Is it true that Maryland Courts require parties in a divorce to attempt to settle cases themselves?
Yes. The Court would prefer NOT to hear your case. Family law cases are among the most difficult to resolve and the most time-consuming to litigate. Nearly all courts in Maryland have devised requirements to force you to get involved and set your own rules. In all cases involving contested custody or visitation issues, one of the first steps required is participation in Court-sponsored mediation. Although procedures vary from county to county, you and your spouse, along with your respective attorneys, will attend some conference or meeting with a third party administrator, mediator, arbitrator, or settlement facilitator to also negotiate resolution of property and alimony issues.
