Mediation is a conflict-resolution method where parties attempt to reach a resolution through a facilitated discussion led by a mediator. In mediation, parties can craft creative solutions that fit their particular circumstances rather than relying on a third-party to determine the outcome.

No. Parties to a dispute may choose to resolve their dispute through mediation before either party files a lawsuit. Parties may even choose to resolve a dispute through mediation even if neither party ever plans on filing a lawsuit.

Each party may choose whether or not to hire an attorney to represent the party during mediation. Hiring an attorney is not required to participate in mediation.

Yes, under certain circumstances Spotted Owl Mediation provides mediations at a reduced fee or on a pro bono basis.

You may cancel your mediation at no cost when you cancel at least 10 days in advance of the scheduled mediation. If you cancel a mediation session within 10 days of the mediation, a cancellation fee will be charged.

Spotted Owl Mediation provides mediation services for non-commercial civil litigation cases and interpersonal disputes. Spotted Owl Mediation specializes in family conflict, disability rights disputes, and professional licensing disputes.

Book your mediation session at least two weeks in advance to secure your date and ensure all parties have enough time to submit any needed documentation before the mediation.

That is our goal, but settlement cannot be guaranteed. If you come to Spotted Owl Mediation while in the middle of the litigation process, you may be able to settle your case after one or multiple mediation sessions. If all parties cannot agree on all of the issues, a partial settlement may be reached or the mediation may be ended, giving the parties clarity that they will need to proceed with litigation.

It depends. Contact Spotted Owl Mediation about your specific circumstances to get a rough time estimate. You can always add on more hours to your mediation or schedule another session if you need more time to reach a resolution.

Even if you believe that you have the stronger case, you can never be 100% sure what a judge will decide. In mediation, parties have the freedom to make their own choices and get creative with solutions rather than letting someone else decide how to resolve their dispute.

It depends. At Spotted Owl Mediation, we prefer to start mediation sessions with both parties in the same room. Depending on the unique circumstances of your case, the mediation may continue with both parties in the same room, or parties may move into separate rooms.

Before the mediation, Spotted Owl collects information about your dispute to prepare for your session. The mediation will start with an overview of the session and a breathing exercise. Next, the mediator will facilitate a discussion between the parties about the issues that brought them to mediation. Together, we will brainstorm solutions to your dispute and work on the details. If the parties agree on a resolution, the mediator, or an affiliated attorney, will draft an agreement for the parties to sign.

Currently, no licensing board oversees Texas mediators. However, the Texas Mediators Credentialing Association is a voluntary association of mediators that agree to certain training and ethics requirements. You can learn more here: https://txmca.org.

Yes, your Spotted Owl Mediation mediator is neutral. The mediator listens to both parties, facilitating understanding between the parties. The mediator does not have an opinion about how the parties should resolve their dispute because there is no ‘right’ way to to resolve it—just your way.

In-person mediation sessions currently take place in central/south Austin. An exact address will be provided during the consultation call, or at the time of signing to agree to mediate.