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Going before a judge is not the only way to resolve a family law dispute and often it's not the best way. Family law mediation allows you to sit down with a neutral party, the mediator, who works with you and your spouse, partner, or co-parent to identify issues and discuss possible options for resolution. Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that allows you to come up with your own creative solutions to family problems without court intervention. Because the solutions come from you, not the mediator or a judge, agreements are more likely to be durable.
Here are answers to some of the questions The Law Office of Shelly M. Ingram frequently receives about mediation.
The mediator is completely neutral in the mediation in process. The mediator’s role is to help resolve disputes by guiding the decision-making process without advocating for either side. Mediators are required toadhere to the Maryland Standard of Conduct for Mediators.
The mediator cannot make decisions for the parties, nor can the mediator give any legal, financial, or any other specialized advice. The mediator assists the parties in making decisions by guiding discussions in a neutral manner.
All mediations are confidential and the mediator cannot be called as a witness in any administrative or judicial proceedings. Maryland law allows for disclosures under certain circumstances, including when it isnecessary to prevent bodily harm or death.
Any type of conflict can be resolved in mediation. Mediators can help resolve a variety of family law matters from premarital issues to custody and child support, alimony, and even the division of marital property and debt.
The answers to these questions are general in nature and are not intended to create an attorney-client relationship or to replace specific legal advice. We invite you to contact our office at (301) 658-7354 to schedule a consultation, so that we can learn about the facts of your case and respond to the particulars of your unique situation.
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Maryland Family Law Attorney