How Mediation Can Make Your Divorce Less Stressful

 Posted on February 12, 2024 in Family Law

Mediation has many advantages for couples looking to resolve issues during divorce proceedings. When couples can work out their differences in an amicable way, it lessens the stress that an otherwise nasty, prolonged divorce would bring. A capable attorney can offer significant advice and guidance before, during, and after your divorce takes place.

What Occurs During Mediation?

Mediation is a meeting for resolving disputes that normally occur in a divorce. The typical issues that may require mediation include:

• The Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (Child Custody)

• Marital asset division

• Child support

• Spousal maintenance

The couple agrees to work together to resolve these issues with their respective lawyers and a third-party mediator. Though a lawyer is not always necessary, it is recommended, especially in more complex divorce cases.

Each party will be able to speak without interruption, keeping the meeting both efficient and respectful. Both sides will discuss the issues from their point of view while the mediator attempts to maintain civility. The mediator is there to support both parties in resolving any conflict that may arise from the negotiations so that a more amicable outcome is met.

What Does Mediation Offer Couples That a Traditional Divorce Does Not?

Unlike a traditional divorce’s focus on a “win-lose” scenario where one spouse walks away better off than the other, mediation offers a way that both parties can walk away through cooperation and compromise and less court oversight. Mediation can mitigate the mental and emotional distress that comes with traditional litigation and allows both parties to listen to one another in an effort to resolve problems from their point of view.

Mediation is often a cheaper way to settle disputes and dissolve a marriage than it would be in a traditional divorce. Ultimately, mediation offers couples that are willing to cooperate, and if children are involved, co-parent efficiently, to reach a settlement that both find fair and equitable so that an Illinois court does not have to do it for them.

Contact a Kane County, IL Divorce Attorney

Not all divorces need to be bare-knuckle, drag-it-out, bar room brawls like you see in various TV series and courtroom dramas. Mediation offers a way for both parties to receive some of what they want, so long as they are willing to cooperate and compromise on certain issues.

Having an experienced Geneva, IL mediation lawyer at your side through it all can help you stay on track and get solid advice on how best to resolve any complications. The office of Serrano Hanson can offer you legal counsel and representation in the face of a divorce, whether mediation is on the table or not. Set up an appointment by calling our firm today at 630-844-8781.