What is Mediation?
Divorce mediation is a confidential process in which both parties meet with a neutral third party who helps them compromise on the division of parenting responsibilities. These responsibilities could be regarding where the children will reside, when the children will spend time with each parent, or financial issues of property and support. The goal of mediation is to reach an agreement that is within the parties control, whereas in litigation the Judge or Magistrate will make the final decisions.
Useful Tips for A Maryland Divorce Mediation
- Understand the purpose of a Maryland Divorce Mediation. Do not make the mistake of viewing mediation as couples therapy. Mediation should address the future and should be aimed at reaching an amicable divorce settlement. During divorce mediation, it should be understood that the romantic aspect of your relationship is over. Try to avoid using mediation as an opportunity to bring up past issues.
- Avoid attacking your spouse during mediation. Remember, mediation is not a fight. It is a time to collaboratively find the best way forward for yourself and your family. Verbally assaulting or taking jabs at your spouse will only delay the process. Attacking your spouse will only put them on the defensive and prolong the cycle. If the attacks become severe, you may be forced into litigation. If your spouse takes jabs at you, try your best to ignore it and allow the mediator or your attorney to correct your spouse and move the process forward.
- Remember to use the word “Because.” Expressing yourself by using the word “because” forces you to explain your point of view. Your spouse needs to understand your reasoning and where you’re coming from. For instance, if you don’t want to sell the house, refrain from saying something like “I don’t want to sell the house, I refuse to consider it right now.” This does not give your spouse an explanation as to why. A more collaborative response may be “I don’t want to sell the house right now because I anticipate that the property value will increase once the city approves the new shopping mall down the street.” A response like this explains to your spouse your hesitation and can allow for a solution to be reached.
Contact Our Experienced Maryland Family Law Attorneys Regarding Your Divorce Case in Montgomery County, Maryland and Prince George’s County, Maryland
If you have questions or concerns about divorce mediation, please contact the Law Office of LaSheena M. Williams, LLC today. You can reach attorney LaSheena M. Williams at (301) 778-9950 or by leaving an online request for a consultation.
Our firm fervidly represents clients across Rockville, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Chevy Chase, College Park, Cheverly, Greenbelt, Oxon Hill, Hyattsville, Upper Marlboro, Largo, Bowie and surrounding communities.
