Divorce is challenging for everyone involved, from the couple to their children and the rest of the family. Most divorce proceedings can become contentious because the parties naturally seek their best interests first, inevitably leading to disagreements and conflict when they share children and assets.
Court-mandated mediation
While mediation is voluntary, the court can order the parties to attend mediation at some point during the divorce proceedings to encourage a non-adversarial resolution of the parties’ disputes. The court will designate a mediator for the parties. They can choose to attend mediation with or without their attorneys.
Why mediation?
There are many issues at stake in a divorce: child custody and support, spousal support and division of assets and liabilities. Maryland family courts understand the difficulties that come with settling divorce matters.
The courts also recognize the benefits of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), including mediation, so the judge can order a couple to attend mediation at a certain point as part of the divorce proceedings.
What is mediation?
Mediation is a process in which an impartial third-party, a mediator, facilitates a conversation between the divorcing spouses so they can solve issues between them. Mediation is voluntary, confidential and efficient.
Mediation is a highly effective way of solving problems and is encouraged by the courts. It allows the parties to air their grievances in a less formal environment and reach an agreement that works for them, while at the same time giving the parties more control over the outcome of their case.