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.
