Divorce Mediation Lawyer Chicago, IL
Secure A Fair Divorce Settlement With Our Divorce Mediation Attorneys
Divorce is often characterized by fear, worry about the future, maybe sadness, and often anger. With all these emotions clouding your mind, focusing on the practical matters of ending a marriage can be difficult. Our Chicago, IL, divorce mediation lawyer understands what you’re going through and is ready to step in to support you and negotiate the best possible divorce settlement on your behalf, so you can face the future with confidence. This involves going to mediation sessions, a less-formal arrangement than court hearings and a divorce trial.
Many couples find mediation a more affordable, less confrontational alternative to trial. In these guided negotiations, spouses can resolve important issues like spousal support, child custody and visitation, asset division, and shared debts outside the courtroom. In Illinois, you have the right to consult with an attorney during mediation. At Merel Family Law, we support your needs and help you focus on your best interests to negotiate the best possible divorce settlement. We help ensure you have the financial means for a bright future post-divorce. Please call us today when you’re ready to take the next step.
How Our Chicago Divorce Mediation Lawyer Supports Your Needs
Mediation is a type of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), a way of settling legal matters outside the courtroom. In divorce mediation, a trained mediator works with both spouses, overseeing the resolution of issues of contention and facilitating constructive negotiation. Each spouse and their respective divorce attorneys are in a separate location, either in different rooms or, if participating via Zoom, on different calls. The mediator guides the process, bringing each side’s propositions from the other and helping the negotiators remain focused on the issues to be resolved.
Our family law attorneys take the time to really get to know you: your goals, priorities, and concerns. We help you define your ideal outcomes, whether that includes keeping the family home, maintaining primary ownership of shared business interests, or securing primary custody of your children. We’ll also help you identify where there might be room for compromise, like offering a certain asset or portion of retirement investments in exchange for something that matters more, like the family home.
Once we’ve determined what matters most to you, we create a personalized, strategic plan to advocate for the best possible settlement.
What To Expect During Divorce Mediation
Mediation typically starts by laying out all the major issues, like child custody arrangements, alimony or spousal support, and division of shared property and debts. Often, each party presents their ideal divorce settlement. Many propositions have some items that align, which can be immediately incorporated into the final decree. Seeing where the differences are gives the mediator a starting point to help you work through the conflict points.
Divorce negotiations can be emotionally charged. A key part of the mediator’s job is to keep things on track, keeping the parties apart when needed and focused on problem-solving. Mediators can even propose creative solutions (although they’re non-binding) when the couple reaches a sticking point. This structured process helps reduce tension, making it easier for both spouses to come to an agreement that feels fair and respectful.
If you want to avoid the stress, time, and expenses of a divorce trial, mediation may be the ideal solution. The attorneys at Merel Family Law are ready to help. Contact us today for a personalized consultation with our Chicago divorce mediation lawyer.
Types Of Divorce Mediation Cases We Handle
At Merel Family Law, we help individuals and families work through divorce-related issues in a structured and respectful setting. Our lawyers have over 221 years of combined experience helping Illinoisans with their family law needs, and our success is reflected in our 100s of five-star reviews. We believe in a solution-focused approach that allows both parties to retain more control over the process and outcome. If you’re looking for a trusted Chicago, IL divorce mediation lawyer who can give you a simple guide to divorce, our team is here to support you during this important transition.
Marital Property And Asset Division
We assist clients in resolving disputes related to the division of marital assets, including real estate, retirement accounts, and investments. Mediation allows both parties to reach a fair resolution without extended court involvement.
Parenting Plans And Custody Agreements
Our team helps parents create parenting schedules, decision-making frameworks, and holiday arrangements that work for their families. These agreements are crafted to prioritize the best interests of the children while respecting each parent’s role.
Spousal Support And Maintenance Discussions
We work with couples to address spousal support needs based on financial circumstances and individual goals. This includes decisions about short- or long-term maintenance based on income, employment, and contributions to the household.
Divorce Mediation For Business Owners
When a family business is involved, we help mediate decisions about ownership, valuation, and post-divorce operation. These cases often require careful handling to protect both the business and the parties’ financial futures.
High Asset Divorce Mediation
For couples with significant financial portfolios, we provide guidance during mediation involving complex financial holdings, multiple properties, and investment accounts. A Chicago divorce mediation lawyer from our team helps clarify options and can structure settlements that make sense.
Same Sex Divorce Mediation
We support same sex couples through divorce mediation with a focus on equitable agreements regarding shared property, children, and financial arrangements. These cases often require specific legal knowledge and thoughtful planning.
Mediation Involving Prenuptial Agreements
We help couples mediate the enforcement or interpretation of prenuptial agreements during a divorce. These discussions often involve reviewing the agreement’s terms and deciding how it applies to current circumstances.
Post Judgment Dispute Mediation
Even after a divorce is finalized, disputes can arise around support, custody, or parenting time. We offer mediation services to help resolve these issues without going back to court.
Mediation For Uncontested Divorce
When both spouses generally agree on the terms of the divorce, we help facilitate final agreements that reflect their wishes. This often leads to a more efficient and cost-effective resolution.
Divorce Mediation Involving Out Of State Parties
Whether you and your ex both lived part time in another state or one of you has moved to another state, we can help you to resolve your Illinois divorce issues. These cases require coordination and flexibility, which mediation supports well.
Move Forward With Confidence And Clarity
Divorce mediation provides many benefits that traditional divorces do not. It is a structured and practical way to resolve family issues that is typically less costly than litigation, as well as it avoids the delays and stress that are often involved in court cases. At Merel Family Law, we work hard to provide efficient and respectful resolution for the people we serve. If you’re seeking a Chicago divorce mediation lawyer, contact our office today to schedule a time to talk and learn how we can support you.
