Collaborative Law & Mediation

Maryland Collaborative Law and Mediation Lawyer

Divorce ● Business Disputes

Collaborative law is a process in which each party is represented by an attorney; both attorneys work together to reach a mutually beneficial resolution to disputes. This way of solving problems is especially effective in family law matters, such as divorce. However, it can also be useful in business conflicts. It requires each party to commit to this approach and deal openly on all issues--there are no secrets in collaborative law. It requires an investment of time and effort by both parties, but the results can be impressive and more cost effective than going to court. For more information, contact me at The Weisbaum Law Firm to schedule a free initial consultation.

Mediation and collaborative law give people control over their situation

Collaborative law and its partner, mediation, are dispute resolution techniques that proceed along different paths. However, both frequently result in outcomes that are far closer to what the parties wanted than those achieved by traditional litigation. The alternative--receiving a determination from a judge--often satisfies no one. However, alternative dispute resolution techniques such as these are not for every situation. When the parties are not able to deal with each other openly and with trust, traditional approaches may work better. But when the two parties are able to focus on resolving their conflicts, either approach may work very well.

Divorce mediation can save clients money and allow for creative solutions

Mediation of family issues and disputes that arise in divorce or business can be less expensive than traditional dispute resolution or collaborative law techniques. When a conflict is mediated, each party presents his or her argument to a single impartial mediator, who helps the parties develop solutions to problems. This can be an excellent way of devising arrangements that would not be possible were the parties to submit themselves to the ruling of a judge. For example, in Maryland, a marital home can be held by one of the parties for only three years, after which it must sold or given to one party or the other. Using mediation, a divorcing couple can extend that period if they agree to do so, with the decision being incorporated in the final decree or in a separation agreement.

Contact a lawyer certified in collaborative law techniques

In order to practice collaborative law techniques, one must be trained and certified. I have taken over 80 hours of training in collaborative and mediation techniques. In addition, I am a member of a collaborative law group that seeks to educate its members on issues related to this method of dispute resolution. For more information about mediation and collaborative law, contact me, Steven M. Weisbaum, Esq. From my Rockville law firm, I serve Maryland communities such as Rockville, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Bethesda, Potomac, Wheaton, Silver Spring, Chevy Chase, Laurel, and Frederick.