If you are going through a divorce, it will probably be one of most stressful times in your life. Especially if you have children, the emotional strain that litigation can put on your family can be overwhelming. A good divorce attorney will be sensitive to the hurt and anger you are experiencing and refer you to mediation.
Mediation is a valuable tool used in the divorce process that will work to your advantage by encouraging and promoting cooperation and compromise between you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse. It may seem counterproductive to add another person to the list of people and lawyers already involved in your divorce, but mediation, often, is essential to the divorce process. Below are some reasons why you should take the mediation process seriously.
• You are Required to Attend Mediation. In Rockford, Illinois, mediation is mandatory for divorce cases where there are children involved. According to the local rules, mediation is required for any case filed in Winnebago County. Additionally, divorcing parents will be required to attend a court ordered parent education program prior to or during mediation.1
• You Need to Attend Mediation. It is to your greatest advantage to use mediation services. Communication seems to be one of the most difficult aspects of the divorce process, and if you have children in common with your spouse, you may need to communicate with that person for many years to come. Your relationship with your mediator is invaluable, as their primary goal is to get to know your individual needs and desires, and to facilitate an environment where both you and your spouse can effectively communicate to arrive at a successful compromise. Alternatively, without taking advantage of a mediator, you risk a judge entering an order against your interest that could have been better resolved by mutual agreement of the parties.
• Mediation Saves Money. Yes, you will have to pay a mediator for his services. But compared to the cost of paying your attorney for endless court dates and preparing for hearings, mediation is very inexpensive.
For more information on your options regarding divorce mediation, please feel free to contact the Law Office of Bradley R. Tengler in Rockford, IL at 815-981-4859. Please note, the above does not constitute legal advice. Please discuss your specific rights with an attorney in your own jurisdiction.
1(http://www.illinois17th.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=378&Itemid=125#0211)