ABOUT US

Unmarried Couples

Same-sex Couples

High Conflict Couples

Divorce Mediation: Make Peace for the Kid's Sake

Joint Custody: Smart Solution or Problematic Plan?

How Does Divorce Mediation Work?

Mediation allows both parties to identify, negotiate and resolve the issues raised by the decision to divorce.  

You have an opportunity to ask all your questions about the process and decide if mediation is right for you.  A detailed agenda is formulated that includes gathering of relevant information, clarification of issues, identification of hot button items, draft settlement terms, cooling off periods, and a resolution process.  Each topic, such as alimony or holiday schedules, is discussed separately so that the task of creating a complete agreement is broken down into manageable pieces. 

Roslyn Zinner helps you establish firm ground rules and a confidential environment so that emotionally charged issues can be talked about safely.  She provides you with informational hand-outs about the mediation process., and explains the forms and information needed to accomplish a property settlement. She provides direction so that both partners can gather necessary information and review it systematically.

The mediator provides guidance, allowing the parties shape the negotiation.  In mediation, participants often create solutions that are more creative than the courts. When both partners are part of the process of creating parenting agreements and financial distribution plans, there is a better chance of meeting the needs of the entire family. Mediated divorces yield a higher rate of satisfaction, more consistent long-range cooperation, and a lower frequency of costly returns to court.

How much time does it take?

Parenting plans (custody) usually take 1 to 3 sessions; property and other financial matters usually take from 1 to 6 sessions.  Mediation is shortest and least expensive when participants have done their homework --- brought the information needed to make decisions.  Other factors that influence the number of sessions are how complex the situation and finances are, whether there is a mutual interest in solving problems cooperatively, and how much difference there is between what each person wants.

Sessions are usually 2 hours, but can be adjusted to meet a particular situation.  For example, if one person has come in from out of town, a 4 hour or longer session can be scheduled.  When one person lives out of town and is unable to come to Maryland, for example with military families, Skype is used to hold sessions in video.   Shorter sessions are sometimes planned to make the service more affordable. 

What are the costs?

Ms. Zinner charges on an hourly basis for in-session time only, paid at the end of each session.  Transforming your financial information into a clear summary, and writing and editing your agreement are done outside of the session at no additional charge, provided there has been two two-hour sessions.