About Me – Jennifer M. Caldwell

About Jennifer

What I'm About

I have practiced family law in Texas since 1996 and have devoted my professional career in assisting families.

I have been honored regularly as one of the “Best” mediators in Tarrant County by my peers and speak often at local and state continuing legal education conferences.

Personally, I am married and the mother of two incredible children.

I have been a speaker and author of the following:

“Dealing with Hard to Mediate Cases and Effective Resolutions”, Speaker and Author, Advanced Family Law Seminar, 2017

“Effective Preparation for Mediation”, Speaker, Advanced Family Law Seminar, Boot Camp, 2018

“Mediation Strategies and Tools”, Tarrant County Family Law Brown Bag CLE, Speaker, November 2018

“Top 10 Tips for Successful Mediations”, Advanced Family Law Seminar, Speaker, 2019

“Virtual Mediations and Ethical Implications”, Tarrant County Bar Association, Speaker, May 2020

Education & Bar Admission

Duke University; 1991

Tulane University Law School; 1991-1994

State Bar of Texas; Family Law Section; 1994

Member of the Tarrant County Family Law Bar Association

Member of the Collaborative Law Institute of Texas

Trauma Support Services of North Texas

family law mediation

How Does It Work?

What is Mediation?

There are two main types of mediation — Divorce Mediation and Children’s Issue Mediation.

Divorce Mediation is about you and your soon to be ex-spouse reaching terms about your divorce, which often includes both property and children’s issues. Ideally, the interests of each of the spouses, their accumulated property, and most importantly, the children, are supported and discussed without the time, costs, and legal limitations that a Court proceeding will have.

Children’s Issue Mediation involves issues solely related to the children. This often occurs post-divorce in modifications of prior orders; cases where the parents did not marry; or when grandparents or other third parties are involved. In this setting, new orders or changes to custody, visitation, child support or other issues regarding the children’s issues and needs are thoughtfully addressed in an atmosphere of respect and concern for the child’s long term well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Have to Sit at the Same Table as My Former Spouse/Partner?

No. I have parties work on their own rooms. This allows the client and their attorney to speak and process ideas and thoughts confidentially.

What Happens If We Don't Settle?

Occasionally, an agreement cannot be reached. When this happens, the parties continue with litigation towards a possible trial. It does not penalize the parties, other than the continuation of litigation, costs and stress.

What is Discussed at Mediation?

Everything. Every family has unique issues and concerns. The issues covered include, but are in no ways limited, to the following:

1. Distribution of Property (Assets/Liabilities)

2. Child Custody and Parenting Time

3. Child Support/Maintenance

4. Retirement

How Long Does Mediation Take?

As each family is unique, so are the time requirements. Some mediations can be settled in a few hours; some take a full day, even a second occasionally.

Is the Process Confidential?

Absolutely.

Everything that happens at mediation stays at mediation.

The only exception to this is when a settlement agreement is reached and signed. This agreement will be filed with the Court. Nothing else, including offers and communications made at mediation, can be used in litigation. This frees the parties to be as creative and flexible as possible without fear that it will be used against them in trial.

What Does the Mediator Do?

My job is determined by the issues a case presents. I will listen; keep the lines of communication open; brainstorm ideas; create options; reality-test the couple; and assist where possible in the decision making process. I strive to keep the parties focused on the issues at hand. Keeping focused on the issues allows me to assist in finding a path to move forward, rather than remaining in the past.

Does the Mediator Pick Sides or "Judge" the Case?

A mediator is neutral and doesn’t “work” for either party. That means that I as the mediator cannot give legal advice to either party. I must remain neutral no matter what the situation. Also, I do not decide the result, as a judge would do. Rather, I attempt to assist the parties in formulating ideas that can eventually lead to agreements that resolve the case.

Do I Have to Go to Mediation?

Oftentimes, mediation is ordered by the Court. In those circumstances, the Court expects the parties to comply and at least go to the mediation and attempt to seek an alternative to Court.

However, actually coming to a resolution is completely voluntary at mediation. Each party has complete control over their decision to settle the case.