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Fran Brochstein
About Fran
Biography
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. For 2023-24, I am President for the Texas Association of Mediators. I am a past president of the Association for Conflict Resolution-Houston Chapter.
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 20 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
Visit my website for my resume and more information on mediation.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Mediation
100%
21 years | 900 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Texas for 34 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Location
Fran Brochstein, JD & Mediator
P O Box 1925, Marble Falls, TX, 78654
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Fran Brochstein's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
68 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (68)
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | 1 star
Posted by anonymous | January 02, 2018
Rude and hurtful
I briefly explained my situation and asked her if she welcomed limited scope representation and she just wrote back and said she wasn't interested without explanation or any hint of care in her tone. I'm sure she will have this review taken down as there are no poor reviews of her and there is probab...
Fran Brochstein
Replied last January 02, 2018I no longer accept new cases. I only mediate full time. She contacted me via email during Christmas break while I was on vacation but I responded from my cell phone. She did not even call me. I did one limited scope representation in my 26 year legal career and it turned out to be a nightmare. I’ll never do one again or refer anyone to any attorney I like. I did over 100 hours of pro bono in 2017 (free) which equates to around $30,000 in free legal and mediation work for indigent Harris county residents so my actions speak for themselves. There are negative reviews if you read enough of them and I don’t remove them because it shows these comments are real. I do not pay for good reviews - never have and never will.
Posted by anonymous | December 09, 2014 | Divorce & Separation
Unprofessional, do not use her!
I had spoken to Fran over the phone, when I was looking for an Attorney to take up my divorce case, she came across as a very nice and caring woman, she explained that she does not litigate anymore and only does mediation. I finally found an attorney and insisted on using Fran for mediation and also...
Fran Brochstein
Replied last December 09, 2014It was bound to happen - finally a bad review. I have to admit it does not bother me -- since I know exactly who wrote it and why. Actually if you read between the lines, I did my job as a mediator. But I will disagree with her on one thing - I did not take sides. I was impartial. Apparently, that upset her. You will see that no where does she say that she is unhappy with the settlement that was reached. Here are a few comments so you can fully appreciate her bad review: 1. Mediation lasted over 5 hours and the case was settled. I made certain that she was not pressured into signing and that she was signing it freely. 2. This person had an attorney (attorney #4) but in reviewing the court's file on-line I determined that attorney #3 was still her attorney of record and attorney #4 should have reviewed the file before agreeing to attend mediation with her. 3. This person was the respondent. She wanted the divorce to "go away" and was upset when I informed her that her husband was the petitioner and the case was going to trial the next week with or without her. She wanted me to immediately draft all the final paperwork for her to sign. She was unhappy when attorney #4 and I informed her that I do not "draft" final paperwork as a mediator. She demanded that "someone" draft final paperwork immediately for her to sign - it did not happen. In her defense, since she is from another country and she did not seem to understand Texas family law. Her attorney kept trying to explain Texas family law to her and how a divorce case is handled in Harris County. 4. Upon reviewing the court's file, I determined that her attorney #1 had filed an intervention for fees and was a party to the mediation. I allowed attorney #1 to appear by phone. She told me that attorney #1 would not give her a copy of her file. When I talked to attorney #1 she said that the file was in her office ready to be picked up but that her former client would not sign the piece of paper acknowledging receipt of her file. 5. If the husband's side to this story was known - he was very unhappy with the settlement. He gave up a bunch of stuff that he wanted. But he wanted this marriage to end. He gave up a lot of "stuff" to settle this case. 6. During the last 2 hours, she repeatedly went in and out of the office to her vehicle. She kept walking by the room that her husband & his attorney were in. I kept wondering what she was doing in her vehicle. 7. At the end of the mediation, she was giggling on the phone with someone. She seemed pleased as she left the office. I found her behavior unusual -- I've never seen anyone leave mediation so happy and joyful. 8.At one point when she said that I was "unprofessional" -- I offered to stop the mediation and declare an impasse. Her attorney #4 begged me to continue. 9. I've been told that if both parties "hate" you at the end of a mediation and feel "beaten up" then I have done a good job as a mediator.
Fran Brochstein's Lawyer Endorsements
"Ms Brochstein is one of the best lawyers on AVVO. There are many lawyers on AVVO that give horrible answers. They often don’t even get the law right, or they add little or nothing to the answers other lawyers have mentioned. They often miss issues or other opportunities that might help solve a problem. Ms Brochstein on the other hand is a lawyer that you can tell truly cares about the person asking the questions and wants to help them solve there problem. She gifts smart thorough and practical advise, and like a good lawyer sometimes that advise is not necessary legal advise but rather advise that comes from wisdom gained as an experienced lawyer and mediator. I strongly endorse her. She is a problem practical and wise problem solver and that it exactly what you need in a good mediator."
"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)"
"Fran was a presenter for a CLE that I was unable to attend. I reached out to F higlyendorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Great member of the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Her knowledge base is impressive."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Fran is an excellent mediator--compassionate yet no-nonsense. She is efficient and very experienced. Highly recommended!"
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. She was responsive, practical, efficient, and knowledgeable. I look forward to working with her again."
"I endorse this lawyer. She is simply the best mediator. She works hard and her primary focus is to solve the issue."
