Divorce mediation is a tool that helps Maryland couples dissolve their marriages peacefully and with respect for one another’s priorities. However, when emotions run high, it can lead you to wonder, “How does divorce mediation work?” The truth is, for mediation to work, both parties must be ready to compromise and cooperate to reach a mutually beneficial resolution. If you can do that, the settlement agreement you reach at mediation may outlast any order entered by the court.  What Happens in Divorce Mediation? The goal of divorce mediation is simple: to provide a space and a structure to ..read more

Mediation can be a great tool for resolving disputes. It can help keep co-parents out of court, and help divorcing spouses resolve their cases quickly, and without the trouble of trial. Understanding what mediation is, and the different mediation techniques used in Maryland can help you make wise decisions in resolving your divorce or custody dispute.  What is Mediation? Maryland mediation techniques allow the parties to come to a resolution on tough issues while still maintaining control over their own circumstances. Our attorneys understand these techniques and can help you choose a pro ..read more

Some families are not well-suited to the conflict and high tension of an adversarial divorce trial. If divorce court sounds expensive, time consuming, and unhealthy, you may want to consider out of court alternatives. Which one is best for you will depend on the issues in your case, and how well you and your spouse get along, among other things. You should carefully consider alternative dispute resolution (ADR) options with your divorce lawyer before gearing up for trial. Can You Get a Divorce Without Going to Court in Maryland? The short answer to whether you can get a divorce without going t ..read more

Your divorce case has been referred to mediation. Or maybe you and your spouse are hoping to avoid lengthy litigation by mediating first and then filing for a Mutual Consent Divorce. If you want to make the most of your time and energy, here are some divorce mediation tips from someone who has participated in countless mediations as attorney and as mediator. 1.   Understand Your Priorities Many of the keys to a successful divorce mediation happen long before you and your lawyer (if you have one) arrive at the mediator’s office. Decide what parts of the divorce are most important to y ..read more

Whether you typically exchange custody every weekend, or your kids travel to their other parent’s for the summer, COVID-19 shut-downs are probably affecting your plans. Do you still need to send your children to their other parent for visitation? Can you drive to a custody exchange without violating Maryland’s “Stay-at-Home Order”? What about if you or your child need to cross state lines? Maryland Courts Say Custody Exchanges Continue During Coronavirus Shut-Downs On March 31, 2020, Governor Larry Hogan issued an executive order instructing everyone in the state to “Stay-at-Home”. The order r ..read more

If you had been considering a divorce or are currently co-parenting under a visitation agreement or child custody order, the announcements about COVID-19 shutdowns may leave you wondering what to do now.  Can anything be done? Here are some practical suggestions for family law services that are still available in the face of the Coronavirus outbreak. Author’s Note: This is an evolving situation and the responses of governments, courts, and private businesses are changing every day. This article is accurate as of March 23, 2020. However, there may have been changes since that time. Contact ..read more

One of the most frequently asked questions that we hear is  How long must I be separated before I can get divorced? People are often discouraged when they hear the answer. In Maryland, in most cases, you need a 12 month separation before you can obtain a  a divorce.  But, there is good news. The wait may be over! On April 13, 2015, the Maryland General Assembly passed Bill 472, which will allow parties without children to bypass the current 12 month separation requirement to obtain a no-fault divorce. This bill will permit parties to divorce on a “mutual cons ..read more