Find Lawyers in Maryland, United States for Family Law Arbitration
Practice Area Overview
Family law arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution. Parties can mutually agree to utilize a private arbiter to make binding, enforceable decisions related to outstanding disputes. In general, arbitration is governed by the Uniform Arbitration Act, C.R.S. 13-22-201 through C.R.S. 13-22-230. Colorado has a separate statute for arbitration related to child custody issues, found at C.R.S. 14-10-128.5. Arbitration cannot be forced upon the parties; it requires the parties' consent.
Unlike mediation, the process of arbitration puts the ultimate resolution of a dispute in the control of a neutral third party. The structure of arbitration may vary depending on the arbiter. Generally, arbitration is more relaxed and flexible than a hearing or trial before the court. Typically, the arbiter conducts a proceeding with the presentation of evidence, witnesses, and arguments. The arbiter is then charged with issuing a written ruling. In some instances, if the parties and arbiter agree it is appropriate, an issue can be resolved without an actual hearing, and simply through submission of written argument and evidence to the arbiter.
Private arbiters can provide parties to family law disputes prompt resolution, which is a major benefit with the crowded family law dockets in Colorado courts. Overall, arbiters are more readily available than judicial officers for telephone conferences during the course of a case. Other benefits to private arbitration include: more personalized case management, deadlines tailored to the specific needs of the case/issue, a more confidential environment than a public courthouse, and a modified implementation of rules to allow for the efficient presentation of information. While arbiters are privately paid, many parties find the procedure of arbitration to be cost-effective, as opposed to the lengthy and formal process of judicial proceedings.
After an arbiter issues an arbitration award, either party can ask the arbiter to modify or clarify the award, or object to the award. C.R.S. 13-22-220. A party may also ask the court to vacate an arbitration award if that party believes the award is improper. C.R.S. 13-22-223-224. Similarly, either party may ask the Court to affirm an arbitration award. C.R.S. 13-22-222. Arbitration has specific procedural deadlines for post-arbitration awards, so it is important to refer to the appropriate statute.
Julie Christopher is passionate about helping people navigate challenging transformations in their family landscape. She focuses her legal practice on domestic issues including separation and divorce, complex custody suits, child support and alimony, modifications to existing agreements, property distribution and valuations, contempt and enforcement, and pre- and post-nuptial and separation agreements. Julie is driven to ensure her clients maintain the steadfast belief that she is their advoc...
Glenn M. Cooper is the chair and senior member of the firm’s Litigation and Family Law practices. He frequently appears before federal and state courts at both the trial and appellate levels, and before arbitration panels and professional disciplinary boards. The majority of his practice is devoted to complex business, financial, commercial and domestic litigation involving significant business issues. A number of Mr. Cooper’s cases have helped shape the current state of the law i...
Kathryn Deckert is passionate about guiding clients through what are often challenging, emotionally fraught cases. Kathryn focuses her practice on issues related to divorce, child custody and support, domestic violence and pre- and post-nuptial agreements. Kathryn is motivated by a desire to help her clients move beyond difficult times and into more positive phases of their lives. She wants them to feel heard and supported throughout their case and she works assiduously and compassionately to...
Amanda Gilbert represents individuals in all aspects of family law, including divorce, custody, adoption and assisted reproductive technology. Drawing on her own personal experiences, she strives to help clients regain control of often-overwhelming situations, and crafts creative solutions to help them achieve their goals. Her clients often express their appreciation for Amanda’s calm demeanor and patience as she guides their matters to resolution. One client recently expressed gratitud...
Dana McKee is one of Maryland’s foremost family law attorneys and a partner of Brown, Goldstein & Levy. She chairs the firm’s family law practice and has extensive experience representing clients with high net worth who are experiencing complex family law cases, including divorce, custody, and related financial issues. Clients turn to Dana for her leading expertise across all aspects of family law that affect their lives, with an emphasis on: Divorce and separation agreements ...
Recognizing that many people meet Heather Mehigan during times of significant personal and family turmoil, her legal insight and sincerity puts them at ease. A tireless advocate for her clients, she assesses the circumstances of each matter and then works collaboratively with all parties to affect the best possible resolution. Heather instills a sense of confidence in her clients, and opposing counsel respect her fair and firm efforts to achieve consensus. Her areas of focus include fiduciary...
Rebecca C. Shankman is a partner at Feldman Jackson, PC. For nearly 20 years, she has practiced exclusively in the area of family law in the District of Columbia and Maryland, which includes divorce, custody and child support, division of property, spousal support (alimony), and prenuptial agreements. Rebecca believes that the specifics of each client’s case and needs should be examined to determine the appropriate solution-oriented approach. While Rebecca has extensive experience in li...
Avigayil Pearlman concentrates her practice in the area of family law. Gayil graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law magna cum laude with a concentration in family law in the top 23% of her class, and received her B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Baltimore summa cum laude.Before joining Council Baradel, Gayil was a judicial intern for the Circuit Court for Baltimore City as well as the Orphan’s Court of Baltimore County, and spent a semester as a R...
Bianca Pinnock is an experienced negotiator and litigator who represents clients in all areas of family law including adoption, contested custody cases, child support, separation and divorce, guardianship, complex financial issues, spousal support/alimony, property division, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Clients appreciate her commitment to excellence, depth of knowledge and the calm yet assertive demeanor she brings to every matter. In addition to the 40-Hour Mediation & Interes...
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