Divorce Mediation

Family Law Attorney Representing People in Prince George’s County In Divorce Mediation

Ending a marriage does not have to be a contentious or lengthy process. Rather, in Maryland, parties who wish to end their marriage can engage in divorce mediation. Mediation allows parties to resolve disputed issues such as property division, child custody, and spousal and child support. If you have made the decision to end your marriage or have been served with divorce papers, it is advisable for you to meet with a knowledgeable family law attorney who can advise you regarding the benefits of mediation and what the process entails. Robin Rucker Gaillard is a skilled Prince George’s County divorce attorney with the experience needed to handle complex family law cases, and if you engage her services, she will work tirelessly to help you protect your rights. 

Ms. Gaillard has guided many clients through divorce mediation and is adept at attaining favorable outcomes for her clients in the Maryland family law courts. Her office is located in Largo, and she is available to represent people in family law cases in cities throughout Prince George’s County.

Pre-Divorce Mediation

It is not necessary for a couple that wishes to divorce to file a divorce petition prior to engaging in mediation. Instead, parties can engage in pre-divorce litigation in an attempt to resolve any marital disputes. Pre-divorce mediation is not required but is similar to mediation that takes place after a divorce petition has been filed in that the parties will work with a mediator to attempt to resolve disputed issues. If the parties come to a marital settlement agreement, it will be formalized in writing and submitted to the court for approval. Pre-divorce mediation can help a couple avoid incurring significant legal fees and extended litigation.

Although it is not required for either spouse to be represented by counsel during pre-divorce mediation, it is wise to prevent the unintentional waiver of rights. The issues typically dealt with during mediation include division of marital assets, spousal support, child support, and child custody and visitation. It is also helpful for each party to understand the issues and what terms they are willing to agree to prior to beginning pre-divorce mediation to facilitate the process.

Post-Divorce Filing Mediation

If a couple does not engage in pre-divorce mediation, they may still be able to resolve their marital disputes in mediation after a divorce petition is filed. Mediation allows parties to dictate the terms of their marital settlement agreement rather than having the issues decided by the court.

Parties may voluntarily choose to mediate or may be required to mediate by the courts. Under Maryland law, in divorce actions where there is a dispute over visitation, custody, or other parental responsibilities, the courts must evaluate whether mediation would be appropriate and is likely to benefit the child in question or the parties, and whether a qualified mediator is available. If so, the court will enter an order requiring them to mediate custody or visitation disputes. There is an exception for cases in which a party tells the court in good faith that there is a genuine issue of abuse of the child or the party, or coercive control of the party, in which case mediation is inappropriate.

Mediators are neutral parties that do not represent either spouse. Instead, they will discuss the issues with each spouse to attempt to attain an amicable resolution. The communications during mediation are confidential and cannot be admitted into evidence if mediation is not successful.

Meet with an Experienced Prince George’s County Divorce Attorney

In many cases, divorce mediation can allow a couple to end their marriage quickly and with minimal disagreement. If you or your spouse intend to file for divorce, it is prudent to meet with an experienced Prince George’s County family law attorney to discuss whether mediation may be appropriate in your case. Attorney Robin Rucker Gaillard has ample experience assisting parties in divorce mediation and will work tirelessly to help you resolve your case in a seamless and efficient manner. Ms. Gaillard’s office is located in Largo, Maryland, and she regularly guides people through the process of divorce mediation in cities throughout Prince George’s County. She also represents people in other family law matters in Montgomery, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, Howard, Frederick, Queen Anne’s, and Baltimore Counties. You can contact her through the online form or at (301) 363-2933 to set up a confidential meeting to discuss your case.