Divorce Mediation Services Now Available at FVI

WHAT IS DIVORCE MEDIATION

Divorce Mediation provides dispute resolution via a neutral third-party mediator. The mediator will help the divorcing couple reach a fair and equitable settlement.

Mediation is…

• Client-driven, not court-driven and will allow both you and your spouse to make your own decisions on what is best for you and your future.
• An amicable negotiation process in which spouses are assisted in their communication styles to reach a resolution.
• A non-adversarial approach to reach financial and custody decisions. Easing the emotional distress frequently associated with divorce.
• Cost effective; the total cost of mediation is significantly less than the cost of litigation with attorneys.
  Private and confidential; your personal details are kept private and confidential, not made public in court.
• Time effective; how long the process will take is completely controlled by you.
  Fair and equitable because the terms are determined and reached by you and your spouse.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR MEDIATOR

A mediator is a neutral professional who will help you and your spouse conduct and negotiate your disputes to resolution in a fair and unbiased manner.

Your Mediator will:

• Listen to the wants, needs, and goals of both spouses.
• Not give advice
• Assist spouses, together in formulating ideas that can lead to long-standing agreements

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR DIVORCE MEDIATION?

Candidates are considered good fits for divorce mediation when both spouses are:

• Willing to actively participate in mediation
• Willing to attend mediation voluntarily
• Capable of making their own decisions

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE PROCESS

Divorce Mediation will allow you and your spouse to reach a resolution on the points required by the court to obtain a divorce. These points include, but are not limited to:

• Custody and Parenting Time
• Equitable Distribution of Property (Assets & Liabilities)
• Child Support
• Spousal Support

You can also expect:

• Weekly, hourly sessions with your mediator.
• A Memorandum of Understanding will be drafted at the end of your process which is required of you to bring to court to obtain a divorce.

Please contact Client Care to schedule your first mediation appointment at (630) 718-0717

Frequently Asked Questions

What is divorce mediation?

Divorce mediation is a process in which a neutral, trained mediator helps divorcing spouses communicate and negotiate their own agreements on issues like finances, property and parenting, outside of a courtroom.

How is mediation different from going to court?

Mediation is client-driven rather than court-driven. Spouses make their own decisions with the mediator's help, instead of having a judge decide, which is often less adversarial.

Is divorce mediation less expensive than litigation?

Generally, yes. Mediation usually costs significantly less than litigating through attorneys, and the couple has more control over how long the process takes.

Does a mediator take sides?

No. A mediator stays neutral, helps both spouses communicate and understand their options, and guides them toward agreements that feel fair to both.

How can I learn more about mediation at Fox Valley Institute?

Call our Client Care team at (630) 718-0717 to ask about current mediation availability and related support, such as co-parenting or divorce counseling, in Naperville and by telehealth.