October is Mediation Awareness Month, Comal County Commissioners Court proclaimed on Oct. 1, a time to recognize the benefits of resolving disputes before and after court proceedings.

"Conflict resolution processes can foster communication, enhance relationships, potentially save parties time and expenses of prolonged litigation and increase the efficiency of the courts, thereby conserving taxpayer dollars," the proclamation stated.

The Central Texas Dispute Resolution Center serves Comal County, among others, in the areas of civil, family, divorce and child custody disputes, offering assistance to more than half-a-million people in their service area.