Three Tips for Preparing for Divorce Mediation in Illinois

 Posted on July 09, 2021 in Mediation

When a couple is preparing for divorce and considering their options, many will find that mediation is a much better alternative to a protracted, hostile divorce court battle. Mediation allows couples to have greater control over the entire process, and to settle their differences with a more satisfactory compromise than they might if a judge makes the decisions for them.

However, mediation is still a complex and emotionally exhausting legal process, and it takes some preparation. Important decisions must be made that will have long-term effects on the couples’ lives, as well as those of any children.

Here are a few tips that will help spouses prepare for the process of mediation.

Know Your Priorities

It is not easy to advocate for yourself when you do not really know what you want. Understand that compromise is going to be a crucial part of mediation, and contemplate which things are most important to you and why. If your family has a unique Christmas tradition, then maybe spending Christmas day with your child will be much more important for you than visitation time over Easter.

It may also be helpful to anticipate the things your spouse is likely to request so you can enter mediation prepared to negotiate a solution that is beneficial to you both.

Gather Relevant Information

The most important information you will need to have on hand in mediation is your shared and individual financial documents. Marital property, savings, debts, and non-marital property will all be taken into consideration during the mediation process. But not all the information needs to be financial.

For example, if you believe that you are uniquely qualified to meet your child’s educational needs and that you should therefore have primary weekday parental responsibilities, then prepare to show documentation as evidence that the child’s grades have improved due to your efforts.

Commit to Civility

Mediation will be much more successful when you are determined to maintain dignity in your treatment toward your spouse. Your spouse will obviously benefit, but so will you and your child. Many people find that personal therapy during the mediation process is helpful when learning to deal with the emotional baggage that comes from severing ties with their spouse.

Contact a St. Charles, IL Mediation Lawyer

Planning ahead is an important part of a successful mediation process. Shaw Sanders, P.C. offers help with mediation and litigation so that you can focus on what really matters to you. To schedule a free consultation with a Kane County mediation attorney, call 630-584-5550.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2489&ChapterID=51

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=075000050HPt%2E+IV&ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=3900000&SeqEnd=5400000