Pursuant to Cook County Circuit Court Rule 13.4(e)(4) “Mediation” means a non-binding confidential process by which a neutral third party, selected by the parties to the case or selected by or with the assistance of the court, assists the parties in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.

Secondly, What is divorce mediation? Mediation assists both parties in working out arrangements for themselves and their children instead of handing over control of their affairs to a court. The process reduces conflict by helping couples consider the issues that need to be settled and the various options for settlement that may be available to them.

Is mediation mandatory in Illinois?

Mediation is private and confidential. Mediators do not provide legal advice. Furthermore, it is voluntary and, if you choose not to abide by the results, you are not obligated to do so.

Similarly, Do I have to do mediation before court? Yes, attending mediation (a MIAM, or Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) is a required step before going to court in most cases.

Do I have to pay for mediation?

An accredited family mediator will need to assess you for legal aid, and if you are eligible then your mediation will be free and the other party will have their initial meeting and the first joint mediation session for free as well.

What should you not say during mediation? Don’t rule out all opening statements because you have had bad experiences with them before. Think about whether there is anything either side could say that would be productive. Avoid saying alienating things, and say difficult things in the least alienating way possible.

What should I ask for in divorce mediation? 7 Questions to Ask a Divorce Mediator

  • How would you describe your mediation style?
  • Can I meet with you privately?
  • Can my attorney come to our meetings?
  • What happens if my spouse is disrespectful?
  • What happens if my spouse is dishonest?
  • How long will it take to complete mediation?
  • How much will mediation cost?

What are the 5 steps of mediation? There are essentially 5 steps to a successful mediation. They are comprised of the introduction; statement of the problem; information gathering; identification of the problems; bargaining; and finally, settlement.

Is mediation required before divorce?

You don’t have to go to mediation, but if you end up having to go to court to sort out your differences, you normally need to prove you’ve been to a mediation information and assessment meeting (MIAM). This is an introductory meeting to explain what mediation is and how it might help you.

What happens in child mediation? During mediation, an independent trained mediator helps you and your co-parent to work out an agreement about: New or revised arrangements for children; Child Maintenance payments and finances; Temporary arrangements that can be looked at again when circumstances change.

How do I become a mediator in Illinois?

Mediators shall hold either a bachelor’s degree; a J.D. degree; a master’s degree; or equivalent training or experience in mental health or related disciplines. Mediators shall be members in good standing in the professional organizations of their disciplines.

Can I skip mediation and go straight to court? While you may wish to go straight to Court, in most cases you will need to attend a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM) to determine whether Family Mediation could be an alternative to the Court process.

What happens if you say no to mediation?

The mediator will usually want to see each of you on your own before any joint mediation sessions can take place. If you don’t respond or decline mediation without a good reason, you will usually have to explain why you declined mediation to the judge, if your case subsequently goes to court.

What happens if my husband refuses to go to mediation?

The mediator will usually want to see each of you on your own before any joint mediation sessions can take place. If you don’t respond or decline mediation without a good reason, you will usually have to explain why you declined mediation to the judge, if your case subsequently goes to court.

How many mediation sessions will I need? It usually takes between three and five meetings to come to agreement, depending on what you need to sort out. The mediator will usually see you and your ex partner together, although you should be offered the choice to see the mediator separately if you need to.

What questions do mediators ask? Some of the questions that a mediator ought to ask counsel for the parties during the mediation include the following. What are your/your client’s goals for this mediation? What would help you achieve your goals? What are the obstacles to resolving the dispute?

How do narcissists mediate?

How to Reach a Custody Agreement with a Narcissist

  1. Contact a good lawyer familiar with narcissistic behavior.
  2. Limit contact with your ex as much as possible, ideally only communicating during the mediation process. …
  3. Avoid playing the game, if at all possible.
  4. Remain as calm as you can. …
  5. Document everything.

How do you win at mediation? Mediation: Ten Rules for Success

  1. Rule 1: The decision makers must participate. …
  2. Rule 2: The important documents must be physically present. …
  3. Rule 3: Be right, but only to a point. …
  4. Rule 4: Build a deal. …
  5. Rule 5: Treat the other party with respect. …
  6. Rule 6: Be persuasive. …
  7. Rule 7: Focus on interests.

What will I be asked in mediation?

23 Questions to ask when preparing for mediation

  • What do you want to achieve? …
  • What do you think the other person wants to achieve? …
  • What do you think would make a realistic solution?
  • What can you do to help the other person achieve what they want, and help them to help you to achieve what you want?

Do both parties have to pay for mediation? No – mediation is a voluntary process and both parties have to agree to attend.


Don’t forget to share this post !