How Mediation Works In DuPage County, IL

Resolutions Created Through Conversation and Negotiation

In mediation, a couple or occasionally a family meets with a neutral third party to explore each party's goals and needs in divorce, child custody or other family law matters. The mediator ensures the parties gather the necessary information they need to make informed decisions and ensures that the mediation environment is free from coercion or intimidation. In addition, the mediator helps the parties find common ground and facilitates discussions.

If you are interested in learning more about mediation, contact Andrew Cores Family Law Group. We provide mediation services from trained mediators and family law attorneys. Our extensive experience in all areas of family law makes us an excellent resource for your divorce, child custody or child support needs.

The Role of the Mediator

Mediators do not have authority to make decisions; their role is to help the parties work toward their own agreement. Mediation focuses on solving problems, not judging anyone or determining who is right or wrong. Each party has the chance to make statements and then have a discussion. Mediation is an opportunity for the parties to work on their communication skills with each other so that they can work together in the future to solve problems related to their family in an effective and respectful manner.

While both parties participate in the mediation, the parties may also be given time to have individual conversations with the mediator. After individual conversations, joint sessions will then take place, and if a solution has been reached, the mediation is concluded. If an agreement is reached, our mediators will write the memorandum of understanding that details all of the agreements that were reached during the mediation.

The final decision must be agreed upon by both parties. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, they may be referred to additional mediation or other methods such as litigation.

In order to reach a successful resolution, both sides must participate in good faith in the mediation. If one party is trying to intimidate the other or dominate the mediation process, the mediation will end and the parties will need to seek alternative means to resolve their dispute such as litigation.

We have offices in DuPage County and Kendall County. Please call us at 630-871-1002 to schedule an appointment. You may also contact us online.