Most people are familiar with the term “mediation” but may not know exactly what working with a mediator looks like. In an Illinois divorce case, understanding the mediation process is essential for setting realistic expectations and pursuing successful negotiations over your divorce settlement. If you are considering divorce and want to know more about whether a mediator could help you, read on to learn more about what working with a mediator is like.
What Does a Divorce Mediator Do?
Before a divorce can be finalized, spouses must reach an agreement about property and debt division, spousal support, and, if there are minor children involved, child support and child custody. Naturally, this can be difficult, especially if spouses have a hostile relationship. The purpose of mediation is to allow couples to put aside their personal differences and negotiate their divorce decree fairly.
A divorce mediator does not provide either spouse with legal advice. Instead, he or she will help spouses articulate their priorities and preferences on a given subject while keeping the conversation peaceful and focused on problem-solving. The mediator will help couples identify common ground, identify exactly where their differences lie, and think about possible solutions to those differences. Mediation can move quickly or take several months; it depends on how well spouses can get along and compromise. Many couples can resolve their issues in as few as three or four sessions, while others take much longer.
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