View From The Bench

With an emphasis on Family Law cases, this post traces the evolution of the Texas Discovery Rules from the "Old Rules" of 1999 to the "New Rules" of 2020 and introduces the groundbreaking "New Old Rules" enacted in 2023. Dissecting the changes in the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, particularly NEW RULES 194a and 195a, this article will empower family law practitioners to navigate discovery effectively. Discover the key amendments, their implications, and the practical impact on Texas discovery procedures, ensuring you stay informed and prepared in this ever-changing legal landscape.

What is essential before you can have a successful trial? Preparation!!! You would NEVER go into a contested trial if you were unprepared.  And you should never go into a mediation unprepared. You may think that you don’t need to “prepare” for a mediation, but you do!  I’ve found that if you prepare, you stand a better chance of saving your client thousands, if not TENS of thousands of dollars.  That alone should be impetus enough to prepare for mediation. 

Did you know mediation can be ordered during an appeal? In Texas, appellate courts have the authority to require parties to mediate, even while a case is under review. Discover the ins and outs of mediation during appeals in our latest blog post. Learn about the procedures, rules, and benefits mediation offers to all parties involved.