Is Mediation During My Divorce Right for Me?

 Posted on September 05, 2023 in Divorce

If you want to dodge the courtroom drama, mediation during a divorce could be a game-changer. Instead of fighting in court, a mediator will step in to help you and your soon-to-be ex settle your differences quickly. You will be able to address everything from child custody to property division. A mediation attorney in Illinois can make a complicated divorce process smoother and ensure your agreements meet legal requirements. 

What is Mediation?

Under the Uniform Mediation Act couples can talk with a neutral person who is not on anyone's side to work out their problems instead of going to court. In many cases, the court will ask a couple to go through mediation first.

The process of mediation is a helpful way to solve problems in many legal situations, but it is especially useful in family law cases like divorce. Here is why:

• No More Fights – Mediation helps people work together to solve issues without arguing or fighting.
• Keep a Good Relationship – After divorce mediation, people usually get along better, which is great for parents with children who still need to work together.
• Save Time – Mediation is faster than having lawyers argue in court, which can take a long time.
• Save Money – Mediation costs less than going to court and hiring lawyers for a big fight. 

Is there an Advantage to Having a Mediator who is also an Attorney?

Having a mediator who is also an attorney in Illinois can be beneficial during a divorce, especially when things get complicated for some of the following reasons:

• Court-Ordered Mediation – In many Illinois counties, the court may require mediation for parental responsibilities and parenting time. If you hire an attorney-mediator upfront, you will not be assigned a mediator, and you will have someone with substantial legal knowledge helping you.
• Legal Knowledge – They know Illinois laws well and can ensure that you understand the legal and financial implications of your decisions. They can also create a Memorandum of Understanding that could become a legally binding agreement when signed by a judge.
• Children Issues – In Illinois, a parenting plan is crucial for sharing parental responsibilities and time with your kids, and this can often lead to disagreements. A mediator who is an attorney can help smooth this out.
• Spousal Support – Figuring out financial support for a spouse based on the length of the marriage can be sensitive. An attorney-mediator can help you navigate this issue.
• Skilled Negotiation – A certified mediator who is also an attorney is great at helping the divorcing couple talk through tough issues and find solutions. 

Schedule a free consultation with a St. Charles, IL Mediation Attorney

At Shaw Sanders, P.C., we understand that sometimes couples simply want to go their separate ways quickly.

If you are going through a divorce, a Kane County mediation attorney can make a complex divorce process smoother and ensure your agreements meet legal requirements. Call 630-584-5550 for a free consultation.