Lake County Divorce Mediation – A Smart Divorce Option for Today’s Couples
In contrast to traditional divorce proceedings, mediation sessions are aimed at cooperation rather than differentiation; that is, instead of treating husband and wife as adversaries, Lake County divorce mediation professionals recognize conflicting interests but emphasizes common goals. With the help of a neutral, third-party mediator from a Lake County Illinois based divorce mediation firm, a divorcing couple is encouraged to negotiate problems and resolve issues with each other, instead of in court.
Divorce provokes insecurity, anxiousness and aggressive behavior in children. Moreover, children of divorced parents suffer from low self-esteem, depression, and emotional pain. Divorce can also affect the academic life and social skills of children. Child custody is another part of divorce that negatively affects children.
Due to these effects, parents should make sure that they choose divorce mediation. The process usually involves the discussion of child custody, support, division of the couple’s joint properties, alimony, and visitation.
How Lake County Divorce Mediation Works
It may be informal compared to litigation, but nevertheless, a divorce mediation is a legal process and should be taken seriously. The mediator based in Lake County Illinois will serve as a neutral party. Therefore, you and your spouse can seek independent representation from a divorce attorney. You can look for advice on divorce or seek the presence of a licensed divorce attorney during the actual mediation process.
After a successful divorce mediation, the divorce attorneys for both parties review all documents and advise their client accordingly before they sign the documents relating to the agreements reached during mediation. Once all paperwork has been signed; a court date is scheduled for the final divorce hearing.
Benefits of Divorce Mediation for Lake County Residents Seeking Divorce
Compared to the traditional divorce process that can take years, divorce mediation usually takes 4 to 8 sessions over the course of 4 to 6 months to complete the divorce agreement. However, the time needed for the separation agreement will depend on the availability of the parties involved to communicate and the complexity of the case.
Since the process gives the couple the chance to resolve any conflict they have, children are more likely to accept the process and possible changes in their lives in a calmer way. Knowing that their parents have separated in good speaking terms will also help children maintain a good relationship with both of their parents.
It takes cheaper than traditional divorce litigation process: Depending on the complexity of the case, traditional divorce can take years before it can be finalized. It usually costs 15,000 to 150,000 dollars for each party involved whereas divorce mediation only costs 1,500 to 7,000 dollars for both couples.
It ensures confidentiality and privacy. Divorce mediation enables the couples to discuss and solve their conflicts in private as they are not required to go to a courthouse.
The outcomes in divorce mediation are more predictable than in litigation. You know what you’re agreeing to, on every point, with every Memorandum of Understanding that’s drawn up. Throughout the entire process of divorce mediation, your thoughts, views, and opinions are heard and considered. That’s not possible with divorce litigation when you’re given limited time to testify.
Divorce mediation protects your privacy, whereas, in litigated divorce cases, there’s no confidentiality. All court files with details of your marriage, children’s lives and personal information becomes public records.
Finding Lake County Divorce Mediation Representation
Finding a divorce mediator from a Lake County Illinois based divorce mediation firm is the first step. You should start by asking the foundational questions such as: How long has this person been practicing divorce mediation? How many cases have they successfully mediated? Do they have references? What are their fees?
A good mediator will be able to answer those questions respectably. They will have been in the business long enough to develop a deep client base and be known throughout the divorce community as fair, genuine, understanding and successful divorce mediator. A good Lake County divorce mediation provider should insist upon respectful, non-threatening communication and the entire divorce process turns out to be tolerant, enlightened, and downright refined as contrasted with traditional lawsuits.