A divorce can be tough time for children, especially if the separating spouses are not able to work out mutually acceptable custody and support plans.
In such a scenario, there is no other alternative but for the court to step in and settle matters.
That is why mediation is a good answer.
When it comes to child custody in Maryland, several couples who wish to separate, sensibly choose mediation and negotiation to keep costs to a minimum, make the transition bearable for the kids, and try their best to improve future communications with their ex.
Child support lawyers in Maryland are of the unanimous view that issues surrounding children are the most litigious facets in a divorce.
Mediation, however, is one of the most effective approaches for negotiating a divorce settlement.
It is for this reason that couples planning a divorce must consider mediation.
Mediation offers several advantages.
It is less expensive than court proceedings.
The proceedings are confidential, with no public documentation of what had ensued in the sessions.
Most mediation and negotiation proceedings terminate in a settlement.
The spouses, and not the court, have hegemony over the decisions.
Mediation allows the couple to arrive at a mutually acceptable resolution based on their own ideas of what is fair for the children rather than the court enforcing a decision.
The mediation offers a chance for the couple to enhance communication between them. This can preempt future conflicts.
If help is required, attorneys are still available for legal counsel.
Yet, mediation can be a challenging option. “If domestic violation is present, the couple must exercise abundant caution before participating”, says one of the child support lawyers in Maryland.
We must also keep in mind that divorce mediation is a formula that allows for couples to meet specifically trained impartial third party to resolve issues.
But how do couples go about choosing a mediator?
It may not be easy to choose a mediator who has the capability to deal with various divorce issues.
“A mediator must be expert in handling things like child custody, visitation, and child support”, says a lawyer who has experience in dealing with cases of child custody in Maryland.
But of course the first requirement is both the parties must agree to use this approach to resolve child support issues.
Mediation can resolve many divorce issues such as:
Alimony
Property division
Child support and visitation
There are several instances when a mediator is just the answer needed to obtain a divorce with as little discord as possible.
“We know cases when divorces are mutual”, says a divorce attorney. “In such instances it is easier to negotiate and work together”.
When divorces are mutual, parents tend to shake off their differences for the sake of the children.
Here is another important aspect that must not be ignored. And that is finance.
Both parties must be agreeable to provide the other important information like bank account details, retirement benefits, stocks, and other assets they may have.
Such amenable attitude helps in coming to a working agreement without the court’s intervention.