FAMILY LAW

A Creative Approach to Your Unique Case

Bob Goes the Extra Mile

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Family Law Attorney in Rockville, and all of Maryland and D.C.


Your Family Always Comes First

Retain a Maryland Attorney serving all of Maryland and D.C. for Family Law Issues

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Alternative dispute resolution has become Bob's specialty, although he remains an active litigator for family law cases in Rockville, MD that require courtroom action. With over 30 years of litigation experience, he has become a leader in advancing alternatives to litigation-what is now called "alternative dispute resolution," "appropriate dispute resolution," or simply "ADR."


Bob offers a full array of alternative dispute resolution methods: mediation, arbitration, collaborative law, and facilitation as well as the traditional litigation services. He will work with you so that the most appropriate dispute resolution method is used.


Bob has the breadth and depth of experience which makes him an effective alternative dispute resolution neutral or fierce advocate for your dispute. Unlike many ADR practitioners, Bob has practiced in several areas of the law, so that he can bring his varied experiences to the table. As detailed in his biography, he has both family law and business law background. He brings a business perspective to family law issues and the family law perspective to business disputes.


As a litigator and family law attorney, Bob's goal is to help you resolve your dispute in a way that costs you as little as possible in terms of time, money, and pain. Schedule a consultation today in the Rockville, MD area.

Compassionate Counsel When You Need it Most

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Choose the Appropriate Method to Resolve Your Family Dispute

Every family dispute is unique. As your dedicated family law attorney, Bob will use the right alternative dispute resolution method for your particular situation.

Hire him for:


  • Mediation-the simplest and usually least expensive form of alternative dispute resolution. In mediation, usually the parties meet for one or more sessions with Bob to resolve their issues. Divorce mediation and business mediation have become the most common form of dispute resolution, and the courts rely on mediation to resolve all but the most intractable cases. The parties' attorneys usually are present in business and commercial cases, but less frequently in family cases. For guardianship cases, mediation is quickly becoming an accepted way to bring the family members together for a resolution that will strengthen rather than divide the family.
  • Collaborative law-this may be a better option than mediation if the parties need attorneys to be present at the negotiations. Collaborative law has a higher cost than mediation and takes more time, but you and the other party remain as decision-makers without an arbitrator or a judge stepping in. Collaborative law is new but quickly becoming a preferred method to settle divorce, and family law disputes; collaborative law dispute resolution is still in its infancy in business and commercial cases.
  • Arbitration-this is a very different type of alternative dispute resolution. In arbitration, the parties give up their rights to make the decision: they present their case and the arbitrator decides the issues. If the arbitration is "binding," then Bob's decision is final and binding on the parties. That decision is enforceable by the courts and generally is non-appealable. If the arbitration is non-binding, then Bob's decision is merely advisory. If the parties want someone else to decide the case for them in a confidential setting, then arbitration may be the preferred alternative dispute resolution method. In arbitration, you are hiring Bob to serve as a private judge. But you have substantially more control over the cost, complexity, and length of the case than if you rely on the courts.
  • Binding arbitration or non-binding arbitration is available to resolve any type of business or commercial dispute. In the divorce and family law context, binding arbitration can be used to resolve all property and most financial issues. Non-binding arbitration can be used to resolve custody, access, or child support matters but binding arbitration cannot be used to resolve those issues.
  • Facilitation-this may be the most appropriate form of alternative dispute resolution if you have a large, multiparty, or public policy dispute. Facilitation is a large group form of mediation that requires special skills.
  • Litigation-this means using the court to resolve your dispute. It is usually more time-consuming and expensive than any ADR method but sometimes litigation is the only, or best, option. For example, litigation may be the preferable option if one side needs an injunction due to a significant power imbalance, abuse or a point that needs to be made with a court edict. In that case, Bob will use his years of litigation experience to represent you aggressively and personally.


Speak with Bob at the Law Offices of Robert L. Baum today to discuss the details of your family law dispute in Rockville, MD.

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