Q: How is a mediated divorce with Tracy Jones Mediation different from a typical divorce?

A: In a typical divorce, each spouse states their position through attorneys and, absent a settlement, leaves it to a judge to decide the future of their finances, property, and children. In a mediated divorce, the spouses sit with a neutral third party who guides them through conversations needed to make these decisions for themselves.  Most divorces, whether mediated or not, end in settlement.  The main difference with mediation is that a settlement is sought from the beginning with both parties realizing that settlement is in the best interest of their children (more peaceful), bank accounts (avoid drawn out court battles from the start), and future (mediated divorces tend to take less than a quarter of the time a litigated divorce takes).

Q: Why doesn't everyone mediate rather than litigate?

A:  In divorce, emotions are often raw and spouses aren't always at the same place with respect to the desire to end the marriage.  If one party is not willing to negotiate at all because they aren't ready to end the marriage, the mediation won't work.  Likewise, if one party is focused on hurting their spouse rather than finding a peaceful way to move forward, the mediation won't work.  To successfully mediate a divorce, both parties need to come to the table with the shared  understanding and agreement to end their marriage and the shared desire to do it as peacefully, economically, and expediently as possible.  

Q: What are the mediation fees?

A: Dr. Tracy A. Jones charges $1, 500 per day for professional services in the San Antonio area (up to 3 parties). For a mediation in other surrounding areas, please contact our office for rates. The amount charged includes the pre-mediation consultation, all travel time within the San Antonio area, 1.5 hours of reading time and eight hours of conference time (surplus reading time is added to conference time).  Tracy Jones mediation reserves the right to charge for EXTRA TIME as provided.
If not interested in a full day of mediation then 4 hour blocks of time can be purchased for $800.00.

Q: Is a deposit required?

A: Each participant’s share of the total amount due must be received 14 days before the mediation in order to guarantee the mediation date and time.  Otherwise, Dr. Tracy A.  Jones will offer the date to other clients. Invoices are due on receipt & no later than the mediation date. Invoices not paid 60 days after mediation date (or date of invoice for additional hours invoices) will be charged a 12% finance (1% monthly) charge.

Q: Can Dr. Tracy A. Jones be our attorney?

A:  No. Although some mediators are licensed attorney's, Dr. Tracy A. Jones is an Industrial Organizational Psychologist and will not serve as your attorney. Your mediator is an impartial third party whose job is to facilitate a conversation to help you reach an agreement that works for you.  When acting as your mediator, they are not professionally permitted to also represent you. If at any time you are interested in hiring an attorney to represent you in litigation, you may do so.  

​Q: Do you take credit cards?

A:  Yes.  You can pay with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Quick Pay, Zelle, Venmo, check or cash.

​Q: Can we bring our lawyers with us to mediation?

A:  Yes.  If at any time you prefer to have an attorney attend your mediation session with you, you may.  We ask that you notify all parties ahead of time so they also may be represented if they choose.

Q: Do you conduct video and remote mediation?

A:  Yes.  Recent world events are requiring us to adapt our practices, including the way we conduct mediations. Therefore, in the interim, I am conducting mediations remotely using state-of-the-art video conferencing services. These services allow the parties and their lawyers to fully engage in mediation, while preserving all of the separation and confidentiality we are accustomed to for in-person mediation sessions. I continue to provide the same uncompromised level of service to all participants.