Divorce Attorney Explains How Mediation Works in DuPage County, IL
In mediation, a couple or occasionally a family meets with a neutral third party to explore each party's goals and needs in divorce, child custody or other family law matters. The mediator ensures the parties gather the necessary information they need to make informed decisions and ensures that the mediation environment is free from coercion or intimidation. In addition, the mediator helps the parties find common ground and facilitates discussions.
If you are interested in learning more about mediation, contact Andrew Cores Family Law Group. We provide mediation services from trained mediators and family law attorneys. Our extensive experience in all areas of family law makes us an excellent resource for your divorce, child custody or child support needs.
The Role of the Mediator
Mediators do not have authority to make decisions; their role is to help the parties work toward their own agreement. Mediation focuses on solving problems, not judging anyone or determining who is right or wrong. Each party has the chance to make statements and then have discussions. Mediation is an opportunity for the parties to work on their communication skills with each other so that they can work together in the future to solve problems related to their family in an effective and respectful manner.
While both parties participate in the mediation, the parties may also be given time to have individual conversations with the mediator. After individual conversations, joint sessions will take place, and if a solution has been reached, the mediation process will be concluded. If an agreement is reached, our mediators will write the memorandum of understanding that details all of the agreements that were reached during the mediation. The settlement negotiated during mediation will be filed in the appropriate court, and a hearing will be held where a judge will sign off on the decisions made.
The final decision must be agreed upon by both parties. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, they may be referred to additional mediation or other methods such as litigation.
In order to reach a successful resolution, both sides must participate in good faith in the mediation. If one party is trying to intimidate the other or dominate the mediation process, the mediation process will end, and the parties will need to seek alternative means to resolve their dispute. At Andrew Cores Family Law Group, we work to help the parties involved in mediation hold productive discussions and reach satisfactory agreements. We will work to defuse conflicts and make sure both parties feel heard, while also ensuring that the parties fully understand the decisions made in their settlement. With our help, parties can resolve disputes quickly and efficiently and move forward following the conclusion of their case.
Contact Our Wheaton Mediation Lawyers
We have offices in DuPage County and Kendall County. Please call us at 630-407-1225 to schedule an appointment. You may also contact us online.
