What Does Mediation in an Illinois Divorce Usually Involve? 

 Posted on March 09, 2022 in Divorce

When a couple in Illinois decides to get divorced, the most common method of approaching the divorce process is for each spouse to hire an attorney. Divorce can often be long, difficult, and full of emotional conflict. However, for spouses who wish to avoid conflict and work together - even for those who find it very difficult to do so - there is an option that allows spouses to do exactly this. Mediation is a conflict resolution process that allows a couple to negotiate together with the aim of reaching a fair solution to the issues involved in a divorce. Even though each spouse will still have his or her own attorney, spouses can work collaboratively with a mediator to solve problems. If you are getting divorced in Illinois and are wondering if mediation may be right for you, read on. 

What Does the Process of Mediation Involve? 

Each meeting between spouses and the mediator will have specific goals and desired outcomes. The mediator, who is a trained professional and is often an attorney, will state the rules and goals of the meeting so everybody is on the same page. Then, everybody will tackle the issue at hand - spousal support, child support, property division, etc. - in a way that allows each spouse to voice their concerns and priorities while working towards a mutually agreeable solution. 

Spouses may speak privately to the mediator as well, allowing them to explore ideas and assess the realism of their goals. While each spouse’s attorney may be present during mediation meetings, many spouses find that the meetings are less contentious when their attorneys are not present. 

What Are the Potential Benefits of Mediation? 

Mediation is so successful that judges will often order couples to attend mediation before allowing a divorce case to go to trial. Successful mediation often allows a couple to: 

• Shorten the divorce process by achieving resolutions more quickly

• Spend less money on litigating issues with attorneys

• Set themselves up for co-parenting success after the divorce is finalized 

While mediation is not successful for every couple who tries it, very few divorces are now litigated in court, suggesting that the process tends to result in satisfactory outcomes for most people. Research also suggests that spouses are both more likely to be happy with the terms of a divorce if they reach an agreement together in mediation, rather than allowing a judge to decide on important issues for them. 

Meet with a DuPage County Divorce Mediation Lawyer

At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., we understand the prospect of divorce and mediation can seem overwhelming. Our experienced DuPage County divorce attorneys are here to help you feel comfortable and answer your questions so you can feel informed and make decisions with confidence. Call us today at 630-462-9500 to schedule a confidential consultation by phone or in person. 

Source: 

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=075000050HPt%2E+IV&ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=3900000&SeqEnd=5400000 

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2489&ChapterID=51