The Benefits Of Divorce Mediation In Maryland

There’s no such thing as a stress-free divorce. But you can reduce the amount of stress and animosity in your divorce if you choose to pursue a mediated divorce over a litigated one. Additionally, mediated divorces are cheaper than litigated divorces and tend to be less stressful as well. In this article, the Maryland divorce mediation attorneys at Schlaich and Thompson, Chartered, will discuss the benefits of divorce mediation over litigated divorces.

The benefits of divorce mediation in Maryland

Mediation can be beneficial to parties who are seeking a divorce in Maryland. It can also be beneficial for resolving post-divorce disputes concerning child custody, alimony, and more. Benefits of divorce mediation include:

• It’s less expensive than litigation – In a litigated divorce, each side has to pay for their own expert witnesses such as forensic accountants and child custody specialists to make their case. In the end, a judge decides who gets what and how the divorce will proceed. Mediation involves one attorney who helps the couple negotiate a settled agreement. Mediation is thus far cheaper than litigation.
• You have more control in mediation – In a litigated divorce, a judge will render any final rulings related to disputes in the marriage. That takes the power out of your hands and places it into the courts. In a mediated divorce, you negotiate with your former partner and come to an agreement together. That means that the power remains in your hands throughout the process.
• Mediation reduces conflict – Even in high-conflict divorces, mediation can help both parties reduce the amount of animosity and strife related to the divorce process. Mediation is less stressful and can help both parties work together to end their marriage. The divorce mediator is an unbiased third party who oversees the process of negotiating the divorce. Mediation is a collaborative process as opposed to an adversarial one like litigation.
• Mediation is confidential – Unlike litigation, mediation is private and confidential. In litigation, the court renders a final ruling on all matters and thus the divorce settlement becomes a matter of public record. In mediation, you can keep your sensitive financial information confidential.

What does a divorce mediator do exactly?

The mediator’s job is to assist both spouses in making important decisions related to their divorce. The mediator will help both parties by guiding them through the process of negotiating a divorce settlement. The mediator is neutral and does not favor one or the other party in the process. All mediators are required by law to follow the Maryland Standard of Conduct for Mediators. Mediators are not allowed to offer financial or legal advice to either party. Instead, they help both parties come to agreement by ensuring that both parties understand the law and by reducing the overall amount of conflict in the process.

Talk to a Maryland Divorce Mediation Attorney Today

Schlaich & Thompson, Chartered represents the interests of those pursuing a divorce in Maryland. If you are considering divorce, you may be interested to learn more about mediation. Call our office today to schedule an appointment, and we can address any questions you may have about the mediation process.

Source:

courts.state.md.us/sites/default/files/import/macro/pdfs/mdstandardsofconductformediators.pdf