Question:
If judgment has already been rendered in a Texas family law case, can the parties still enter into a new mediated settlement agreement and file a nonsuit?
Answer:
No. Once the court has rendered judgment, there is nothing left pending to nonsuit. A judgment is rendered when the judge officially announces a decision, whether orally in open court or by written order. At that point, the case is effectively closed as to that phase of the dispute. Mediation after rendition is not allowed as a tool to bypass that finality. The proper course is to file a motion for new trial or motion for reconsideration. If the court agrees to vacate the previous ruling, parties can then proceed with their mediated agreement. Otherwise, the judgment stands, and any new agreements would need to be pursued as part of a formal modification proceeding under Chapter 156 of the Texas Family Code.