What Clients Say About CEL & Associates
Choosing a divorce or family mediator is a personal decision, especially when you are facing difficult conversations, major life changes, or uncertainty about what comes next. Hearing directly from past clients can help you better understand the experience of working with CEL & Associates.
The testimonials reflect the experiences of individuals and families who have turned to CEL & Associates for help with divorce mediation, parenting matters, family conflict, and other important transitions. Their feedback offers insight into the respectful, practical, and client-focused approach that guides every mediation.
BETH Schnell
4 weeks ago
Brian got me through a very tough and rough point in my life. I was married for a very long time. This was a huge change for me. Brian held my “hand” while being fair and impartial through the entire process. Now here I am almost 5 years later. I still every so often reach out to Brian for advice and with questions. Brian still takes the time to hold my “hand”. For that, I am eternally grateful.
Rehanna Stout
1 year ago
I had a great experience working with Brian. He was professional, supportive, and makes the process feel much more manageable. His guidance was clear and thoughtful, and he helped everything move forward smoothly. Highly recommend.
Rebecca Cynamon-Murphy
1 year ago
Divorce is a tearing attachment wound that does a lot of mental damage so that it’s very hard to access your frontal lobe to accomplish much rational thought. Brian James is a trustworthy person to outsource your rational thinking about how to split your assets, debts, and custody. He was diplomatic, objective, and gave great advice for win-win solutions. He understands complex investment finance and never ever made me feel dumb for asking questions. He was kind and intelligent. Brian made an awful situation easier and i recommend him to anyone.
Mar D
2 years ago
I had a great experience working with Brian as a mediator. He was professional, patient, and understanding. He was able to keep us moving forward as he guided us through a challenging mediation process. I really appreciated his non-nonsense and fair approach. Highly recommended!
Xaviera Lonewolf
2 years ago
Mr. James did an amazing job during our mediation process. He made it super easy and responded in a timely matter. Even when he was out of office, he made sure to answer questions and was super supportive during the entire process. Thank you!
Victoria Pichla Luz
2 years ago
Brian and Ellen are excellent mediators. They do thorough work with the bonus of a caring supportive attitude. As mediators, I believe they support the interests of both parties fairly and equally. Their approach to their work provides peace of mind and fosters confidence and trust. This contributes greatly to making a difficult process easier.
Kathryn Nihill
2 years ago
I really cannot say enough about Brian James. . . He was so knowledgeable and easy to deal with. He was our calm in a storm, was patient and answered all our questions without making us feel inadequate. He was kind and so very helpful.
Nicola Walton
2 years ago
Brian was professional, efficient, and detail oriented. He was excellent to work with and helped to make a difficult process much less stressful.
Dan Elsberg
3 years ago
Brian James at C.E.L. & Associates was incredibly helpful, kind and gracious for us throughout our mediation process. It's a very difficult process for everyone, but Brian made it as easy and painless as possible. He is a true professional, very responsive,
attentive to detail which helps the client properly understand the rules and legalities of the situation. If divorce is the best resort for you and your spouse, I strongly suggest mediation form and cannot endorse Brian and C.E.L. highly enough.
- Dan
attentive to detail which helps the client properly understand the rules and legalities of the situation. If divorce is the best resort for you and your spouse, I strongly suggest mediation form and cannot endorse Brian and C.E.L. highly enough.
- Dan
Adam Levinstein
4 years ago
Great listener, low-conflict and calm discussion.
Paul Bleers
4 years ago
Brian James was a knowledgeable asset as the mediator of my legal separation. He was professional, clear, fair/neutral, patient, and direct (if required). I would recommend using Brian. He made a difficult situation go as smoothly as possible.
Lauren Williams
4 years ago
Brian has been extremely helpful throughout this process. He approached our situation openly, honestly, and with great care. I have gone back to Brian several times over the years with questions, and he has been very responsive and thorough each time. If you are looking for someone to be neutral, guide you through the process, and work with you to determine the best solution for your family, definitely give Brian a call. He used a much more personal and gentle touch than others and it has been very much appreciated.
Your Next Step Starts Here
CEL & Associates helps individuals, couples, and families throughout Chicago, the surrounding suburbs, and Southeastern Wisconsin resolve divorce, parenting, and family-related issues through a practical, respectful mediation process. Our approach is focused on helping you slow down the conflict, understand your options, and work toward clear, balanced agreements built around your family’s needs.
