What Actually Happens During Divorce Mediation Sessions?

 Posted on February 21,2022 in Kane

Divorcing spouses must address many issues, including parenting and child support issues, the division of property and debt, and spousal maintenance. Ideally, divorcing couples will be able to reach an agreement regarding the terms of their divorce. Agreements save divorcing spouses time, energy, and money when compared to having to litigate contested issues. However, most couples need some help to reach an agreement about how to resolve their divorce. Family law mediation or divorce mediation is an alternative resolution method that may help spouses reach agreements on unresolved divorce and family law issues.

Determining the Terms of the Divorce in a Cooperative Manner

If you are in the beginning stages of divorce, you may feel trepidations. There are many major decisions to be made. Determining who will keep the family home or how you will divide parenting time with your children can be difficult under the best circumstances. Figuring these issues out with someone you are in the middle of divorcing is even harder.

Mediators are trained in conflict resolution strategies. A divorce mediator can sit down with you and your spouse and help you reach a decision.

Mediators may help couples:

• Identify what issues the spouses agree on and what issues they disagree on
• Discuss divorce issues in a calm, respectful, cooperative manner
• Talk about each spouse's needs and wants
• Negotiate the terms of property division, spousal maintenance, or child-related matters
• Explore the advantages and disadvantages of different ideas
• Discuss concerns about proposed solutions to unresolved divorce issues
• Consider alternatives they may not have been aware of
• De-escalate conflict and hostility during discussions about divorce terms

Is Mediation Right for Me?

Mediation is a very useful process for many divorcing couples. Often, judges require spouses to attend mediation if they cannot reach an agreement on certain divorce issues like parenting time and parental responsibilities. However, mediation is not always enough and some spouses end up in litigation after trying mediation unsuccessfully. It should also be noted that couples who use mediation to discuss divorce issues are still encouraged to work with a skilled divorce lawyer.

Contact a Kane County Divorce Lawyer

At MKFM Law, we know that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to divorce issues. Some divorcing spouses are able to reach an agreement on every single issue through mediation. Others end up resolving disagreements through the court system.

Our skilled St. Charles family law attorneys can help you explore all of your options and advocate on your behalf throughout your divorce. Call our office at 630-665-7300 for a confidential consultation.

Source:

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