Separation & Divorce Mediation
A brighter path towards Separation & Divorce
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The decision to separate, especially if a couple plans to dissolve the marriage (or live in relationship), brings on some of the most difficult emotions that any of us is likely to face. There may be distress, confusion, anxiety, fear or anger to name but a few. In the midst of these feelings, a couple must proceed to deal with how to end the marriage relationship, how to deal with the practical issues that arise at separation, and how each will continue to share in the care of their children. Many of these feelings remain unresolved even after the divorce. And, other family members often have as many issues and concerns as the separating couple.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ONCE YOU HAVE MADE THE DECISION TO SEPARATE OR DIVORCE:

A divorce can be a lengthy, as well as a financially and emotionally draining process.
Couples who mediate cooperative agreements experience better post-divorce adjustments for themselves and their children.
Without Mediation, trust and cooperation are easily lost, rather than used to everyone's advantage.
Marriages that end poorly continue to drain the family, financially and emotionally, long after the divorce is made final.
"I represented a woman who had been divorced for 10 years and they
were still fighting as badly as ever!"- Ron Pagano, JD

MEDIATION WORKS FOR THOSE WHO ARE ANGRY AS WELL AS THOSE WHO ARE AMICABLE...
A Mediator helps the couple to reach agreements about parenting, dividing property, support, insurance questions and other matters.
A Mediator gives each spouse the opportunity to be heard about important issues.
Mediation encourages exploration of alternative solutions and sometimes, to think "outside the box."
To ensure continuity and emotional security for the children, emphasis is given to maintaining family communication and relationships.
"I have seen parents use the children to
'communicate' important issues to each other -
it creates a horrible situation for the kids."
Brian M. Fisher, Esq.
When the couple has negotiated ALL of the essential decisions and addressed other important issues: Mediation is achieved.
Mediation Permits Couples To Reach An Agreement Without Going To Court...
Mediators cannot give legal advice, however, there are several options for receiving legal advice during the mediation process. These options will be discussed in the Orientation Session.
If you have questions or would like more information about how Mediation can be beneficial to you, call 301-483-8777 for an appointment today Day, evening and weekend appointments are available!. Fees are based upon an hourly rate.

Because There's So Much At Stake!

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):

 
WHAT IS MEDIATION?

Divorce Mediation is the step-by-step process through which separating couples arrive at an equitable and suitable agreement about their differences.

Mediation provides an alternative to the adversary system which casts divorcing spouses as opponents. In Mediation, the spouses are viewed as cooperative adults who are restructuring their lives and the lives of their children.

Mediation is conducted under the guidance of a trained professional who helps the couple make the necessary decisions about their changing future.

 
WHO USES MEDIATION?

Mediation is used by couples who are separating, by those who are divorcing, by couples prior to marriage, and by couples post-divorce.

 
WHY CHOOSE MEDIATION?

Mediation supports cooperative rather than competitive processes for reaching a decision. By selecting Mediation, Individuals in a dissolving marriage are choosing to take charge of their lives, maintaining their sense of dignity and self-esteem. They are saying that they prefer to end their marriage by a cooperative and rational procedure which minimizes the anger of divorce.

 
HOW DOES MEDIATION WORK?

In Mediation, the couple proceeds through a series of steps. Briefly these are:
Both spouses attend an orientation session in which a detailed explanation of Mediation is given.
After the couple decides to mediate, they sign an agreement to that effect. They will also sign a confidentiality agreement.  At that time, the fees will be discussed.  Fees are based upon an hourly rate.
The remaining sessions are used to help the spouses arrive at decisions concerning such areas as:
Division of Property
Spousal Maintenance
Parenting Issues
Child Support
Custody of Minor Children
The Mediation culminates in a memorandum of agreement which outlines the specifics of the couples' separation agreement.  In order to make it a legal binding agreement, there are several options.  These will be discussed during the orientation session.


The end of the marriage is NOT the end of the family...
ask the grown children of divorce.


DISCOVER WHAT A MEDIATOR CAN DO FOR YOUR FAMILY.

Copyright © 2006 Clarksville Mediation Services, LLC
7399 Hopkins Way, Clarksville, Maryland 21029
Phone: 301-483-8777