How does mediation work in divorce and family law cases?
In Illinois, a common form of alternative dispute resolution is mediation. There are generally two forms of mediation in Illinois family law cases: independent mediation and court ordered mediation. In independent mediation the participants are not ordered by the court to go to mediation but do so voluntarily. In court ordered mediation, the court will often require mediation to take place before visitation and custody issues can be litigated. Many counties have programs for mediation in cases involving custody or visitation. However, effective July 1, 2006, each judicial circuit is required to establish a program to provide for mediation in such divorce and paternity cases involving the issues of custody or visitation. Mediation is a process whereby a couple going through a dissolution of their marriage meet with an independent mediator who helps them to reach agreements that can be as limited as one issue or as far-reaching as the complete divorce settlement. Usually, people utilizin
