Our Fort Worth Mediators

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– Member

Matt Riek

Matt Riek is an esteemed family law attorney and mediator with over 25 years of professional experience. He came to MBH Family Law after eight years as an Associate Judge for the 360th District Court in Fort Worth.

During his time on the bench, Matt handled complex family law cases and led the Tarrant County Family Recovery Court. In this role, he made a meaningful difference by helping families work through challenging situations and move toward healing. His compassionate approach and legal expertise earned him widespread respect among colleagues in the legal community.

About Matt

  • Former Associate Judge of the 360th District Court in Fort Worth
  • Trained professional mediator
  • Board Certified® in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
  • Texas Super Lawyer

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– Founding Member

Bryan Ballew

With over 17 years in private practice, Bryan has represented clients in all aspects of divorce, custody, and related family matters. Bryan has successfully mediated the full range of family law matters over this time.

As a skilled family law attorney, Bryan brings a wealth of experience in resolving sensitive family court cases and disputes. Bryan is committed to the principle that helping people involved in a divorce or child custody dispute reach resolution results in better, more durable decisions about the most important aspects of their lives.

About Bryan

  • Trained professional mediator, including training in conflict resolution techniques tailored to family law matters
  • Board Certified® in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Fort Worth Mediators for Divorce, Custody, Child Support, & Property Division

Even the most amicable of divorces may still involve disputes when it comes to custody, child support, and division of property. If you are interested in exploring an alternative to litigation, divorce mediation can be a more collaborative and effective way to resolve your divorce. With decades of combined experience, the skilled mediators at Mims Ballew Hollingsworth have successfully mediated the full range of family law matters and are ready to assist with your case from our Fort Worth and Southlake locations.

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The Role of Mediation in Texas Divorces

Mediation is a structured negotiation process managed by a neutral third party: the mediator. A mediator is a neutral, trained professional who facilitates communication between the parties, helping divorcing couples communicate, resolve conflicts, and reach mutually acceptable agreements about their divorce without going to court.

Our mediators do NOT make decisions for the couple, provide legal advice, take sides, or force a resolution. Instead, they guide the process, ensure balanced dialogue, and help couples find their own collaborative solutions.

Why Consider a Divorce Mediator in Fort Worth?

Divorcing Fort Worth couples who choose professional mediation experience significant benefits. Divorce mediation is:

  • Cost-effective: Mediation is typically less expensive than traditional litigation, as it requires fewer sessions and avoids many court-related costs.
  • Time-efficient: The process is generally faster than court proceedings, allowing couples to resolve their divorce more quickly.
  • Child-focused: Mediation prioritizes the well-being of children, encouraging parents to make decisions that best serve their kids’ interests.
  • Empowering and fair: Couples maintain control over the decision-making process, leading to more personalized and mutually agreeable solutions.
  • Less stressful: The collaborative nature of mediation makes it less emotionally draining and contentious than litigation.
  • Confidential and private: Unlike public court proceedings, mediation discussions remain confidential.
  • Flexible: Mediation allows for creative solutions tailored to the couple’s unique circumstances.
  • More likely to be complied with: Agreements reached through mediation are more likely to be followed by both parties, as they had a hand in creating them.
  • More comprehensive: Mediation can address a wider range of issues, including practical life matters beyond legal requirements.
  • Conciliatory: The collaborative approach can promote better post-divorce relationships and lead to healthier interactions between ex-spouses, which is especially important when co-parenting.

The ultimate goal of divorce mediation is to help the individuals reach a fair, mutually satisfactory agreement on all aspects of their separation—including property division, child custody, and financial matters—in a cooperative, cost-effective manner that minimizes conflict and preserves relationships, especially when children are involved.

What to Expect in Divorce Mediation with MBH

When preparing for mediation, carefully gather all necessary documents related to your case, including financial records and relevant correspondence. Most people choose to be counseled and assisted by their own family law attorney through the mediation process. You are encouraged to thoughtfully identify your priorities and goals for the mediation process, and come to mediation prepared to discuss your case openly and honestly with your attorney and the mediator.

Your MBH mediator will provide clear, consistent communication throughout the mediation process. You can expect timely responses to your questions, honest conversations about your case and its potential outcomes, and a personalized approach.

We are committed to maintaining sensitivity when addressing complex and potentially sensitive issues, ensuring you feel supported, heard, and confident throughout the mediation process. Our goal is to guide you through this challenging transition with professionalism, empathy, and a strategic focus on achieving solutions.

The Divorce Mediation Process in Texas

How does divorce mediation work in Texas? The process typically follows these steps:

  1. Pre-mediation stage: Couples gather necessary documents and identify priorities. You may have a pre-mediation conference with the mediator.
  2. Mediation sessions: Parties meet in a neutral setting to discuss issues, negotiate, and explore solutions with the mediator’s guidance.
  3. Agreement drafting: Once an agreement is reached, the mediator drafts a Mediated Settlement Agreement (MSA).
  4. Review by attorneys: Each party’s attorney reviews the MSA to ensure it’s legally sound.
  5. Signing the agreement: Both parties and their attorneys sign the MSA, which must include a statement that it’s not subject to revocation.
  6. Court submission: The signed MSA is submitted to the court for approval.
  7. Incorporation into divorce decree: If approved, the court incorporates the MSA into the final divorce decree.

Key Aspects of Texas Divorce Mediation

Remember, the mediator acts as a neutral facilitator, not a decision-maker. Also, remember that Texas divorce mediation:

  • Is a voluntary and confidential process.
  • Is less costly and adversarial than traditional litigation.
  • Can occur before or after filing for divorce.
  • Addresses issues like property division, child custody, and support.
  • Is binding once signed, unless there is evidence of fraud or duress.

Mediation in Texas aims to provide a collaborative, efficient approach to resolving divorce-related disputes while giving couples control over the outcome.

Set an Appointment with a Professional Mediator at MBH Family Law

At Mims Ballew Hollingsworth, we approach divorce mediation with compassion and understanding. Our experienced Fort Worth mediators prioritize your family’s well-being, focusing on respectful communication and constructive solutions that honor everyone’s dignity and future potential. Contact us at either our Fort Worth or Southlake office today to schedule your initial mediation consultation.

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Areas we serve

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Fort Worth, TX

Our family law and divorce attorneys in Fort Worth are ready to take your case. Visit us now!

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Southlake

Our experienced family law and divorce attorneys in Southlake are ready to assist you. Get in touch with us now!

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Flower Mound

Our family law and divorce attorneys based in Flower Mound are available to take your case. Contact us today!

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Keller

Our family law and divorce attorneys in Keller are ready to guide you through your case. Contact us today!

 

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Colleyville

Our family law and divorce attorneys in Colleyville are here to support your case. Reach out to us today!

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Trophy Club

Our family law and divorce attorneys in Trophy Club are ready to help with your case. Contact us now!

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Grapevine

Our family law and divorce attorneys in Grapevine are prepared to take on your case. Visit us today!

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North Richland Hills

Our family law and divorce attorneys in North Richland Hills are ready to handle your case. Get in touch with us now!

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Denton

Our family law and divorce attorneys in Denton are available to take on your case. Contact us today!