Family Mediation - Mediation

A Creative Approach to Your Unique Case

Bob Goes the Extra Mile

LEARN MORE TODAY

Family Mediation Attorney in Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Howard County and Frederick County, MD

Control the Outcome of Your Family or Spousal Dispute

Turn to The Law Offices of Robert L. Baum for Divorce Mediation in Rockville, MD

couple having a interview with an attoreny

Married couples who want to divorce and domestic partners wanting to separate can voluntarily seek divorce mediation for a full or part settlement such as child custody, spousal support and property division. Once a full settlement is reached, the couple can immediately file for divorce—there is no longer a one year waiting period if you have an agreement. 


Mediator Baum has a wealth of experience in divorce mediation. He has received numerous awards as a top mediator in Maryland. As a neutral, non-judgmental mediator, he'll help parties on both sides of the dispute identify their interests and find acceptable solutions. Turn to Mediator Baum for a civilized, non-threatening environment to conduct your mediation.

Why Choose Mediation?

Mediation has a number of advantages over litigation and other forms of ADR. With mediation, you can:


  • Spend less money than you would on other forms of dispute resolution.
  • Resolve your dispute quickly.
  • Determine your own outcome instead of a lawyer or other third party doing it for you.
  • Terminate the mediation at any time.
  • Maintain a cordial relationship with the other party.
  • Come up with an agreement that is more creative than solutions a court will come up with.



Mediator Baum is trained to spot issues and anticipate problems. With over 30 years of experience, he knows how to develop an agreement that a court will accept.

Why is Mediation Better than a Court Process?

Unlike a public court case, Mediation is confidential, without records or transcripts. And any evidence availed during the mediation process cannot be revealed later. This reason alone makes Mediation much better than filing a lawsuit.


Apart from confidentiality, Mediation produces a faster outcome and convenience, too; since it's voluntary, it contributes to the conservation of relationships, whether a business or a family dispute. The process is also significantly cheaper than litigation.

Put Your Family's Future in Capable Hands

LEARN MORE TODAY

Mediation: The Most Common Form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Mediation is a form of a guided dialogue between the parties, with the mediator keeping the discussion civil and focused. Most importantly, the mediation lawyer is not the decision-maker, the parties are.


Mediation services have several advantages over litigation or other forms of ADR:


  • Mediation is the least expensive form of formal dispute resolution;
  • Mediation is usually the quickest way to resolve your dispute;
  • You determine the outcome, not the mediation lawyer or other third party;
  • The agreement is not effective until you sign the agreement;
  • You can terminate the mediation at any time;
  • The mediation process focuses on the future and a resolution that suits both parties;
  • You can use mediation services while retaining your dignity and self-respect; you have crafted your own solution, rather than being dragged through the mud and having someone else (a judge) tell you what to do;
  • Studies show that the other side is more likely to comply with an agreement he or she has helped create through mediation, thereby reducing the stress and expense of post-judgment conflict;
  • You can write an agreement with much more creative solutions than a court can or will. To paraphrase one judge, 'Why would you trust a stranger (the judge) to make your most important decisions for you?

Divorce Mediation

Married couples who want to divorce and domestic partners wanting to separate can voluntarily seek divorce mediation for a settlement such as spousal support and child custody.


The mediation process ensures that couples plan their futures rationally, within an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect. And it improves communication between couples, encouraging a spirit of cooperation.


Additionally, Mediation is emotionally protective of their children. A professional divorce mediator can help you reach an agreement that will cater to your family needs, finances, and future.

  • A man and a woman are sitting on a couch talking to each other.

  • A little girl is holding a pink notebook and smiling.

Child Custody Mediation

Divorce is a painful process that gets more complicated when children are involved. And fighting for custody in court intensifies the pain for all individuals—not to mention the expense.


Fortunately, there are alternative channels to solve these disputes. Child custody mediation exists so that splitting couples who cannot agree amicably don't have to take on the emotional and financial costs of court battles.


During child custody mediation, divorcing or unmarried parents agree on legal and physical custody of their children. And they also discuss important issues in the child's life, such as education, non-emergency medical treatment, religious upbringing, and leisure activities. At the same, they also address any challenges to reaching such agreements.

Guardian Mediation

As a family member grows old or in case of a disability, that person needs guardians to make financial and health care decisions on their behalf. And sometimes, such vital decisions are slowed by conflicting parties.

On the one hand, older or impaired adults prefer a life around familiar surroundings rather than the impersonal atmosphere of a retirement home. And on the other hand, older adults may prefer a friend or member of the extended family to be the guardian rather than appointing a close family member.


In such a scenario, the mediator includes the older person as much as possible during Mediation to establish the most suitable guardian. And while meditating on the need for assistance, the professional ensures the maximum possible independence in making fundamental life decisions for older persons.


The mediation goal here is to balance the interests of caregivers or family members with the individual's autonomy, independence, and personal interests.

  • A man and a woman are standing on a rocky shoreline looking at the ocean.

  • A woman is holding the hand of an elderly man while sitting in a chair.

Elder Care Mediation

Sources of family conflicts during elder care include:

  • Financial matters.
  • Varying opinions on suitable living arrangements or medical treatments.
  • An unfair balance of tasks during caregiving.


When arranging for elder care, emotions and stress levels run high, and history and family dynamics often resurface during such stressful times. Mediation can help to make the transition more amicable and agreeable to all friends and family members.

During elder care mediation, these questions arise.


  • Money and financial issues: siblings or family caregivers be compensated for caring for the aging parent? Who controls the finances?
  • Decisions about the aging person's abilities and freedoms: Should the aging parent drive anymore? Should the family consider assisted living?
  • Caregiving support and concerns: Who is responsible for caring for the aging parent? How should caregiving share these duties?
  • Healthcare and End-of-life decisions: What best care most closely honors the parent's wishes?



Siblings want the best care for their parents, and the mediator's goal is to help consolidate their common interests to help them reach practical solutions for elder care. One of the most critical roles of the mediator is to diffuse the heightened emotions and lead the verbal exchanges so that all parties reach a desirable outcome.

Share by: