I only mediate. I do NOT litigate (aka "go to court"). I do NOT accept new clients.
If you live in Texas then I offer a FREE 10 minute phone consult to give you hints on what you need to do.
I am now doing Zoom family law mediations all over Texas - especially Travis & Harris Counties.
In 2018 I received 2 awards - The Association for Conflict Resolution - Houston Chapter, honored me with one of their 10 Lifetime Acheivement Awards and Houston Woman Magazine recognized me as one of the 50 most influential women in Houston for 2017.
I have been honored by several media outlets for my work as an attorney/mediiator. I seved on a professional mediation board and am advisor to an on-line mediation website.
I encourage people to mediate their case instead of allowing a stranger (a judge) to determine what is best for their children. YOU know what will work best for your family. Mediation offers you more options & flexibility than the judge can order.
I handle mediations at the beginning of a divorce (known as early intervention mediation), early in the divorce process (known as temporary orders) and the mediation right before trial (known as final orders). Sometimes I actually work with the people several times during their case.
In mediation, the parties control the process. I facilitate the process. My prices are much more affordable than hiring attorneys and doing a traditional divorce.
As a 17 year breast cancer survivor, co-grandparenting with my ex-husband, married to husband #3 and moved from a big city to a small one, I hopefully can suggest options to resolve your current situation.
I urge parties to retain legal counsel. When I serve as a mediator, I am NOT allowed to prepare any legal documents. I can give you the names of some affordable attorneys - but you make the final decision as to the attorney you hire to draft the final paperwork or use the free forms on www.texaslawhelp.org
I mediate in person in Burnet County & surrounding counties (including Travis County). I can also mediate on-line. Look on www.instantmediations.com for info on me.
The Mediated Legal Agreement is written in plain, easy to understand English so an attorney can prepare the final paperwork in "legaleze" for a Judge to sign.
Visit my website (www.familylaw4u.com) for my resume and more information on mediation.
Practice areas
Primarily - all areas of family law (child support, child custody, divorce, separation, pre-nuptial, paternity, grandparent rights, domestic violence, post-divorce modification, CPS cases, etc.) & elder law
16 years, 900 cases
27 years
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
TX | Eligible To Practice In Texas | 1991 | 12/05/2020 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
One of the 50 most influential women in Houston for 2017 | Houston Woman Magazine | 2018 |
Lifetime Achievement Recepient | Association for Conflict Resolution - Houston Chapter | 2018 |
One of Houston's best attorney-mediators | H-Texas Magazine | 2016 |
One of Houston's best attorney mediators | H-Texas Magazine | 2015 |
Named as one of the leading mediators in Houston | Houstonia Magzine | 2015 |
One of the top family law attorneys in Houston | Houstonia Magazine | 2014 |
---|---|---|
One of the top family law attorneys in Houston | Houstonia Magazine | 2013 |
Admitted to the U. S. Supreme Court | U. S. Supreme Court | 2009 |
An Equal Access Champion | Houston Bar Association | 2006 |
Volunteer Recognition | Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program | 2001 |
AIDS Advocate Award | Houston Bar Association for Human Rights | 1993 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Mediator & Attorney | Law & Mediation Office of Fran Brochstein | 2004 - Present |
Mediation Instructor | National American University | 2015 - 2015 |
Intership | 247th Family Court of Harris County | 1990 - 1991 |
Staff Attorney & Project Coordinator | Houson Volunteer Lawyers Program | 1990 - 2004 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas | Volunteer Attorney | 2020 - Present |
Highland Lakes Bar Association | Member | 2018 - Present |
Academy of Professional Family Mediators | Member | 2016 - Present |
Association of Family Conciliation Courts | Member | 2015 - Present |
Texas Association of Mediators | Board Member | 2015 - Present |
Association of Attorney-Mediators | Member | 2014 - Present |
---|---|---|
Texas Mediator Roundtable Association | Member | 2013 - Present |
Texas Association of Mediators | Member | 2007 - Present |
Houston Chapter - Association for Conflict Resolution | 2016 & 2017 - President | 2006 - Present |
Texas Mediator Credentialing Association | Member | 2006 - Present |
Harris County Dispute Resolution Center | Volunteer Mediator | 2005 - Present |
Houston Bar Foundation | Fellow | 1995 - Present |
State Bar of Texas | Member | 1991 - Present |
Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity | Alumni | 1991 - Present |
Lone Star Legal Services | Volunteer Attorney | 2016 - 2018 |
Texas Family Law Foundation | Member | 2012 - 2013 |
