What Are the Benefits of Divorce Mediation in Illinois?

 Posted on January 06, 2021 in Mediation

Even though marriage is meant to be a permanent partnership between spouses, the unfortunate reality is that many marriages do not last. In some cases, disagreements about finances, children, or other issues can lead to the breakdown of a relationship, while in others, a couple may simply grow apart and find that they would be happier apart than together. When spouses choose to end their marriage through divorce, they have a number of options for resolving the various legal, financial, and personal issues that must be addressed as they separate their lives from each other. While litigation in court may be used to resolve disputes, in many cases, it is preferable to find less combative ways to address divorce-related concerns. Mediation is one of the best ways for couples to reach a divorce settlement, and it can provide a variety of benefits for both parties, as well as their children and others who are involved in their lives.

Reasons to Use Divorce Mediation

During the mediation process, spouses work together with a neutral mediator who is trained in dispute resolution and understands the legal issues that must be addressed when dissolving a marriage. The couple will cooperate to create a divorce settlement that includes the final decisions on all outstanding issues, including the division of marital property, spousal support, and, if the couple has children, the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time.

The benefits of mediation include:

• Speed and efficiency - Mediation will often allow couples to resolve their disputes and reach decisions much more quickly than is possible when using litigation. Rather than scheduling multiple court appearances that are subject to the availability of the spouses, their attorneys, and a judge, a couple can meet with a mediator on their own schedule, and they can complete the divorce process once they have created a mutually agreeable settlement.

• Confidentiality - Those who do not want the details of their divorce to become public can rest assured that nothing discussed during mediation will be shared with outside parties. This can allow spouses to speak their minds and ensure that their concerns will be addressed.

• Control - Both spouses must agree on a divorce settlement created during mediation, and the couple will have complete control over the decisions they make. This can provide them with the confidence that their rights are being protected and that their needs will be met following the divorce.

• Cooperation - Because a couple will need to be in complete agreement over the terms of their divorce settlement, they can work together to find solutions with which they will both be satisfied. This will allow spouses to focus on what is important to them and determine where they are willing to compromise or make concessions. It will also help parents determine how they will be able to work together to make decisions about their children and meet their needs in the years following the divorce.

• Safety - During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are concerned about the risks of infection when attending court hearings. Mediation will allow a couple to resolve divorce-related issues while minimizing contact with those outside of their family. Couples may even be able to complete mediation virtually using video conferencing tools, ensuring that they and their family members can remain safe.

Contact Our Geneva Divorce Mediation Attorneys

McSwain Rapp Law, LLC will provide divorce mediation services, and we can work with you and your spouse to reach a divorce settlement that meets your needs. We also provide individual representation for divorcing spouses, and we can help you make sure your divorce settlement will protect your rights. We can also help you pursue divorce litigation when necessary. Call our experienced St. Charles divorce lawyers today at 630-581-2877 to arrange a free consultation.

Sources:

https://thriveglobal.com/stories/how-divorce-mediation-can-make-your-divorce-less-stressful/

https://www.plannersearch.org/financial-planning/the-advantages-of-divorce-mediation