Maryland Family Law Mediation Attorney
Divorce is hard. It doesn't matter if you have planned for this experience or if it took you by surprise. Neither does it matter if you've been married for two years or two decades. You combined your lives and built a life together. Now that life is being divided. You must figure out how to split your assets and share time with your children. However, making these decisions can be done amicably and peacefully through the process of divorce mediation. You don't have to get into heated arguments or end up letting the judge decide the fate of your belongings or children.
A Maryland family law mediation attorney can help you learn more about your options for mediation.
What is Divorce Mediation?
Suppose you want an uncontested divorce with minimal court involvement that gives you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse more control over your future lives. In that case, mediation is one way to accomplish this. Divorce mediation is facilitated by a trained, neutral party, known as a mediator. It is conducted in an informal, comfortable, neutral environment. You should also have your Maryland family law mediation attorney present with you to ensure your rights are protected during all mediation sessions. With the help of the mediator, you and your spouse can settle matters such as:
- The division of property, money, and other assets
- Child support
- Child custody and visitation
- Alimony or maintenance payments
Mediators help each side understand where the other side is coming from with their arguments, helping to level the playing field. They help spouses see the benefits of compromise. Mediation is often appealing as it can significantly decrease the cost and time a traditional, contested divorce takes. Going through the mediation process can also help divorcing couples start their separate lives on the right foot, providing them with the tools they need to compromise on future issues without issues escalating to the point of needed court intervention.
Mediation After Divorce
Even after a divorce, additional issues can arise if the couple shares minor children together. For example, perhaps one parent wants to change the visitation schedule or wants shared custody, or maybe the other wants to change the amount of child support based on recent changes to either parent's financial situation. They have the right to ask the judge to rule on these issues; however, trying mediation as a first step can prove beneficial if they can't agree on their own. Just as it is during the divorce process, mediation is typically faster and less expensive than going to court.
Contact a Maryland Family Law Mediation Attorney Today
Remember that a mediator is a neutral party. Although you aren't required to have an attorney by your side at mediation sessions, it's in your best interest to do so. A Maryland family law mediation attorney can often suggest alternative solutions during these sessions.
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