In this article our Lincoln Park family mediation attorneys discuss the process of divorce mediation, with an emphasis on how important resolving disputes can be for both parties. Through mediation, both sides can reach an amicable solution with the need of expensive court fees. This can be done with the assistance of a professional mediator. Mediation may be initiated voluntarily by the parties at any stage of their case, even before filing for divorce. It may also be ordered by the court in a domestic relations case. Even if the parties attend mediation because they were ordered to do so by the court, any resulting agreement as a result of the mediation is voluntary.
All of the circuit courts in Illinois have mandatory mediation programs for cases involving child custody or visitation issues. However, parties can be excused from mediation if the court determines that an impediment to mediation exists, such as domestic violence.