mediation
Mediation is a settlement process guided by a trained neutral – the mediator
Mediation empowers the parties to control the outcome of their dispute outside of court. The mediator facilitates constructive negotiation.
TAILORED TO YOU
No two mediations are identical. Some clients own businesses and have significant assets. Other clients agree on child custody and want an amicable divorce. We tailor the mediation topics and agenda to each client’s circumstances.
Mediation can have benefits
GREATER CONTROL FOR THE PARTIES
The parties determine the settlement terms, not a judge and not the mediator.
COST SAVINGS
Mediation can resolve disputes much quicker and cheaper than litigating in the court system.
SPEED
Mediation can resolve disputes in a much shorter period of time than the court system. This allows the parties to move forward in their lives without the strain of the dispute.
CONFIDENTIALITY
The court system is generally a very public process. Mediation is confidential, with a couple of very limited exceptions. With the personal nature of divorce and parenting disputes, keeping the matter private can be a valuable benefit for the parties, their children and their loved ones.
REPRESENTATION
Each party may retain his or her own attorney for legal advice.
STRUCTURED
Unlike regular settlement negotiations, mediation brings structure that has been proven to increase the chance of the parties reaching a mutually agreed resolution.
PRESERVATION OF RELATIONSHIP
Unlike litigation, mediation focuses on helping the parties understand and communicate with each other. Mediation is less adversarial and more informal. Mediation may be beneficial for parties, like parents, who need to continue interacting with each other after the dispute is resolved.
VOLUNTARY
Requires that the parties voluntarily disclose necessary information and make a good faith effort to reach agreement.
- Each party should be free of coercion or intimidation.
- Mediation does not make sense for every case. If one or both of the parties has an active addiction, untreated mental illness or there has been domestic violence, litigation may be necessary.
- If the parties are unable to reach a resolution outside of court, the mediator should not represent either party in the subsequent litigation.
Learn more about mediation from the American Bar Association.
Highly-Rated Chicago Divorce Lawyer
If you want the best Chicago divorce lawyer, look no further than The Witt Law Firm, P.C. We strive to provide the best legal services to our clients going through divorce. Our awards include:
- American Institute of Family Law Attorneys – 10 Best Award
- Attorney & Practice Magazine’s Top 10 – Top 10 Family Law Attorney
- American Assoc. of Attorney Advocates – Top 10 Family Law Attorney
- Avvvo – 10.0 out of 10.0 Top Attorney
- Google – 5-Star Rating
- Illinois Bar Association – Appointed to The Family Law Section Council
- Illinois Bar Association – Appointed to The ARDC Committee
FREE Consultation - In Person, Zoom, or phone
Contact Us
To see how we can help you with your Chicago divorce or family law matter.