If you are going through a divorce in Illinois, you may be wondering if mediation is the right option for you. Divorce can be a difficult and emotionally draining process, and many couples choose to use mediation instead of fighting legal battles in the courtroom. To determine whether mediation may be the right choice for you, it is important to understand how mediation works, the benefits it can provide, and the cases where it may not be the best option.
What Is Mediation?
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that allows couples to work together with a neutral third party to negotiate their divorce settlement. Unlike litigation, where decisions are made by a judge, mediation allows couples to retain control over the outcome of their case.
In Illinois, a couple may be ordered to use mediation by a family court judge, or they may choose to hire a mediator on their own. While each mediator may have their own process, most cases will involve both parties meeting together with the mediator, discussing the issues that will need to be addressed, and working together to reach agreements on the terms of their divorce settlement.
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