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On November 16, 2025, state lawmakers in Maryland passed a groundbreaking new legislation aimed at promoting and expanding mediation services across the state. The Maryland Mediation Act, as it is being called, seeks to encourage the use of mediation as a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional litigation in resolving disputes.Under the new law, all courts in Maryland will be required to inform parties in civil cases about the option of mediation and to provide them with information on how to access mediation services. Additionally, the law mandates that mediators must adhere to strict qualification and training requirements to ensure that they are equipped to effectively facilitate mediation sessions.The Maryland Mediation Act is being hailed as a major step forward in promoting alternative dispute resolution methods and reducing the burden on the state's court system. By encouraging parties to consider mediation as a first step in resolving their disputes, the new law is expected to help speed up the resolution process, reduce the backlog of cases in the court system, and ultimately save taxpayers money.In addition to the legislative changes, the Maryland Council for Dispute Resolution (MCDR) has also announced a new initiative to increase awareness and access to mediation services. The MCDR will be launching a statewide advertising campaign to educate the public about the benefits of mediation and to provide resources for finding qualified mediators.Maryland Governor, John Smith, expressed his support for the new legislation, stating, "Mediation has the potential to save time, money, and stress for all parties involved in a dispute. By expanding access to mediation services and promoting its use, we are taking a proactive approach to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of our judicial system."Overall, the Maryland Mediation Act represents a significant shift towards promoting alternative dispute resolution methods in the state and is expected to have a positive impact on the legal landscape in Maryland for years to come. With these new measures in place, Maryland is poised to lead the way in the promotion of mediation services and the resolution of disputes in a more collaborative and efficient manner.