[blabla bla about divoce ]

 

Sometimes the pain of divorce is so intense the parties involved are unable to come to an agreement on how to divide their property or even what is in the best interest of their children regarding visitation and custody. 

 

Traditionally each party in the divorce engages the services of an attorney and the attorney’s advocate for their respective client through a series of discussions until a final agreement emerges. However this process tends to be expensive for both parties in the divorce and often complicates an already painful experience. 

 

By using a mediator each party splits the cost of the mediation which is far more economical that each party paying for an attorney. The mediator will meet with both parties and work with them to determine an outcome that is acceptable to the parties. 

 

HOW THE MEDIATION WORK

 

1. The mediation begins with a contract that both parties sign. The contract addresses matters such as confidentiality of the mediation proceedings as well as agreements on how the mediation will be paid. 

2. An intake assessment for both parties is scheduled once the contract is fully executed. This meeting can be in person or virtual. The purpose of the intake assessment is to provide the mediator with information on them\ current concerns of the parties, an overall evaluation of the property to be damanged and information about any children and the concerns each has about maintaining access to the children. 

3. The next step involves a lot of homework for the parties. The couple is given a set of forms to complete will describes all of the financial assests and property controlled by the couple. This information provides the mediator with a checklist of items to be discussed. However, if the couple is in a greement on the disposition of property, the discussion is minimal. 

4. Each individual in the couple must also express what kind of access arrangement they would like with their children. This information is used by the Mediator to determine the factors regardig child access that must be discussed. 

5. A series of mediation sessions are then schedled for 1 to 2 hours each. Each session must be attended by both parties. The purpose of these sessions is to move the mediator forward so that all of the matters, including the access to any children are addressed. 

6. After all mediation sessions, the mediator will draft a Memorandum of Understanding that describes in detail the results of the mediation process. Each of the parties are given a.final opportunity to review the agreements as documented in the Memorandum of Understand (MOU)

7. The final MOU is submitted to all parties. 

8. The parties will still need an attorney to file the appropriate paperwork for your divorce. However, some people will choose to file the divorce documents themselves to avoid the expense of an attorney 

 

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Qualifications of Mediator

Maryland. General Requirements: A minimum 40 hours of basic mediation training is a requirement for anyone who wishes to mediate in the courts. Other basic qualifications include experience mediating or co-mediating at least two civil cases and completion of four hours of continuing mediation education per year.