Collaborative Law

Maryland Collaborative Divorce Lawyer

Divorce proceedings can be handled through litigation in a court of law. Alternatives to litigation are available through the processes of collaborative law and mediation. As a trained collaborative attorney and mediator, Andrea L. Shapiro encourages clients to consider the benefits that may be available through these forms of alternative dispute resolution. If you are facing a separation or divorce, you might consider the empowering and less confrontational approaches of collaboration or mediation.

Are you interested in learning more about collaborative law, or mediation? Please call the Law Office of Andrea L Shapiro at (240) 339-1741 today, to schedule your consultation. You can also fill out a contact form and someone from our firm will be in touch with you promptly.

What is Collaborative Law?

Individuals who use the Collaborative Law Process agree that they will not litigate their case. Each party is represented by an attorney. Each party and the party's attorney sign an agreement, indicating their intentions to negotiate an agreement, and to forego litigation. Any experts required are retained by both parties, to assist in reaching resolution. The agreements that the parties reach are their own, and are not handed down by a judge. The vast majority of people who engage in the collaborative process are able to settle their matters satisfactorily, without resorting to litigation.

What is Mediation?

In mediation, parties negotiate to reach a resolution of their issues, with the help of a mediator. The mediator is a neutral third party, who assists individuals in working out their disagreements. Many types of family law disputes can be resolved through mediation. In fact, in cases of contested custody, courts require parties to participate in mediation, before those cases are set for trial. As with the collaborative process, mediation allows the parties to have greater control over the outcome of their case. Mediation may be a great way to make decisions that will affect your life for years to come.

Are you interested in learning more about gaining control over decisions that impact your life? Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.

Law Office of Andrea L. Shapiro
14760 Main Street
Suite 111
Phone: 240-339-1741
Fax: 240-339-1743

The Law Office of Andrea L. Shapiro is located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and provides representation in all areas of family law, including separation and divorce, custody and child support, to clients throughout Maryland, including those communities such as Upper Marlboro, Annapolis, Bowie, College Park, Columbia, Dunkirk, Fort Washington, Greenbelt, La Plata, Largo, Prince Frederick, Rockville, Silver Spring and Wheaton.

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