Mediation
A neutral mediator helps both parties reach their own agreement in confidential sessions. Often the fastest and least costly route.
Best suited for spouses who can still communicate and want to control the outcome.
Mediation
Divorce and custody mediation, mediation advocacy, and collaborative law for families who want to resolve matters with dignity.
Mediation offers a private, structured path to agreement outside the courtroom. It is often faster and less costly than litigation, and it keeps decisions about your family in your hands rather than a judge's.
Kristina M. Darwood is a trained mediator and collaborative law professional. We help clients decide whether mediation fits their situation, advise them through the process, and make sure any agreement protects their interests.
Who this is for
Couples who want to resolve divorce or custody issues privately, and clients who want an advocate beside them during mediation.
What you gain
More control over the outcome, lower cost, and less conflict for your family.
What We Handle
Working through property, support, and the terms of your divorce in confidential sessions.
Building a parenting plan together, with your children's needs at the center.
Representing and advising you through mediation so your interests are protected.
Each spouse has counsel, and everyone commits to settling outside of court.
Independent review of proposed agreements before you sign.
Guidance when a DC or Maryland court refers your case to mediation.
Paths to Resolution
A neutral mediator helps both parties reach their own agreement in confidential sessions. Often the fastest and least costly route.
Each spouse has their own attorney, and everyone commits to settling outside of court, with financial and family specialists as needed.
When agreement is not possible or safety is at stake, the court decides. We prepare every case as though it will be tried.
The Process
We assess whether mediation fits your situation, including any safety concerns or power imbalances.
Structured, confidential sessions work through property, support, and parenting issues one at a time.
The terms you reach are summarized in writing so nothing is lost or misunderstood.
Each party is encouraged to have independent counsel review the proposed agreement before signing.
The signed agreement is finalized and, where required, submitted to the court.
DC & Maryland
General information only, not legal advice.
“The services I received from Ms. Darwood were personal and impeccable. She represented my best interests in the most professional way. I was pleased with her courtroom presence, response time whenever I called, and the services overall were outstanding! Thank you Kristina!”Tamara C. / Family LawClient reviews reflect individual experiences. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Questions
Mediation itself is not binding. If you reach agreement, the terms are written up, and once signed and approved where required, the agreement becomes enforceable.
A mediator is neutral and cannot give either party legal advice. Having your own attorney advise you, or review the agreement before you sign, helps protect your interests.
Mediation may not be appropriate where there is a history of abuse or a significant power imbalance. We will help you choose a safe path.
Insights
Private Consultation
Share a few details and we will contact you within one business day to arrange a time. In-person, phone, and video consultations are available.
Mediation
Divorce and custody mediation, mediation advocacy, and collaborative law.
Schedule a Private ConsultationMediation
Mediation offers a private, structured path to agreement outside the courtroom. It is often faster and less costly than litigation, and it keeps decisions about your family in your hands rather than a judge's.
Kristina M. Darwood is a trained mediator and collaborative law professional. We help clients decide whether mediation fits their situation, advise them through the process, and make sure any agreement protects their interests.
Who this is for
Couples who want to resolve divorce or custody issues privately, and clients who want an advocate beside them during mediation.
What you gain
More control over the outcome, lower cost, and less conflict for your family.
Paths to Resolution
The Process
We assess whether mediation fits your situation, including any safety concerns or power imbalances.
Structured, confidential sessions work through property, support, and parenting issues one at a time.
The terms you reach are summarized in writing so nothing is lost or misunderstood.
Each party is encouraged to have independent counsel review the proposed agreement before signing.
The signed agreement is finalized and, where required, submitted to the court.
DC & Maryland
General information only, not legal advice.
Client Reviews
“Kristina is extremely professional and emotionally balanced, which is the type of lawyer needed when trying to navigate a divorce. She ensures that you are clear on all the possible outcomes, and tactfully creates optimism when you get overwhelmed and start to have doubts about your case. I am grateful that I had her by my side during this process.”
“Kristina was great to work with, and I was very fortunate to have found her. This process is painful irrespectively, and Kristina made this as smooth as possible. She’s very responsive, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. I highly recommend her.”
“The services I received from Ms. Darwood were personal and impeccable. She represented my best interests in the most professional way. I was pleased with her courtroom presence, response time whenever I called, and the services overall were outstanding! Thank you Kristina!”
Client reviews reflect individual experiences. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Questions
Mediation itself is not binding. If you reach agreement, the terms are written up, and once signed and approved where required, the agreement becomes enforceable.
A mediator is neutral and cannot give either party legal advice. Having your own attorney advise you, or review the agreement before you sign, helps protect your interests.
Mediation may not be appropriate where there is a history of abuse or a significant power imbalance. We will help you choose a safe path.
Private Consultation
We respond within one business day. In-person, phone, and video consultations available.
Schedule a Private ConsultationCall (202) 505-6877