Alternative Dispute Resolution In Annapolis – Mediation, Arbitration And Collaborative Law

Last updated on June 25, 2026

Not every divorce needs to be a courtroom battle. Reinstein, Glackin & Herriott, LLC helps clients resolve family law issues through respectful, private alternatives. These methods are especially helpful in high-asset and complex cases, where privacy and control matter most.

We offer three options for alternative dispute resolution (ADR): mediation, arbitration and collaborative law. Each approach has its own process and strengths. We’ll help you choose the one that fits your situation best.

Mediation: A Neutral Guide To Agreement

Mediation is a voluntary process. A neutral third party helps both sides talk through issues and reach a fair agreement. The mediator doesn’t make decisions – they guide the conversation.

Choosing mediation includes the following benefits:

• Staying in control of the outcome
• Keeping the process private and confidential
• Resolving issues faster and more affordably than going to court
• Encouraging respectful communication, especially for co-parents

Attorney Paul J. Reinstein, named Family Law Mediator of the Year for Annapolis by Best Lawyers, has decades of experience helping families resolve disputes outside of court. Attorney Maureen Glackin also brings strong mediation skills and regularly helps clients reach lasting agreements.

Arbitration: A Private Way To Resolve Disputes

Arbitration is more formal than mediation. Both sides present their case to a neutral arbitrator, who makes a decision. That decision can be binding or advisory, depending on what you agree to.

Choosing arbitration includes the following benefits:

• Resolving disputes faster than traditional litigation
• Maintaining privacy and confidentiality
• Choosing an arbitrator with family law experience
• Addressing financial issues involving businesses, pensions or military benefits

Our attorneys are often called as expert witnesses in cases involving military divorce, complex assets and retirement plans. We bring that insight to arbitration proceedings.

Collaborative Law: Working Together With Support

Collaborative law is a team-based approach. Both parties and their lawyers agree to try to resolve the case without going to court. They may also work with financial advisors, child specialists or therapists.

Choosing collaborative law includes the following benefits:

• Promoting open communication and problem-solving
• Preserving relationships involving children
• Tailoring the process to complex financial or emotional needs
• Avoiding the expense, stress and delays of court
• Maintaining confidentiality

Attorney Maureen Glackin, a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, leads our collaborative law efforts. She brings a thoughtful, solution-focused approach to every case.

Whom ADR Works Best For

ADR works best when both sides can communicate respectfully – even if they don’t agree on everything. These methods tend to work best for the following individuals and families:

• Business owners and professionals
• Military families
• Parents who want to protect their children from conflict
• Anyone who values privacy, control and efficiency

Our experienced lawyers can guide you through the ADR process. We are here to help you reach solutions that reflect your values.

Sample Cases And Success Stories Involving ADR

Following are some examples in which attorney Paul Reinstein mediated a resolution.

International Property Issues

Paul Reinstein successfully mediated a complicated property matter in a divorce proceeding involving real and personal property holdings in a Middle Eastern country. The case also involved division of retirement benefits with The World Bank, an international banking organization. Mr. Reinstein employed his experience as an expert witness in this area to achieve a mediated settlement.

Complex Custody Issues

Mediation of a complicated custody action was successfully completed by Mr. Reinstein. The issues included an interstate custody dispute under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) involving a minor child, resolution of the child support issue with both parties having significant incomes well beyond the statutory limits for calculating support, and other complex custody-related issues.

Significant Tax Issues

Mr. Reinstein mediated a divorce action involving assets worth in excess of $25 million, and which involved numerous tax-related issues. Mr. Reinstein‘s knowledge and experience in dealing with those tax issues assisted him in successfully mediating an agreement between the parties.

International Custody Dispute

Mr. Reinstein successfully mediated a divorce action with international custody issues involving the US and Germany, and the applicability of The Hague Convention and the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) to those custody issues. The mediated settlement achieved by the parties and counsel with Mr. Reinstein’s services as the mediator also addressed a resolution of international property issues.

Unrepresented Parties In A Divorce

Mr. Reinstein was able to successfully mediate a divorce action involving parties without attorneys, which involved custody, support and multiple property matters. The parties were so pleased with his services that they requested that Mr. Reinstein draft their formal Marital Settlement Agreement.

Let’s Talk About Your Options

We’ve been helping families throughout Maryland since 2012. Our attorneys are known for their honesty, fairness and deep experience in family law. If you’re considering divorce or facing a family law issue, we’re here to help you explore your options. Call our Annapolis office at 301-850-7349 or send us an email to schedule your consultation