Divorce mediation can provide estranged couples in Maryland and throughout the country an opportunity to settle issues without going to court. Those who go through mediation will work with a neutral party who will help to facilitate a conversation. Hopefully, that conversation will result in a consensus on issues such as child support or alimony payments or how to split marital assets.
The role of the mediator
In addition to facilitating a conversation, the mediator can take a number of other steps to make it easier to come to a divorce settlement. For instance, the mediator in your case may present compromise solutions to a property division dispute in an effort to get through an impasse. They might also provide context as to how a judge might resolve a dispute to help you and your spouse see whether your demands are reasonable under the law.
Settlements can occur at any time
Typically, mediation will be the first thing that a divorcing couple will try in an effort to reach a settlement. However, you can opt for mediation at any point during a trial, and the judge in your case might require you to start or continue mediation prior to setting a divorce trial date.
You remain in control of the terms
Perhaps the best reason to seek mediation over litigation is that you craft its terms as you see fit. If a judge issues a ruling, there is no guarantee that you will agree with it. However, you will be bound by its terms. In most cases, settlements are more likely to be followed if they are created through mediation as opposed to by a judge.