What Does a Mediator Do in a Divorce Case?

 Posted on July 27, 2021 in Divorce

If you and your spouse have decided to get divorced, it may be difficult for the two of you to agree on divorce issues. Instead of relying on a judge to make important decisions in your divorce, such as child custody and property division, consider going through mediation. The process can be beneficial for many divorcing couples willing to discuss the unresolved issues and work toward a solution cooperatively. 

How Divorce Mediation in Illinois Works

Mediation is intended to help couples reach reasonable agreements about various issues in their divorce, such as spousal maintenance, child support, and allocation of parental responsibilities. During each mediation session, you and your spouse will sit down with a trained mediator, who will facilitate a civil and productive discussion about the unresolved aspects of your divorce.

Although a mediator must have extensive knowledge in divorce and family law, he or she cannot provide you or your spouse with legal advice unless he or she is also a lawyer. A mediator can, however, help you identify common ground, ask you and your spouse to clarify your points, and help you brainstorm possible resolutions.

How long the mediation process takes may depend on several factors, such as how willing you and your spouse are to compromise with one another and the complexity of the issues at hand. Most divorcing couples require three or four mediation sessions. However, if a divorce case is complicated or contentious, mediation can take longer to complete. 

Preparing for Mediation

Before your first session, figure out what you want out of the divorce. What are the issues that are most important to you? On which issues are you willing to compromise? On what are you unwilling to compromise? For instance, you may want to stay in the family home or take a vacation with your kids once a year. Write down these key topics in a notepad so that you do not forget to discuss them. 

Contact a Chicago, IL Divorce Attorney

Mediation is an alternative resolution method that has helped countless spouses reach an agreement about the terms of their divorce. If you want to learn more about alternative resolution methods, contact a Cook County divorce lawyer. At the Law Offices of Curtis Bennett Ross, LLC, we understand that getting a divorce can be a stressful ordeal. Attorney Curtis Bennett Ross is a trained mediator and can address all of your questions and concerns. Call 312-984-1514 to schedule a free consultation.

Source: 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jefflanders/2012/04/24/the-four-divorce-alternatives/?sh=45e81bf320ae