got in this situation, what their desires are. But I also like to help parties to try to come up with creative solutions, maybe that they hadn’t thought about that might be a way that everyone could live with a particular resolution of a matter so that we can report to the court that litigation has been resolved.