Divorce Mediation at Fox Valley Institute
What is divorce mediation?
At Fox Valley Institute for Growth and Wellness in Naperville, divorce mediation is led by a licensed mental health professional who helps couples reach fair agreements, with a focus on communication and their children. Our mediator, Cheryl Frommelt, LCPC, LMFT, is Fox Valley Institute’s Clinical Director. She helps both spouses talk through the decisions in front of them in a calm, neutral setting that is often less adversarial than going to court. Mediation is not legal advice, and each of you may still want your own attorney. Text or call (630) 718-0717 to learn more.
In divorce mediation, you and your spouse hire a neutral third party, called a mediator, to meet with you in an effort to discuss and resolve the issues in your divorce in a fair and equitable way.
The benefits of divorce mediation
- Mediation is an excellent alternative to the potentially financially and emotionally draining to the traditional divorce litigation process.
- Mediation is private and confidential with no public record of what occurs in your mediation session
- You can still have a lawyer to give you legal advice if you wish.
- Agreements made in mediation are client driven and created by the couple as opposed to the Litigation process and the courts. The couple creates and decides the terms of their divorce agreement.
- The mediation process can improve communication between you and your spouse, helping you avoid future conflicts.
Get in touch with a mediator
Requesting an appointment for Divorce Mediation is an important first step for you and your spouse in creating the terms of your divorce agreement. Our divorce mediator, Cheryl Frommelt , is trained to guide and support you every step of the way to ensure your fair and equitable agreement will be uncontested.
What to expect from your mediator
Your mediator will be a fair and neutral third-party who is committed to listening carefully to both you and your spouse.
The mediator doesn’t make decisions for you but rather assists you both in working together cooperatively to define issues, negotiate settlements and generate strong and fair agreements based upon your unique and personal circumstances.
The mediator ensures that all the matters of concern for both parties are addressed to achieve a non-contested divorce.
What to expect from the Divorce Mediation process
In Illinois, there are a number of issues the family court requires to be addressed and agreed upon in order to ensure a non-contested divorce.
These issues pertain to:
- Children, including Parental Responsibility and Parenting Time ( formally known as legal and physical custody)
- Division of Assets and liabilities
- Child support
- Spousal support
These issues are covered one at a time in mediation sessions. You will continue to meet with your mediator until you feel that all agreements are fair and equitable. The length of the mediation process is determined by the couple and their unique circumstances.
After a fair and equitable agreement has been made the mediator will provide each spouse a Memorandum of Understanding which then can be taken and filed with the courts along with the other necessary Dissolution of Marriage court filing documents in order to obtain your uncontested divorce.
Are you and your spouse good candidates for Mediation?
- Is the desire for the settlement of the marital /divorce matters high for both of you?
- Are you both willing to attend and participate in sessions?
- Do you both feel free to openly express your needs and concerns, and will respect and listen to the other party’s opinions and interests?
If the answer is yes to above, Mediation may be an excellent alternative for you.
Contact Fox Valley Institute today to learn how our divorce mediation services can help create mutually beneficial solutions.
Find a mediator in Naperville
Visit our staff page and easily find a mediator that aligns with your unique needs and preferences.
What others say about us
Professional Divorce Mediation Services
Our certified mediators in Naperville help couples navigate divorce with dignity and respect. We facilitate fair agreements while saving time and money compared to traditional litigation.
Confidential Mediation Process
Our private mediation approach covers:
- Parental responsibilities
- Asset division
- Child support arrangements
- Spousal support terms
- Non-contested agreements
Why Choose Mediation?
Mediation provides significant benefits:
- Lower costs than litigation
- Faster resolution process
- Confidential proceedings
- Client-driven agreements
- Improved communication
- Reduced conflict
Expert Divorce Mediators
Our Naperville mediators guide you through Illinois family court requirements while maintaining neutrality and fairness throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce Mediation in Naperville
What is divorce mediation?
Divorce mediation is a guided, private process where both spouses work with a neutral mediator to reach their own agreements on parenting, property and other decisions, instead of having a judge decide.
What are the benefits of divorce mediation?
Mediation keeps decisions in your hands, keeps the process private and gives both spouses a calmer setting to communicate. Many couples find it easier to keep their children's needs at the center.
How does divorce mediation work?
You and your spouse meet together with the mediator, who helps you identify the issues, share information and work through options one at a time. The agreements you reach can then be reviewed by your attorneys and filed with the court.
Do I still need a lawyer if I choose mediation?
You may still want a lawyer to give you legal advice and review your agreement before it's filed. The mediator stays neutral and doesn't give legal advice to either spouse.
Who is the mediator?
Divorce mediation at Fox Valley Institute is led by Cheryl Frommelt, LCPC, LMFT, a licensed mental health professional. Her counseling background helps couples communicate through a hard time and keep the focus on their children.
Is mediation confidential?
Yes. Mediation is private, and there's no public record of what's discussed in your sessions.
Does mediation work if we don't get along?
Many couples who disagree strongly still reach agreements in mediation. The mediator keeps conversations structured and fair. If mediation isn't a good fit, for example where there's been abuse, the mediator will talk with you about other options.
How do we get started?
Call or text (630) 718-0717. An intake coordinator will answer your questions and help you schedule a first meeting.
Helpful resources
Get in touch
As experienced, licensed and professional therapists, our goal is to help you resolve your challenges. Our door is always open to help you through any crisis.