The roles of mediation, arbitration, and litigation do not change for same-sex couples and heterosexual couples. The rules of divorce litigation do not differ based on the sex of the parties involved. In Maryland, divorcing couples are required to attend mediation or arbitration before they enter litigation.
Additionally, alternative dispute resolutions are an extremely important resource in divorce cases. The courts recommend that divorcing spouses settle their personal finances and custody issues outside of the court, which is something a knowledgeable attorney in Maryland could assist a same-sex couple with.