Consider Choosing Mediation When Getting an Illinois Divorce

 Posted on January 31, 2019 in Mediation and Collaborative Law

Mediation is one method of divorce negotiation which can save a tremendous amount of time and expense as compared to divorce litigation. When a couple chooses to end their marriage, there are often unresolved issues of property, child custody, or spousal support/maintenance. Divorcing individuals who cannot come to an agreement about these issues may require court intervention. This can be an expensive and time-consuming process.

One alternative to litigation is divorce mediation. During the mediation process, a divorcing couple meets with a mediator who acts as a neutral third party facilitator. The purpose of the mediator is not to make decisions for the couple but, instead, to help the couple discuss issues civilly and productively. If you are considering ending your marriage in Illinois, read on to learn how mediation can help you and your spouse reach a divorce settlement that is fair and reasonable for everyone involved.

Benefits of Mediation

Mediation boasts a long list of benefits. In addition to being significantly less expensive than court hearings or a trial, mediation puts the couple in greater control of how their divorce issues are resolved. Instead of a solution based on impersonal laws or decided by a judge, mediation helps couples reach a divorce resolution based on their unique circumstances and needs. It is probably for this reason that mediated divorce agreements have a much greater compliance rate than agreements made through the court.

Couples using mediation to resolve divorce issues instead of court intervention are less likely to need to take time off work or change their schedules, as mediation sessions can often be scheduled in the evenings or on weekends. In addition, the mediation process can help divorcing couples learn how to effectively communicate without unnecessary hostility which can be vital to divorced parents sharing custody of children.

Although it can be tremendously beneficial to many couples, mediation is not a “silver bullet” solution. Mediation may not be the best choice for couples with a history of abuse, mental illness, addiction, or a great discrepancy in wealth. 

Contact a Naperville Mediation and Collaborative Law Attorney

Just as every marriage is unique, every divorce is unique. At the Pesce Law Group, our DuPage County collaborative law and mediation lawyers will work with you to reach a personalized divorce resolution. Call us today at 630-352-2240 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.businessinsider.com/ap-liz-weston-5-divorce-mistakes-that-can-cost-you-2019-1

https://www.forbes.com/sites/heatherlocus/2018/07/08/my-big-fat-divorce-learning-about-your-options-through-the-ending-of-a-hollywood-marriage/