"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"
"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."
"Fran is an excellent attorney committed to providing the highest quality representation to clients. I endorse this attorney without reservation."
"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."
"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."
"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."
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Experience
Honors
2018
One of the 50 most influential women in Houston for 2017, Houston Woman Magazine
2018
Lifetime Achievement Recepient, Association for Conflict Resolution - Houston Chapter
2016
One of Houston's best attorney-mediators, H-Texas Magazine
2015
One of Houston's best attorney mediators, H-Texas Magazine
2015
Named as one of the leading mediators in Houston, Houstonia Magzine
2014
One of the top family law attorneys in Houston, Houstonia Magazine
2013
One of the top family law attorneys in Houston, Houstonia Magazine
2009
Admitted to the U. S. Supreme Court, U. S. Supreme Court
2006
An Equal Access Champion, Houston Bar Association
2001
Volunteer Recognition, Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program
1993
AIDS Advocate Award, Houston Bar Association for Human Rights
Work Experience
2004 - Present
Mediator, Fran Brochstein Mediator
2015 - 2015
Mediation Instructor, National American University
1995 - 2005
Attorney, Fran Brochstein
1990 - 1991
Intership, 247th Family Court of Harris County
1990 - 1995
Staff Attorney & Project Coordinator, Houson Volunteer Lawyers Program
Associations
2020 - Present
Austin Association of MediatorsMember
2020 - Present
Volunteer Legal Services of Central TexasVolunteer Attorney
2018 - Present
Highland Lakes Bar AssociationMember
2015 - Present
Texas Association of MediatorsPresident-Elect for 2022-23
2014 - Present
Association of Attorney-MediatorsMember
2013 - Present
Texas Mediator Roundtable AssociationMember
2007 - Present
Texas Association of MediatorsMember
2006 - Present
Houston Chapter - Association for Conflict Resolution2016 & 2017 - President
2006 - Present
Texas Mediator Credentialing AssociationMember
1995 - Present
Houston Bar FoundationFellow
1991 - Present
Delta Theta Phi Law FraternityAlumni
1991 - Present
State Bar of TexasMember
2016 - 2020
Academy of Professional Family MediatorsMember
2016 - 2018
Lone Star Legal ServicesVolunteer Attorney
2015 - 2020
Association of Family Conciliation CourtsMember
2012 - 2013
American Bar AssociationMember
2012 - 2013
Texas Family Law FoundationMember
2011 - 2018
Association for Conflict ResolutionMember
2007 - 2013
Phi Gamma Nu Business FraternityBoard Member
2005 - 2018
Harris County Dispute Resolution CenterVolunteer Mediator
2005 - 2011
International Alliance of Holistic LawyersBoard Member
2003 - 2005
Houston Holistic Chamber of CommerceMember
1996 - 2017
Houston Volunteer LawyersVolunteer Attorney & Volunteer Mediator
1991 - 2019
Houston Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
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
Mediation - 9/30/08
Partial settlement - 3 issues to go before Judge
2 Recent Cases involving "bogus" collections
Helped 2 people with small claim cases
Divorce & changing estate documents
Divorce & Estate docs revised
Harris County, Texas A G case
TX A G actually let me set a hearing for a Monday!
Modification
Client was extremely satisfied
Latest Do It Yourself Kit
Divorce in Progress
Family Mediation
Modification - Resolved all issues but one
Education
1990
South Texas College of Law
1976
University of Houston
B. S.
Speaking Engagements
2022
2022 Texas Association of Mediators
Family Mediation Horror Stories
2021
Texas Modern Mediation
Texas rules & regulations for mediators and Mediation Horror Stories
2020
B N I - Marble Falls Chapter
What is family law mediation?
2016
Family Law Mediation Training
Family Law Mediation Training
2016
Association of Attorney-Mediators 2016 Houston seminar
Family Law Mediation Ethics
2015
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
2014
Family Law Mediation Training
Dispute Resolution Center - Break-out session Leader
2014
Family Law Mediation
Intro to Texas Family Law
2013
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
2012
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
2009
January monthly meeting of the Houston Holistic Chamber of Commerce
Importance of Estate Planning
2009
Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity Conference
Solo Practice
2008
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
2006
HBA Law Week & HISD High Schools
The Importance of Jury Service
2005
TX Family Law Practice for Paralegals
Mediation
2005
Practice Areas for Paralegals
Factors to consider when working in a family law office
2003
TX Family Law Practice for Paralegals
Mediation
2003
Frequent speaker to AIDS groups in the Houston area
The Importance of Estate Planning
2002
Frequent speaker to local high schools & AIDS groups
AIDS & the Law
2001
Frequent speaker to the elderly & low income groups
Putting Your Affairs in Order
Publications
2021
Instant Mediations website and newsletter
Monthly mediation column for www.instantmediations.com
2020
Instant Mediations website & newsletter
Monthly mediation column for www.InstantMediations.com
2016
Texas Homes for Sale
Family Law Mediation
2016
Divorce 911 Book
Tips from Fran Brochstein
2014
mediation.com
7 Reasons to Use Mediation to Settle Family Disputes
2009
One Page Wisdom
Breathe
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
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