Clearing up Myths Involved in Divorce Mediation in Chicago

Divorce mediation in Chicago is an alternative to litigating issues on which spouses do not agree as part of their divorce.   While divorce mediation in Chicago has been around for decades, some misconceptions have arisen regarding the process and getting a divorce.   Some myths and realities are discussed below.

It is not Possible to Mediate with a Difficult Spouse

If all spouses were able to reach their own agreements regarding divorce, mediation would not be necessary.   While emotions may get in the way during this process, an effective family law mediator can help the couple work through feelings of anger and resentment and make the process rational and factual.   Family law mediators are trained in improving communication so that each spouse feels heard and understood.   Additionally, when the spouses align their interests to have a peaceful and fair end to their marriage, they are often able to resolve their divorce more amicably.

I will have a Better Result with Litigation

While some spouses may wind up ahead with litigation if they can secure a positive outcome or a large spousal support award, many do not.   Many wind up with results that they never intended, such as having less parenting time or having to pay a larger amount of support that they can realistically afford.   Even if a spouse “wins”, he or she may wind up in continuous tension with the spouse, may put their children in the middle and may continue to be embroiled in court battles for years to come.

I do not have to Deal with my Spouse after Divorce

Some spouses have the mistaken belief that they will not have to deal with their spouse again after divorce.   However, the spouses will have to continue to interact with each other to effectively co-parent their minor children.   Even if they do not have minor children, they may still have some future dealings with each other, such as working in a family business or having the same social contacts.   Mediation can help the parties resolve their dispute in a more amicable manner so they can deal effectively with each other in the future.