In Chicago, once a couple has finalized their divorce, the details of the case are memorialized in a divorce decree. The divorce decree lays out the division of property, custody and visitation issues, and any other factors that were disputed during the divorce proceeding. When a Chicago couple uses pre-decree divorce mediation, the goal is
When a divorce case goes to trial, the parties are essentially at the mercy of the family court judge assigned to their case. The outcome of a case can vary drastically depending on the judge—some are more conservative than others, some are stricter than others, and some have more experience in certain cases than others
Attending mediation is one of the best decisions the parties can make during their divorce. During mediation, a third party neutral, called a mediator, helps the parties create their own settlement agreement on issues involving their children, their property, and even some future issues that may arise, such as the relocation of a parent. Mediation
After a divorce trial, the parties are often exhausted, emotional, and financially drained. They have likely spent hours preparing for trial with their attorneys, have endured intense cross-examination on the witness stand, and have nervously awaited the judge’s decision. Additionally, they may have spent several thousand dollars or more in legal fees. Many parties have
Unfortunately, domestic violence is a growing problem in the country. It is common in various cultures and impacts both wealthy and poor families. Often, outsiders have no idea that their friends and loved ones are suffering abuse. One disturbing statistic reports that three women are murdered in the United States every single day by a
One of the most painful parts of a divorce is losing time with one’s children. Until the divorce, the family has spent most of their ti me in one home, and the thought of not being with your children for all of the holidays has probably not even come up. However, after a divorce, the
Many parents are unaware of the damage a divorce can cause for their children, even if the divorce is not especially hostile. Children are very sensitive to the feelings of their parents, so it is important that they are protected during this difficult time. You and your spouse must communicate directly. You must never communicate
The purpose of divorce mediation is to reach a settlement. The parties are encouraged to collaborate and create an agreement that is tailored to their specific needs. A divorce settlement may affect your life for many years, especially if you have children together. Therefore, it is important not to think only about current issues, but
Divorces are a painful experience, even for those couples that remain friends. To increase the odds of an amicable split, many couples have turned to divorce mediation to resolve their issues and settle their case. Parties often leave mediation with a stronger ability to communicate than if they -allowed their case go to trial. Mediation
During a divorce, the silent victims are the children. Even when the split is amicable, children still suffer anxiety and sadness as their lives change. In especially contested cases, the divorce may leave scars on children that linger well into adulthood and shape the way they view relationships. When custody or visitation is contested, the
