TX STATETexas Supreme Court
2013

In re Lee

411 S.W.3d 445Texas Supreme Court • Decided 2013Enforced
FLAGSHIPDispute ResolutionCited 215 times

HOLDING

This Texas Supreme Court case addresses mediated settlement agreements in family law disputes. The court ruled that once both parties sign a valid mediated settlement agreement, a trial judge must enforce it and cannot reject it based on whether the judge thinks it's in the child's best interest. The only exception is if family violence impaired one party's ability to make decisions. For construction subcontractors, this reinforces that mediated settlements are binding and courts will enforce them as written.

KEY FINDINGS

Dispute Resolution

Mediated settlement agreements are enforceable and binding once properly executed—courts cannot second-guess them on other grounds

FULL COURT OPINION