Koehler Law Firm Mediation

10/16/2026

A book recommendation for anyone walking through a hard season.

Mediation often comes during some of life's most painful chapters: divorce, family conflict, major change. Many of the people I work with tell me they're grieving a future they thought they'd have.

If that sounds familiar, I'd encourage you to read “It's Not Supposed to Be This Way” by Lysa TerKeurst. She writes honestly about disappointment, unmet expectations, and the heartache of life not going as planned, and about finding strength and hope in the middle of it.

It won't solve your situation, but it may help you feel less alone in it. And when you're less overwhelmed, you can show up to difficult conversations with a clearer head and a steadier heart.

10/15/2026

Every week, I struggle with fitting cases in my calendar because I would like to get everyone in for mediation as soon as possible. However, when a successful resolution is reached, I also love to hear “you were worth the wait“ .

As a person who has lived through divorce, I recognize that when you are going through emotional litigation, you can often times want it to be done sooner rather than later. So while I appreciate hearing these compliments, I do realize that clients ask themselves, is this particular mediator’s calendar worth waiting on? 

Waiting usually makes sense if:
- No court deadline, statute of limitations, or filing date is pressing
- Your position isn't getting worse with time (evidence fading, interest or fees piling up, assets at risk)
- The case is complex or emotionally charged or involves a particular asset, where a mediator's skill and credibility with both sides really affects the outcome
- Both parties respect this mediator. Buy-in from the other side is often worth more than speed.

Waiting may not be worth it if:
- Ongoing harm, mounting legal costs, or a business relationship is deteriorating
- A trial or discovery deadline looms (though you can often ask the court for a stay or extension for mediation)
- A mediator is available much sooner and the case is fairly straightforward

Middle paths:
- Ask the mediator to be put on a cancellation list. Top mediators often have openings that come up once or twice a month, but with fairly short notice, so the attorney’s schedule would need to be flexible as well.
- Use the waiting period productively: exchange key documents, get damages calculations done, and have settlement-range conversations with your lawyer.
- Book now as a backup so you have a date to move towards.

One more thing: a skilled mediator typically improves settlement odds noticeably, and a failed early mediation with the wrong person can harden positions and make later settlement harder. So a few months' wait for the right fit, is often less expensive than a rushed attempt.

10/14/2026

What a good day judging the 4-H and FFA agricultural public speaking contest at the State Fair of Texas. And I got my corny dog! 

These students spoke with a confidence and knowledge that would make any seasoned professional proud. Congratulations to every competitor, and thank you to the parents, advisors and ag teachers who invest so much in these young leaders. Your work shows. The future of Texas agriculture is in great hands!

10/13/2026

Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Council meeting today. I was appointed by Governor Abbott eight years ago.

Why is this Council important to agriculture, farmers and ranchers in Texas?

The Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Council helps make sure that when the state pays to protect private land, the owners can keep using it as working farmland, ranchland, or timberland.

The state buys "conservation easements," which are agreements that limit how land can be developed. The council checks that these agreements:

- Let the owner keep farming, ranching, or growing timber
- While protecting things like wildlife habitat and water

It also gives priority to land that is most at risk of being sold off, subdivided, or built on.

Why it matters: Texas has lost millions of acres of farm and ranch land to development, and this program helps keep working land in production.

It is a honor everyday for me to be a part of this goal.

10/12/2026

This has been popping up more and more in my mediations. If you are thinking about hiring a divorce coach, please read this first.

Going through a divorce is overwhelming, and it's tempting to hire anyone who offers guidance and support. But a divorce coach is not a lawyer, and that difference matters.

Coaches can't give legal advice. Most aren't licensed attorneys. They can't tell you what you're entitled to, whether a settlement is fair, or what a clause in your agreement will mean for you years from now.

Your conversations may not be protected. What you tell your attorney is generally covered by attorney-client privilege. What you tell a coach often isn't, and it could surface later.

Conflicting advice can cost you. A coach who pushes you to hold out for something unrealistic, or to rush into a deal, can undermine the strategy your attorney built for your case. In mediation, one wrong move can be expensive and hard to undo.

Your attorney knows your case. They know your state’s laws, the judges in your county, your finances and the details of your situation. A coach, however well-meaning, doesn't.

A good coach can help with emotional support, organization and communication, and that has value. But if a coach's advice ever conflicts with your attorney's, listen to your attorney. They're the one with the legal training, and the one accountable for protecting your interests.

Your divorce will shape your financial and family future. Please get your legal guidance from a lawyer.

10/06/2026

If you have zoomed with me, you know this background. 😂 It’s only Tuesday and it has already been a busy week! Working in Bosque, Tom Green, Lampasas, Erath, Burnet, Eastland, Hill, Bell and edited: Hood counties this week. Let’s get settled!

10/01/2026

Twenty years ago, I formed Koehler Law Firm, PC. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. Leap of faith, but it was well worth the risk. Grateful to all the clients, attorneys, mentors, and others who have helped me along the way! 

09/30/2026

A Texas Bar College member in their natural habitat. ⚖️

Think you exceed the standard? Learn more at texasbarcollege.com

09/29/2026

Cattle folks, check out this article. 

A Texas appeals court has clarified when livestock owners can be held liable for cattle that escape onto state and U.S. highways.

09/28/2026

Interesting week this week. Family law case on Monday morning, adverse possession property case in the afternoon! Busy working in Bell and Coryell counties (4 cases), along with Erath, Tom Green, Hill, Lampasas and Hamilton. Here we go!