Mediation

Shannon is an extremely experienced mediator, having completed basic mediation training, family mediation training, and substantial collaborative law training. In the year 2006, she was awarded advanced credential status, and in 2012, she earned the highest credential given by the Texas Association of Mediators, “Distinguished Credentialed Mediator.” She has performed over 500 mediations to date.

Shannon works with parties throughout mediation in several ways. She can meet with both parties, help them settle their issues, and then refer them to a collaborative attorney to assist in drafting their paperwork. She often acts in the scrivener role for other mediators as well. She focuses a large portion of her practice as a retained or court-appointed mediator and helps clients and their attorney reach settlement in her offices. This is the more traditional method of mediation where throughout a day, or sometimes several days, the parties may occupy separate rooms and Shannon, as the mediator, meets individually with each party, assisting them in achieving a mutually acceptable and beneficial resolution to the parties’ family law, probate, business or personal injury disputes.

Mediation is a valuable tool in all types of litigation, since, during the mediation process, the parties have an opportunity speak and be heard without the confines of procedural rules that arise at the courthouse. They are allowed and encouraged to always express their interests and concerns. The mediation process is confidential, insofar as nothing stated at mediation may be used by either party during any court proceeding unless learned or discovered outside the process. The mediator may not be called to testify in any litigation proceeding.

Collaborative Law

Shannon was the first attorney (along with her opposing counsel) in Texas to finalize a collaborative divorce matter, and has the highest possible specialized training (Level III) in collaborative law. This fabulous way to approach a divorce or other family law or estate related matter allows parties to work together with a team of trained experts (usually a mental health professional and a financial neutral) to resolve their disputes in a discrete manner that is confidential in nature and fosters additional control over a case and the parties’ lives. Collaborative law offers clients a very real and attractive alternative to litigated divorce proceedings.

 

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