Not everyone understands divorce mediation.  Maryland, as with other states, has procedures in place to support mediation instead of court-based divorces, but it is important to separate myths from facts so that consumers have a clear idea of their choices. 

Traditional divorce attorneys may wish clients to believe that mediation for divorce takes longer than a court-based dissolution of a marriage, but the fact is that mediation tends to speed up the process of divorce.  Lawyers often have a vested financial interest in dragging out the proceedings for as long as possible, which drives up costs as it consumes valuable time.  Mediation is organized in order to expedite the divorce process.

Mediation for Divorce: Maryland Women Empowered

Another myth about mediation in this regard is that it puts the female partner in the marriage at a disadvantage.  This is not the case when a skilled mediation attorney is representing the woman.  In mediation sessions, one spouse is not allowed to be abusive or domineering toward the other.  The proceedings will be halted if this is the case and the offending partner instructed to behave appropriately. 

In addition, because this form of mediation involves the spouses expressing themselves directly rather through their lawyers, many women learn valuable communication skills and emerge from the process more able to assert themselves as needed, a skill that can transfer into many different contexts throughout their future lives.