American Bar Association | Member | 2012 - 2013 |
Association for Conflict Resolution | Member | 2011 - 2018 |
Phi Gamma Nu Business Fraternity | Board Member | 2007 - 2013 |
International Alliance of Holistic Lawyers | Board Member | 2005 - 2011 |
Houston Holistic Chamber of Commerce | Member | 2003 - 2005 |
Houston Volunteer Lawyers | Volunteer Attorney & Volunteer Mediator | 1996 - 2017 |
Houston Bar Association | Member | 1991 - 2019 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Texas Homes for Sale | Family Law Mediation | 2016 |
Divorce 911 Book | Tips from Fran Brochstein | 2016 |
mediation.com | 7 Reasons to Use Mediation to Settle Family Disputes | 2014 |
One Page Wisdom | Breathe | 2009 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
South Texas College of Law | N/A | 1990 |
University of Houston | B. S. | 1976 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
B N I - Marble Falls Chapter | What is family law mediation? | 2020 |
Family Law Mediation Training | Family Law Mediation Training | 2016 |
Association of Attorney-Mediators 2016 Houston seminar | Family Law Mediation Ethics | 2016 |
Met with approx. 10 women to discuss their concerns & to have them better understand Texas laws | Estate Planning for Women | 2015 |
Dr. Barbara Manousso's Family Law Mediation Training | Family Law Mediation Training | 2015 |
40 Hour Basic Mediation Training | National American University Mediation Training | 2015 |
---|---|---|
Family Law Mediation Training | Dispute Resolution Center - Break-out session Leader | 2014 |
Family Law Mediation | Intro to Texas Family Law | 2014 |
Dr. Barbara Manousso's Basic 40 hr. Mediation Training | Basic Mediation Training - I was one of the trainers | 2013 |
Dr. Barbara Manousso Family Law Mediation & Training Seminar | Basic Family Law Training - I was one of the trainers | 2013 |
Dr. Barbara Manousso's Basic 40 hour Mediation Training | Basic Mediation Training - I was one of the trainers | 2012 |
Dispute Resolution Center's Family Mediation Training | Family Mediation Training - I was one of the trainers | 2012 |
January monthly meeting of the Houston Holistic Chamber of Commerce | Importance of Estate Planning | 2009 |
Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity Conference | Solo Practice | 2009 |
Inner City Senior Citizen's Group | Estate Planning | 2008 |
Elkins High School | The Importance of Jury Duty & Now that your are an adult | 2008 |
Blue Moon Family Law Paralegal Seminar | Mediation | 2008 |
HBA Law Week & HISD High Schools | The Importance of Jury Service | 2006 |
TX Family Law Practice for Paralegals | Mediation | 2005 |
Practice Areas for Paralegals | Factors to consider when working in a family law office | 2005 |
TX Family Law Practice for Paralegals | Mediation | 2003 |
Frequent speaker to AIDS groups in the Houston area | The Importance of Estate Planning | 2003 |
Frequent speaker to local high schools & AIDS groups | AIDS & the Law | 2002 |
Frequent speaker to the elderly & low income groups | Putting Your Affairs in Order | 2001 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Mediation without attorneys | I have repeatedly saved people thousands of dollars in attorney fees |
Domestic Violence Mediation | Very successful - hugs from both parties! |
Domestic Violence Mediation | Very successful - hugs from both parties! |
45 year marriage mediation | Took several meetings but worked 100% |
Non-probate of deceased client | In progress. |
Uncontested divorce in Harris County | Resolving cases quickly & very happy clients |
---|---|
Free 10 minute phone consultations | Check out the reviews on this site - only 1 in 20 write a review - I wish more would |
Partial Agreement | Partial Agreement |
Impasse | Impasse |
Mediation | Case Resolved |
CPS mediation | Parties were very happy |
Divorce Coaching | Lady felt calmer & could make some decisions |
Harris County, Texas A G case | TX A G actually let me set a hearing for a Monday! |
Divorce & changing estate documents | Divorce & Estate docs revised |
2 Recent Cases involving "bogus" collections | Helped 2 people with small claim cases |
Modification | Client was extremely satisfied |
Family Mediation | Modification - Resolved all issues but one |
Latest Do It Yourself Kit | Divorce in Progress |
Mediation - 9/30/08 | Partial settlement - 3 issues to go before Judge |
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Robert Bennett, Mediation Attorney on Jun 29, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. She has worked hard to improve the State Bar of Texas and her Local Bar Association. IN th Marble Falls area and even state-wide is a very sought after mediator and I would highly recommend her to mediate your case. She can get the job done. ( She also knows the best place in Marble Falls for great pies)
Tychanika Kimbrough, Family Attorney on May 17, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Fran was a presenter for a CLE that I was unable to attend. I reached out to F higlyendorse this lawyer.
