Myths of Mediation

9/14/16

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

Divorce can be an expensive and time-consuming process. However, if the parties are willing to communicate with mutual respect, then mediation may offer a better outcome over litigation. A legally-binding agreement is produced as the result of a productive mediation process. Mediation is most successful when both parties understand what it is and what it is not. Here are some common myths involving mediation.

The mediator makes the decisions on pertinent issues. The reality of mediation is that the mediator has no decision-making authority. The mediator’s function is to facilitate the parties’ ability to reach their own agreement.

The mediator gives legal advice. Even if the mediator is an attorney, the mediator’s function is not to give legal advice to either party. The mediator’s function is to assist the parties in reaching a mutually agreed upon outcome.

The mediator represents a particular party. The mediator is an independent neutral third party and does not represent either party.

Discussions that occur during mediation may be used against a party, should the case go to court. False. Conversations that occur during the course of mediation are in fact confidential and without prejudice. The goal of mediation is to enable people to be creative and make suggestions without fear of those suggestions being used against them in a courtroom in the event that mediation is unsuccessful.

Mediation is required. In some cases, though not all, mediation is court-ordered and therefore, required. In such a case, mediation is not optional.

Mediation is optional. In the absence of a court order, the parties’ decision to participate in mediation is optional. The process can be terminated when either party decides to do so.

An individual has no opportunity to speak with the mediator privately. In fact, circumstances often warrant private conversations between the mediator and a participant. Such a private conversation is known as a caucus. A caucus can occur when the mediator believes it is appropriate, or at the request of either or both parties. What occurs in a conversation with a mediator during a caucus will not be shared with the other party by the mediator unless that party gives the mediator permission to share that information.

Mediation can work for everyone. Sometimes litigation is required. But understanding what mediation is and what it is not allows both parties to better weigh the available options and may result in a better outcome.

Linda Sorg Ostovitz is ready to serve your every need in family law, whether in litigation, mediation or arbitration, we are here for you. Contact me today for more information at lostovitz@offitkurman.com or (301) 575-0381.

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 120 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 eight 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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