What Are the Benefits of Family Law Mediation in Illinois?

When a couple gets a divorce, it may be amicable or contentious depending on the reasons for the split. There are many decisions that need to be made before both spouses can move on, but this can be a difficult undertaking. If spouses cannot agree, they may have to go through litigation in court and have a judge decide. This can be a costly, time-consuming, and stressful experience. However, alternative dispute resolution methods exist as a way to avoid going to trial. Through mediation, parents can often come to a mutual agreement on several divorce-related issues such as the allocation of parental responsibilities, parenting time, and spousal support. This form of resolution can lead to more productive negotiations and a happier future for everyone involved.  

How Can a Mediator Help?

During mediation, spouses and their attorneys meet to negotiate the terms of the divorce settlement or other family law issues through discussions guided by an impartial mediator. Mediators are professionals who are often family lawyers who are trained in family law matters. They facilitate cooperative conversations between the parties so they can reach a settlement. It is important to note that mediators do not offer legal advice but provide general information about the legal process in an effort to find a workable solution.

Mediation allows parties to take active roles in their case. The benefits of family law mediation include:

  • Gives more control over the process and outcome
  • Saves time and money by avoiding court costs
  • Maintains family relationships and avoids disputes
  • Creates personalized solutions to fit specific needs
  • Provides a level of privacy since the records are not public

In traditional mediation, each party has a lawyer who advises him or her before and during the mediation sessions. WIth parties-only mediation, an attorney can review the terms of any settlement before and after the mediation discussions, but they do not physically attend the actual mediation sessions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many meetings can be conducted virtually via video or teleconferencing in an effort to avoid spreading the virus. 

Contact a McHenry County Family Law Attorney

A divorce requires that spouses resolve many different issues, such as child custody, parenting time, spousal support, asset division, and more. Mediation may be an option for your situation if you and your spouse want to avoid court and are willing to work together for a resolution. A knowledgeable and compassionate Woodstock family lawyer from Prime Law Group will assist you with the legal details so you can focus on you and your children. Call us today at 815-338-2040 to arrange a private consultation and learn how we can help you with your family law matter.

November 4, 2020

Sources:
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=2086&ChapterID=59

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