Kimberly Washington, Mediation Attorney on Jul 14, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I highly endorse this mediator. Fran has a full-time mediation practice in the Houston area. She is known for her mediation skills. Fran is often booked. I have used Fran as a mediator many times. I learned a lot from her.
I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Brochstein is attentive, knowledgable and a zealous advocate for her clients.
An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services.
Catherine Edwards, Mediation Attorney on Feb 18, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Elena Denevich, Family Attorney on Nov 21, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Great member of the legal community.
Susan Pniewski, Mediation Attorney on Aug 22, 2017
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer. Her knowledge base is impressive.
Travis Newton, Family Attorney on Jul 28, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Courtney Kaisand, Mediation Attorney on Jun 8, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Fran is an excellent mediator--compassionate yet no-nonsense. She is efficient and very experienced. Highly recommended!
Willie Graves, Mediation Attorney on Jun 5, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. She pursues the noble end of resolving instead of aggravating disputes between her fellow men and women, and she offers thoughtful and skilled analysis in this forum.
Cynthia Hatchett, Mediation Attorney on May 19, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. She was responsive, practical, efficient, and knowledgeable. I look forward to working with her again.
Fiza Syed, Mediation Attorney on Apr 23, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. She is simply the best mediator. She works hard and her primary focus is to solve the issue.
Ahmad Azam, Mediation Attorney on Apr 11, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Fran was an amazing Mediator, she was very professional, knowledgeable and was able to mediate a very complex case to resolution. She knew when to take control of the parties and did an outstanding job!! I highly recommend her for anyone needing a no BS Mediator
Kevin McKie, Mediation Attorney on Apr 8, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for an attorney who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of her clients and getting them the most favorable result possible.
Walter Hnot,, Family Attorney on Mar 22, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Fran is an excellent attorney committed to providing the highest quality representation to clients. I endorse this attorney without reservation.
John Barnes, Estate planning Attorney on Mar 11, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Fran has the experience to guide Texans through the minefield of effective estate planning. That is not a task to be entrusted to the inexperienced. You can rely on Fran.
Andrew Tolchin, Family Attorney on Oct 26, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Fran Brochstein is a leader in the dispute resolution community and has deep understanding of conflict resolution as well as family law, among other areas too. I endorse Fran for Family Law and for family law mediation.
Ashley Green, Mediation Attorney on Oct 13, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Fran is a great mediator! She gets the job done by being straight forward and honest with both sides. All, but one of my cases with Fran has settled in mediation.
Aaron Weinmann, Family Attorney on Sep 6, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Fran Brochstein is as intelligent and knowledgeable as they come. She is very professional and sincerely understands the intricacies of complex family law matters. Her ability to find outcomes in complex legal situations makes her an excellent mediator. Her ability to zealously advocate for her client while working towards the resolution of the dispute with his opposing counsel makes her one of the best attorney's in the state. I enthusiastically endorse Fran Brochstein as an attorney and a mediator.