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10541 Catterskill Court
Columbia,
Maryland
21044
Phone: 410-730-2211
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Separation and Divorce Need Not Be Destructive
Are you anxious about separation or divorce? Most people who have considered separation have had similar feelings. You can address such concerns most effectively with thoughtful planning.
While planning is important for all separating couples, it is particularly important for couples with children. Meeting together with a mediator gives you the opportunity to discuss your children’s needs, and how you and the other parent will provide for them.
Mediation gives you and your partner the opportunity to answer for yourselves those questions associated with your separation or divorce. You are assisted by Stanley L. Rodbell, an impartial mediator with more than twenty-five years experience, and the orderly structure of the mediation process. He has worked with thousands of couples helping them reach agreements satisfying to them.
Mediation is helpful in planning a trial separation, planning a permanent separation or divorce, or renegotiating the terms of your divorce.
Who is Stanley L. Rodbell?
Stanley Rodbell, a graduate of the Wharton School (B.S., University of Pennsylvania), has trained in both law (J.D., Yale University) and clinical social work (M.S.W., University of Maryland.) He is a member of the State of Maryland Bar and has been licensed as a Licensed Certified Social Worker.
He has, since 1982, worked with more than two thousand couples as a mediator and has lectured on mediation at the University of Maryland Schools of Law and Social Work, and at the University of Baltimore Law School.
He was a member of the Governor’s Task Force on Family Law, chairing the Committee of that task force investigating establishing a family court for Maryland.
He is a former member of the board of the national Academy of Family Mediators, former Vice President of the Maryland Council for Dispute Resolution and is a member of the Association for Conflict Resolution, the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and the Maryland State Bar Association.
In serving as a mediator, he is practicing neither law nor social work, but mediation - a creative and satisfying approach to the resolution of issues faced by separating and divorcing couples.
What is Divorce Mediation
If you are experiencing the emotional and financial stress often associated with separation and divorce, you will benefit from thoughtful planning.
Mediation helps you reach an agreement which you understand and can accept, one that gives you greater confidence in predicting your future.
Mediation helps you begin your separate lives with a better awareness of your individual strengths and opportunities.
Mediation helps you provide for your children’s healthy growth, and sets the stage for cooperative parenting.
Choosing a Mediator
It may be difficult to select a mediator. The following questions are offered to help guide you to a mediator with whom you will be comfortable.
How experienced is the mediator?
People learn not only in class rooms but, at least as importantly, by doing. While experience does not guarantee the mediator is competent, it should be considered.
How sensitive is the mediator?
Ask the mediator about his or her values, difficulties in past cases, what he expects of him or herself and of you. Pay particular attention to how well your questions are answered. Does the mediator answer the question you have asked, or do you get a patterned response that does not address the question. Is the mediator willing to work with you in getting an answer that provides you the information you want, or does he or she seem impatient?
How well educated is the mediator?
While mediation is a profession, relatively few mediators have a degree in mediation. Other professions teach skills that relate to those required in mediation, the ability to think rationally and clearly, to be responsive to the particular needs of clients, to analyze information. Most family mediators have a background in law or one of the mental health professions. Others may have degrees in education, accounting, financial planning or human relations. While there are competent mediators without formal education in any of these areas, they need to be questioned more thoroughly regarding their experience. You should expect that all mediators would have had at least some training in mediation itself, and have taken continuing education courses on a regular basis.
How knowledgeable is the mediator about the law applicable to your dispute?
It is not necessary that the mediator be an attorney. It is important that the mediator have either been educated in the area of the law that is important to your issues, and/or that you have legal advice available to you and the mediator. It is essential that the mediator be comfortable with your having the right to any outside advice that you wish. If he or she does not allow this, you should be cautious before using that person as your mediator.
Is the mediator neutral?
Ask the potential mediator whether he or she has worked as a professional in any capacity with the other party, or friend, relative or associate of the other party. Ask whether he or she has had or expects to have any relationship with the other party or associate of the other party. The mediator should be willing to answer such questions fully.
Is the mediator active in any professional organizations of mediators?
Mediation is a demanding profession requiring continual growth of the mediator. The active involvement of the mediator in such an organization tells you he or she values continued learning, and subscribes to professional conduct as a member.
Are the mediators fees reasonable?
A mediator, as is the case with any professional, deserves to be paid. You are entitled to a clear description of the fees. Should they be greater than you are able to afford, tell the mediator. He or she may be able to work with you on a reduced fee basis.
Contact Stanley L. Rodbell without obligation.
Please email us or visit our website for additional information.
