Tips for Getting Through Divorce Mediation

1/31/17

By Linda Ostovitz, Esq., Offit Kurman, Attorney At Law

Divorce mediation is often used to help individuals reach an agreement instead of going to court. Divorce cases can often be extremely volatile, making it helpful to involve a third party in the negotiations. If a judge hears the case and makes the decisions, one or both parties may not be pleased with the results. Mediation can ensure that both parties participate in the outcome.

Be Respectful

It can be difficult to come to an agreement with someone you are divorcing. However, if you want your divorce mediation to be successful, you need to be respectful of the other party. This can be one of the most difficult aspects of mediation. It is easy to start an argument. Remaining calm and business-like will provide the best results.

Be Prepared to Compromise

Some people go into mediation with a concrete idea of what they want, and they aren’t willing to budge. The goal of mediation is to reach an agreement. To do so, will often involve compromise on both sides. Make a list of the mediation’s desired outcomes, including must-have terms and those things that are negotiable. Be willing to compromise on issues of less significance.

Stick to the Point

It is easy to get distracted or off-topic when dealing with the other party. You may start off discussing time with the children, which can quickly morph into finger pointing about something that has happened in the past. This is not helpful in moving toward the end result. When working on one area of your divorce, stick to that area until you are finished with it before trying to move on.

Mediation will not work in every case. But if the divorcing parties can work together, these tips will improve the likelihood that both parties end up with a better outcome than litigation. If you are facing the possibility of divorce, contact Linda Sorg Ostovitz at lostovitz@offitkurman.com or telephone (301) 575-0381. I understand the process and can help you prepare.

ABOUT LINDA SORG OSTOVITZ

Linda Ostovitz

Linda Sorg Ostovitz is a family law attorney. Her legal experience spans more than 34 years. In this time, she has served as a leader, educator and advocate. Mrs. Ostovitz holds a prestigious fellowship in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Currently, she serves as President for the Business Women’s Network of Howard County, by which she was chosen Woman of Distinction for 2014. Mrs. Ostovitz represents clients in Howard, Anne Arundel, Carroll and Baltimore Counties. Her practice focuses exclusively on divorce litigation and mediation, child custody and access, child support, alimony, business valuation, as well as property and asset distribution. In addition to providing legal representation in court, Mrs. Ostovitz provides mediation services to help families come to a fair and legally-sound conclusion outside of the traditional court proceedings.

ABOUT OFFIT KURMAN

Offit Kurman is one of the fastest-growing, full-service law firms in the Mid-Atlantic region. With over 130 attorneys offering a comprehensive range of services in virtually every legal category, the firm is well positioned to meet the needs of dynamic businesses and the people who own and operate them. Our ten offices serve individual and corporate clients in the Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and Northern Virginia markets, as well as the Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City metropolitan areas. At Offit Kurman, we are our clients’ most trusted legal advisors, professionals who help maximize and protect business value and personal wealth. In every interaction, we consistently maintain our clients’ confidence by remaining focused on furthering their objectives and achieving their goals in an efficient manner. Trust, knowledge, confidence—in a partner, that’s perfect.

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