In this article, our Will County family mediators explain the family mediation process in Illinois. Family mediation is the use of a trained neutral third party to facilitate negotiations regarding regarding child custody, child support, maintenance, and asset division in divorce.
We discuss the benefits of mediation. Resolving issues early in the process through mediation can save both parties significant amounts of money that would otherwise be spent on litigation. Parenting plans resolved through family mediation tend to be more comprehensive and better tailored to the needs of the parties than those decided by litigation. They are also less likely to be re-litigated after the court's order has been entered.
Our Will County divorce mediators explain the role of the mediator, the attorneys, and neutral experts in the mediation process. We discuss the rules regarding privileged and confidential discussions during the process as well as exceptions to these rules.
We also describe the Will County family mediation process in detail including how to interview potential mediators, how to prepare for mediation with your attorney, the initial joint meeting with the mediator, individual caucuses between the mediators and each of the parties, and the mediator's drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the resolution of all issues in the case.