What Are the Different Types of Mediation?
Alternative Dispute Resolution in Illinois
There are two types of mediation that are often utilized in matters of family law. The first is court-ordered mediation, which typically involves parents involved in a dispute regarding child-related issues in a divorce or parentage action. The second type is voluntary or private mediation, where the couple contacts a third-party mediator directly to help develop a negotiated agreement.
At Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC, our experienced attorneys understand the value of cooperation in a divorce or other matters involving your children. We also realize that working together in the midst of a divorce can be challenging. For some couples, mediation may provide a reasonable alternative to contentious courtroom litigation. In certain cases, mediation may even be ordered by the court to help facilitate an amicable resolution.
Saving Time and Money
Even if mediation is not ordered by the court, it can still offer benefits to those who are able to put their differences aside in the interest of completing the legal process more efficiently. Mediation sessions are generally much more flexible than courtroom proceedings allowing you and the other party to meet at your convenience. Those who utilize mediation are usually able to complete their proceedings faster and at a lower financial cost. Long-term studies also suggest that a negotiated agreement is often more stable than a judgment issued by the court, as both parties are more inclined to comply with an arrangement to which they directly contributed.
If you are considering a divorce and would like to learn more about the potential benefits of mediation or if you have been ordered to attend mediation, contact our office. Call 630-665-7300 to schedule a confidential consultation at MKFM Law today. Our attorneys are proud to serve individuals and families in Wheaton, Naperville, Oak Brook, Downers Grove, and throughout DuPage County, as well as Kane County and Kendall County.