Koehler Law Firm Mediation

06/04/2026

Fully caffeinated and ready for a full day mediation in Brownwood! 

06/03/2026

New painting for my office! 

06/02/2026

06/01/2026

Monday Mediation Memo

Communication regarding the child should be done between THE PARENTS, not using a third party or a step-parent. Unless there is a protective order, family violence or some other reason that the parents cannot communicate directly, there is no reason to use another party to talk about your children.

I cannot tell you the level of tension, resentment and confusion caused when communication about the children is delegated to a third-party or step-parent. 

Whenever possible, use written communication like email or a co-parenting app (e.g., OurFamilyWizard, AppClose, etc). This ensures clarity, keeps everyone on the same page, and provides an objective record if any misunderstandings arise.

BIFF method: Be Brief, Informative, Friendly, and Firm. Try not get into arguments,  factual disputes, etc. Keep the focus strictly on the child's needs and schedule rather than personal grievances.

These tips will make for a much smoother, co-parenting relationship, and assures the Court that your actions are necessary to ensure the best interests of the child. 

06/01/2026

Comal, Coryell, Hill, McLennan, Taylor, Brown, Erath and Eastland counties this week. Here we go!

05/29/2026

Reflections on the week. Had two cases with “parentified children“. What does this mean? It means the child serves as the emotional anchor for a parent.

This occurs when a parent leans on the child for comfort during adult struggles (e.g., divorce, financial distress, drama in adult friendships, etc.). Children in these roles are often praised for being "wise beyond their years" or "so responsible," but this forced maturity is a trauma response.

Common indicators:

Perfectionism & People-Pleasing: Believing that if they are flawless and accommodating, they can prevent the adults in their lives from getting upset.

Emotional Suppression: Stifling their own feelings to avoid burdening caregivers or to appear "strong".

Difficulty with Peers: Have trouble relaxing or engaging in spontaneous, age-appropriate fun. They find it easier to relate to adults rather than their peers.

Parentified children often face struggles later in life. In adulthood, this can manifest as chronic anxiety, difficulty maintaining friendships, boundary-setting issues, and a constant urge to fix other people's problems.

How do I remedy this if I think I’m doing this to my child?

Gently, but firmly, take back parental responsibilities. Ensure the child sees that you are capable of managing the household and the needs of the family. Do not let your children look on your social media, participate in adult conversations or overhear adult conversations.  Do not gossip with your child about their friends or yours. Explicitly acknowledge the burden the child has carried, thanking them for how hard they've worked to care for others, but let them know it is no longer their job.

05/26/2026

Hope to build bridges this week  in mediation! Working in Coryell, Brown, Taylor, Tom Green, McLennan, Burnet and Erath counties. Let’s go! 

05/25/2026

Happy Memorial Day 

05/14/2026

Hill County commissioners’ split vote to issue a moratorium appears to be a first in Texas.

05/14/2026

Double zoom at the office today. Johnson and Taylor county mediations!