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FAQs

What is the easiest way to reserve a mediation with Judge Henderson?

Browse through the available dates on the calendar and reach an agreement with the other side for a date. (You can even browse online while you talk on the phone with the other side and let them know what dates are available). Select the agreed date and complete the form online. Please provide opposing counsel's email address (or the legal assistant you are working with). Judge Henderson's office will take over from there. If you have not reached an agreement on a mediation date, do not schedule online.

Why do you require deposits?

Three reasons. I actually do a lot of work reviewing material the attorneys provide me and some that I acquire from the court file. For example, in a divorce case I frequently try to prepare my own 'worksheet' of assets and liabilities before I meet with you. In addition, I limit my mediation dates because I am retired. By accepting your case I may be keeping someone else from securing a date that they wanted, or maybe even keeping from from using me as their mediator. Finally, in some instances there is confusion or miscommunication about who is paying the mediation fee, and this procedure allows everyone to address that issue early in the process.

What happens if I pay my deposit but the other side doesn't?

This shouldn't happen if you have reached the date by agreement, but to alleviate any concerns we hold the deposits until all parties have paid the required deposit. If one party does not pay the required deposit timely, your date will be released back to the public and your deposit returned to you.

What forms of payment do you accept?

For the deposits we accept checks and credit cards (through a Paypal invoice). For the balance of the mediation fee we only accept cash, cashiers checks and attorney law firm checks. We do not accept checks from the litigants for the mediation fee.

Do you provide meals and snacks?

For full day mediations we provide lunch. For all mediations we provide snacks and drinks.

Fees

Mediation

Most dates will require a non-refundable deposit of $200 per party to secure a commitment.

 (Dates in June, July, and August will require a $300 non-refundable deposit per party).

You will have approximately 7 days after booking your date online to pay the deposit. You will receive specific instructions on how to pay your deposit after you reserve your date.

We will hold your payment until all parties have paid the required deposit. (If one party does not pay the required deposit timely, your date will be released back to the public and your deposit returned. Checks or credit cards are accepted for deposits).

The balance of the fees are due at the commencement of an ADR proceeding. These fees must be paid by cash, cashier's check or the attorney's law firm checks. 

 Arbitrations -Special Judge - Special Master

Binding and non-binding arbitrations - Special Judge (Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 151) - Special Master (Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 171) - fees to be negotiated depending on case and circumstances - range from $250 to $350 an hour.

Example: Temporary Hearing Family Law Arbitration Binding or non-binding - Half day fee would be $600 per side. Each side would have 90 minutes to present their case. The remaining time (up to one hour) would be reserved to prepare and arbitrate any drafting disputes regarding the formal order/award. Full day fee would be $1,200 per side. Each side would have three hours to present their case. The remaining time (up to 2 hours) would be reserved to prepare and arbitrate any drafting disputes regarding the formal order/award. Each side would need to have a proposed draft of order/award in electronic form ready for the arbitration, as well as hard copies to exchange with the other side and for the arbitrator. In each instance, a pre-hearing conference (usually by telephone) will be required.

Judge Henderson will  work with you to creatively tailor the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process to best serve your needs and circumstances. By consulting with Judge Henderson early in the dispute, your clients can often obtain resolution in more affordable means; avoiding the expense of prolonged discovery and litigation.