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Corliss Wren Family law · Dallas
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ApproachNo. 04

The right road, chosen for your case.

Most high-asset divorces settle. Some should not, at least not yet. We recommend a road after we understand the estate and the people, and we say so plainly when the facts point the other way.

Three roads

Road 01

Mediation

A neutral mediator works with both sides, often in separate rooms, to reach a settlement. Each of you keeps your own lawyer throughout. Many Texas courts require mediation before a contested case goes to trial.

Often fits when

  • Both sides have, or can get, the full financial picture
  • You want the details kept out of a courtroom
  • You would rather decide the outcome than have a judge decide it

What to weigh

  • A mediated settlement agreement that meets Texas requirements is binding once signed, so preparation matters
  • It works poorly when one side is hiding information
  • A mediator does not give either of you legal advice

Typical pace: Often one to three mediation days, after discovery is far enough along

Road 02

Collaborative law

You, your spouse and both lawyers sign an agreement to settle without going to court. Neutral financial and family professionals can join the team. Texas has a statute that governs the process.

Often fits when

  • You both want privacy and control over the result
  • There is a business or family relationship to preserve afterwards
  • Both of you are willing to share information openly

What to weigh

  • If the process breaks down, both collaborative lawyers must withdraw, and you start again with new counsel
  • It needs good faith on both sides to work
  • Shared neutral experts save money but mean you cannot each hire your own for that issue

Typical pace: A series of planned meetings, usually over a few months

Road 03

Litigation

Each side presents evidence, and a judge (or in some Texas cases a jury, on certain issues) decides what you could not agree on. Most litigated cases still settle before trial.

Often fits when

  • One side refuses to disclose, or there are signs of hidden assets
  • There are safety concerns or urgent orders are needed
  • The positions are too far apart to bridge any other way

What to weigh

  • Filings and hearings are generally public
  • It is usually the slowest and most expensive road
  • The result is decided by people who know your family only through evidence

Typical pace: Many months, sometimes more than a year, depending on the court's calendar

Not sure which fits? That is what the strategy consultation is for. Some cases move between roads: discovery first, then mediation once the numbers are known.

Side by side No. 02

The trade-offs, in one view.

Privacy

Mediation
Private sessions; the signed agreement may still be filed
Collaborative
Private by design; the final decree is filed
Litigation
Filings and hearings are generally public

Who decides

Mediation
The two of you, helped by a mediator
Collaborative
The two of you, with the team
Litigation
A judge, on what you cannot agree

Relative cost

Mediation
Usually lower
Collaborative
Moderate; higher if it breaks down
Litigation
Usually highest

If one side hides information

Mediation
Works poorly
Collaborative
Works poorly
Litigation
Discovery tools are strongest here

If it fails

Mediation
You can still go to court
Collaborative
Both lawyers withdraw; new counsel needed
Litigation
Appeal is possible but limited

General information about Texas practice. Procedures and court requirements differ by state and by county.

How a matter runs No. 03

From first call to final paperwork.

  1. 01

    Conflict check

    Names only. Before you tell us anything else, we confirm we have never advised your spouse or partner.

    Same or next business day

  2. 02

    Strategy consultation

    Ninety minutes with an attorney. We map the estate, explain the Texas rules that apply, and outline the realistic range.

    Within a week

  3. 03

    The financial picture

    Inventory, documents, and a decision about which experts are worth hiring, if any.

    First 30 to 90 days

  4. 04

    Resolution

    Negotiation, mediation, a collaborative process or court, chosen for your case rather than by habit.

    Varies by road

  5. 05

    After the decree

    Transfers, QDROs, retitled property, updated estate plans. A decree is only as good as the follow-through.

    Usually 60 to 120 days

Specialists No. 04

Experts when they earn their fee, not by default.

  • Forensic accountants Rebuild money flows, test reported income, trace separate property.
  • Business valuation experts Value companies and practices, and test the other side's report.
  • Real estate appraisers Residential, ranch and commercial property, in Texas and beyond.
  • Tax advisers The after-tax effect of every proposal, before anyone signs.
  • Financial planners Budgets and long-term projections for life after the divorce.
  • Child specialists When parenting questions sit alongside the financial ones.
A private meeting room with a long table, black chairs, a single plant and floor-to-ceiling windows over the city

Talk through the roads with us

In the strategy consultation we look at your estate, your timeline and how much each of you is likely to share, then recommend a road and explain why.

Or call the office

(214) 555-0163

We never leave a detailed voicemail unless you tell us it is safe.

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