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Truth, Consequences and Reconciliation (TCR) Process
TCR is a proprietary process currently under development by OCMM.
Loosely based on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa, TCR is currently in the process of establishing a Commission with the intent of bringing about swift and restorative Justice to children whose rights have been violated. We are at the development stage of establishing the Commission and are open to community input and involvement.
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Conference Mediation in Texas: Resolving High-Conflict Family Law Cases Peacefully and Effectively
Conference Mediation in Texas: Resolving High-Conflict Family Law Cases Peacefully and Effectively
Michael Hiller
Board-Certified Family Law Attorney
Appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas Commission on Marriage and Family
What is Conference Mediation in Texas?
Conference mediation (often simply called mediation in Texas family courts) is a proven form of alternative dispute resolution under the Texas Family Code. A neutral, trained mediator helps parties in divorce, child custody, visitation, support, and property cases reach their own agreements. The process is confidential, and any signed Mediated Settlement Agreement (MSA) is binding and can become a final court order.
It is frequently court-ordered before trial, sometimes during or post trial and resolves the vast majority of cases without the need for a continuing stressful courtroom battle.
How It Works — Even When Parties Are Hostile
In high-conflict custody cases, one or both parties may feel angry, distrustful, or unwilling to speak directly. Experienced mediators handle this effectively using:
Private caucus sessions: Parties and attorneys meet separately with the mediator, who shuttles offers and concerns back and forth. This prevents direct confrontations and reduces emotional explosions.
Reality testing and firm guidance: A tough, skilled mediator challenges unrealistic positions, highlights the high costs and uncertainty of trial, and keeps everyone focused on the children’s best interests.
Persistent facilitation: The mediator applies steady pressure in private rooms, encourages incremental compromises, and prevents walkouts. Many seemingly impossible high-conflict cases settle after one or more sessions.
Even in extremely hostile situations, a strong mediator can and will settle the case by turning raw emotion into practical, forward-looking solutions — all while protecting confidentiality and avoiding the greater trauma of litigation.
Benefits for Everyone Involved
For the Courts: Dramatically reduces crowded dockets and trial time, saving judicial resources and taxpayer money.
For Families: Lower legal costs, faster resolution, and customized parenting plans that give parents more control and preserve (or improve) co-parenting relationships.
For Attorneys: Those who encourage early mediation build efficient, referral-rich practices with better work-life balance and less burnout.
For Children (Most Importantly): Minimizes exposure to ongoing parental conflict, court testimony, and prolonged uncertainty. Kids benefit when parents model problem-solving instead of fighting, leading to healthier emotional outcomes and more stable lives.
Financial & Lifestyle Advantage: Litigation vs. Mediation-Focused Practice
Many family law attorneys discover that shifting toward skilled conference mediation is not only better for families — it’s smarter business.
Disclaimer: OCMM is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal representation. This information is for general informational purposes only. Please contact the Law Offices of Michael Hiller directly for any legal advice or representation.
Attorneys who master this approach handle more cases, earn more sustainably, and create a peaceful practice while delivering superior results for children and families.
Featured Expert: Michael Hiller
Featured Expert: Michael Hiller
Michael Hiller is a Board-Certified Family Law attorney with over 35 years of experience in divorce, child custody, and mediation.
He is the only Board-Certified Family Law attorney in Texas appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas Commission on Marriage and Family (term through December 31, 2026).
The Commission studies ways to promote strong marriages and healthy families and makes recommendations to the Texas Legislature.
He is currently accepting a limited number of cases as part of a pilot project to evaluate the real-world effectiveness of conference mediation and early settlement approaches in family law — especially high-conflict custody matters. The data gathered will help inform the Commission’s work and potential improvements to family law practices across Texas.
Ready to explore a better path for your family?
Contact the Law Offices of Michael Hiller today to learn more about conference mediation, representation, or the pilot project.
Contact Information
Phone: (512) 360-9100
Email: service@hillerlaw.com
Website: www.hillerlaw.com
Main Office: 3701 Bee Caves Road, Suite 102, Austin, TX 78746
Houston Office (by appointment): 1770 St. James Place, Suite 150, Houston, TX 77056
Serving clients throughout Texas
Official Appointment Announcement: Governor Abbott’s Announcement
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