Mediation Lawyer Frederick, MD

Make The Most Out Of Negotiations With Our Frederick, MD Mediation Lawyer

Divorce is never easy, even when the couple agrees that it’s time to split up and can agree on the resolution of common contentious issues like child custody and support, alimony, and dividing property and debts. Most couples stick on at least one of these points, which makes the process takes longer and often means multiple trips to court presenting petitions before a Maryland family law judge. In an effort to reduce the backlog of family law cases and to help couples more amicably resolve their issues, judges often order couples to mediation, in which each spouse may be represented by their own Frederick, MD mediation lawyer.

However, some couples opt for mediation at the outset of the divorce settlement process. Whether you are court-ordered to a mediation session or choose mediation on your own, you have the right to legal representation during the process. At Fait & DiLima, LLP, we have extensive experience acting as mediators for divorcing couples and representing individual husbands and wives to advocate for their interests during the divorce. We invite you to contact us today for a consultation about your divorce.

What To Expect From Mediation

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), in which opposing parties (in this case, a husband and wife) negotiate to settle their issues. It’s guided by a trained mediator, usually someone in the legal profession who has experience with the matter, like a former family law judge or divorce attorney. The spouses and their respective attorneys are in two separate locations, like two different conference rooms, or, if the session is conducted by video, in two locations, connected only through the mediator.

The mediator goes back and forth between the two, carrying their respective demands and objections. They may make suggestions to help the couple reach a compromise, but they don’t have the power of a judge’s court order. Instead, mediators help keep the couple focused on the actual issues, not hard feelings and offenses given in the past. With the help of their family law attorneys, the couple may be able to resolve many of the issues and even develop a divorce decree.

If you can resolve all your divorce issues and reach a decree acceptable to both parties, you can usually avoid going to court altogether. The mediator or one of the attorneys draws up the agreement, which is then submitted to the court. Once a judge approves the mediated settlement, it becomes a binding divorce decree.

What Can Be Resolved In Mediation?

Most divorce issues can be resolved in mediation. Our attorneys can explain what options are open to you, according to Maryland law, and what may not be possible. You have much more control in mediation than you do in court, which is why some couples prefer it. You can set a child custody arrangement that works with both of your schedules and obligations. As long as a judge determines it represents the child’s best interests, it becomes legally effective. Spousal and child support, and property and asset division can also be resolved in mediation.

The Fait & DiLima, LLP family law attorneys are trained negotiators with decades of combined experience participating in mediation. We invite you to call our Frederick mediation lawyer today to learn more about your options.