Maryland Family Law Attorney and Mediator
Listed as one of the best Divorce & Family Law attorneys in the DC area by TheWashingtonian in Dec. 2004's issue Best of Washington
When looking for a family law attorney, you want someone who is an experienced negotiator, comfortable in both mediation and litigation settings. Since 1998, I have focused on resolving family law issues in a collaborative setting that encourages cooperation and not contention. When the parties are unable to reach a settlement, I have ample experience navigating the court process in both Maryland and DC.
Specific areas of my practice include:
Difficulties of Divorce
A divorce can be the most difficult time in my clients' lives. Not only are they dealing with legal issues, but there are numerous logistical, financial and emotional issues related to a separation/divorce that must all be dealt with simultaneously. At the Law Office of Regina A. DeMeo, I treat each client with compassion and respect, gathering information and not passing any judgment. Then, I provide my clients with their various options and assist them in choosing a course of action best suited for their situation. In a time like this, you need an advocate on your side that will look out for the best interests of you and your children.
Benefits of Collaborative Divorce and Mediation
Divorce and the family law issues related to it can be contentious if there is no pre-existing marital agreement. It is my goal to remove the combative elements that commonly damage relationships between ex-spouses and even their children. At the Law Office of Regina A. DeMeo, I am an experienced litigator who is also trained in mediation and collaborative divorce. I encourage, whenever possible, that parties seek to resolve their issues outside of court, either in negotiations between their attorneys, mediation, or collaborative divorce. Mediation and Collaborative Divorce settings allow for a free flow of information. Everything is placed on the table in an open, honest, and civil environment. Questions are asked and grievances are aired. With open and candid communication comes an improved relationship and goodwill between the husband and wife beyond their marriage. That helps them and, more importantly, their children.
As a mediator, I do not advocate on behalf of either party. I am a facilitator, who can help the parties identify 1) the issues that need to be addressed and 2) practical solutions to the problems at hand. In this guided process, the parties ultimately determine their own agreement outside of court. After an agreement is reached, it is simply presented to the court for ratification.
In Collaborative Divorce, each party has his/her own attorney, and all parties and attorneys agree not to go to court. Everyone agrees to exchange all pertinent information, jointly retain any necessary experts (financial planners, psychologists or child experts), and through a series of joint sessions focus on working out a resolution outside of court.
Mediation and Collaborative Divorce have many practical benefits, including a significant reduction in legal fees, because you avoid the expense of litigation, and the preservation of goodwill by avoiding a contentious court battle. In addition, these options tend to produce a speedier resolution, which thus allows you to put this behind you and start moving forward with your life.
If you wish to schedule an appointment regarding your custody or divorce action, or have a question about family law, Collaborative Divorce, or the mediation process, please contact me.
Law Office of Regina A. DeMeo
4550 Montgomery Ave, Suite 760 North
Bethesda, MD 20814-3379
Phone: 301-951-1550
Fax: 301-951-1599
Se habla español
The Law Office of Regina A. DeMeo serves clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C., including Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Potomac, Chevy Chase, and Montgomery County.
