Will County Mediation

Family law cases typically arise due to divorce, legal separation, or annulment. However, family law can also encompass issues related to child custody, visitation, support, and adoption. These situations are complex family law matters that intertwine vast differences in legal opinions, philosophies, and disciplines. There can be misunderstanding, hurt, and anger between family members, making it difficult to resolve these differences. However, despite how challenging these issues might be, not every family wants to see themselves in court. This is where working with a Will County mediation lawyer with alternative dispute resolution experience comes in.

At Vahey & Betouni Law & Mediation, we understand that family law matters are incredibly sensitive. We also know that these cases often involve our clients’ most prized possessions: their children. Our attorneys have the experience and compassion to help families work through these tough times. Our family law representation will ensure you are legally protected while also reaching an agreement that works for everyone involved.

When it comes to resolving family law cases, you have a few different options that are all designed to help you reach a resolution without going to court. These options are:

1. Collaborative law
2. Arbitration
3. Mediation
   • Collaborative law is where all stakeholders agree to work together to settle the case. This process typically involves four-way conferences in which both parties and their attorneys meet to discuss the issues in the case and try to reach an agreement.
   • Arbitration is a process in which both parties and their attorneys present their cases to an arbitrator, who makes a final decision. This decision is binding, meaning that both parties have to follow whatever the arbitrator decides.
   • Mediation is a process in which both parties and their attorneys meet with a mediator to try to reach an agreement. The mediator is an unbiased third-party professional who does not make any decisions about the case but instead helps the parties communicate with each other and try to reach an agreement.

There are many benefits to mediation, including:

• It is typically cheaper and faster than going to court.
• It is confidential, meaning that everything that is said during mediation cannot be used in court.
• It is flexible, meaning that the parties can tailor the agreement to their specific needs and desires.
• It is informal, meaning that the parties do not have to follow the same rules that they would in court.
• It is voluntary, meaning that the parties can choose to end the mediation at any time.

Divorce mediation or other family law mediation offers these benefits and more that can transform an otherwise contentious family law case into an opportunity for the parties to resolve their differences and move on with their lives.

The mediation process was created to be flexible so that it can be tailored to the specific needs of each case. However, there are some general steps that are typically followed during mediation, which are:

• The mediator will meet with both parties to discuss the issues in the case and try to narrow down the areas of disagreement.
• The mediator will meet with both parties separately to discuss the issues in the case and try to understand each party’s perspective.
• The mediator will help the parties communicate with each other and try to reach an agreement.
• If an agreement is reached, the mediator will prepare a written agreement that both parties will sign.
• If an agreement is not reached, the mediator will prepare a report that will be filed with the court.

If you are considering mediation, it is important to consult with an experienced Will County mediation lawyer to discuss your specific case and explore if it can complement your divorce process.

In Will County, as well as the rest of Illinois, family law judges prefer that cases be resolved through mediation rather than going to trial. This is not because it is less work for the judges but because these organic processes tend to be more successful in resolving cases than traditional litigation and can provide a true sense of accomplishment among the disputing parties that have the power to improve the relationship.

However, the judges recognize that some cases simply cannot be resolved through mediation and will therefore need to go to trial. These scenarios include:

• Cases involving domestic violence where safety is at play.
• Cases in which one party is not willing to negotiate in good faith.
• Cases in which the parties are too far apart on the issues to reach an agreement.

No one can be legally forced to participate in mediation or accept any agreement reached through mediation if they do not want to. However, the concept has helped many families in Will County reach an amicable resolution to their case without a lengthy and expensive court battle and could do the same for you.

Mediation can be an effective legal strategy for resolving a family law case, but there are some things that you can do to help ensure that it is successful. These tips include:

• Be open to the process and be willing to compromise.
• Communicate openly and honestly with the mediator and the other party.
• Be respectful of the other party and their perspective.
• Keep an open mind and be willing to consider new solutions.
• Be prepared to discuss the issues in the case and have a clear idea of what you want to achieve.

The process will not be effective if one or both of the parties are not committed to it, so it is important to be prepared mentally and emotionally for mediation before it begins.

If you are considering mediation as an option for resolving your Will County divorce case, contact Vahey & Betouni, Law & Mediation, to discuss your specific case and needs. We have experience handling all types of family law cases and can help you reach a resolution that will provide the level of certainty and finality that you need to move on with your life.