Kane County Mediation and Collaborative Law Attorneys

Lawyers Trained in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Serving Batavia, St. Charles, Geneva, and Throughout Kane County

In matters related to divorce or family law, mediation can be a constructive, cost-effective alternative to courtroom litigation. Mediation is intended to help disputing parties negotiate workable agreements in a manner that is both cooperative and civil. The process can also mitigate the high levels of anger and contentiousness that are often involved when a case is left to the discretion of the court. Collaborative law can also be a beneficial method of negotiating settlements while remaining civil and focusing on cooperation. At Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC, we advise our clients on what methods of dispute resolution may be beneficial, focusing on helping them complete their family law cases efficiently and effectively.

The mediation process is facilitated by a mediator who is tasked with identifying potential issues, developing problem-solving strategies, and helping to guide the conversation in a positive direction. Under Illinois law, there are two types of mediation that may be used to help parties reach an agreement regarding divorce, child custody, or other family law issues: court-ordered mediation and voluntary mediation.

Court-Ordered Mediation

As the name implies, court-ordered mediation may be required at the discretion of a judge. It is a confidential process that is typically ordered in child-related cases. In court-ordered mediation, parents are expected to work together in creating a parenting plan that best serves their child's needs and the future of the family. The intent is to bring disputing parents together for the sake of their children and to avoid an ongoing adversarial relationship.

Voluntary Mediation

In many cases, parties to a divorce or child-related matter may pursue mediation before it is ordered by the court. Voluntary mediation can provide an avenue for divorcing spouses or parents involved in a child custody case to reach an amicable agreement that they can then present to the court for final approval. The process can be brief if the participants are able to reach a resolution quickly, or it can take as long as necessary.

Work With a Compassionate, Experienced Attorney

It is crucial to keep in mind that mediation does not eliminate your need for a qualified attorney, and the mediator, even if he or she is a lawyer, does not necessarily represent your interests. Contact an experienced attorney at Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC before your first mediation session and learn how we can help you along the way.

Attorney Lynn M. Mirabella is a certified collaborative family law practitioner who has dedicated much of her career to the service of families. She and the rest of the team at Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC can help you understand your available options for avoiding contentious family law litigation.

Collaborative Family Law

Similar to mediation, collaborative family law is an approach to divorce or family-related legal concerns that is committed to avoiding bitter, acrimonious proceedings. The process is dependent on each party's dedication to openness, cooperation, honesty, and professionalism, which promotes a family's long-term best interests despite challenging circumstances. Collaborative law often enlists the assistance of other relevant professionals, including mental health professionals, financial experts, parenting specialists, and others. Collaborative law can assist families in reaching healthy, stable agreements that serve the needs of everyone involved.

Contact Our St. Charles Collaborative Divorce Lawyers

To learn more about your options for resolving family law disputes while avoiding the time, expense, and stress of litigation, contact our office by calling 630-665-7300 today. We are proud to serve the western suburbs of Chicago, including Elgin, Batavia, Aurora, Geneva, St. Charles, and the rest of Kane County.