DuPage County, IL Mediation Services

DuPage County Divorce and Family Mediation

A way to work through family decisions →

Divorce and family conflict can involve legal questions, financial decisions, parenting concerns, and major changes to everyday life. Mediation gives people a structured setting to address those issues together, with help from a neutral professional who keeps the discussion organized and focused on workable decisions.

CEL & Associates provides private divorce and family mediation for individuals, couples, parents, and families throughout DuPage County, including Wheaton, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Oak Brook, Lisle, Carol Stream, Addison, West Chicago, Woodridge, and surrounding communities.

Mediation may begin before a court case is filed, while a case is pending, or after a divorce judgment or parenting order has been entered. Virtual mediation is available, with in-person meetings arranged when appropriate.

Explore an Affordable Mediation Option in DuPage County

The following focused page addresses a distinct concern for people who want to better understand and manage the expense of the divorce process.

Affordable Divorce Mediation

Learn how a well-organized mediation process may reduce unnecessary conflict, limit duplicated professional work and help participants use their time more efficiently.

Mediation Services for Different Stages of Family Life

Some families are preparing for divorce. Others need to revise an existing arrangement, improve communication while remaining married, or resolve a conflict involving parents, adult children, siblings, or other relatives. CEL offers several forms of mediation based on the people involved and the decisions that need attention.

Prenuptial Agreement Mediation

Discuss financial expectations, property, debt, support, and other terms before marriage in a neutral setting that encourages informed decision-making.

Pre-Decree Divorce Mediation

Work through divorce-related issues before a judgment is entered, including parenting, support, property, debt, maintenance, and other settlement terms.

Post-Decree Divorce Mediation

Address disagreements or changing circumstances after divorce, such as parenting schedules, decision-making, support, expenses, and the implementation of existing terms.

Child Support Mediation

Review guideline support, income information, shared child-related expenses, extracurricular activities, healthcare, education, and other financial responsibilities.

Co-Mediation Services

Work with Brian James and Ellen Feldman together when two neutral mediators may help participants manage especially complex, sensitive, or high-conflict discussions. CEL does not charge an additional mediation fee for co-mediation.

Family Conflict Mediation

Create a structured conversation for conflicts involving adult family members, elder care, inheritance or probate concerns, shared property, or a family business.

Marital Mediation

Address recurring disagreements about money, responsibilities, communication, parenting, or other concerns when spouses intend to remain married or have not decided whether to separate.

Parenting Plan Mediation

Develop or revise practical arrangements for parenting time, holidays, transportation, communication, school decisions, activities, and other parenting responsibilities.

Private Mediation and the DuPage County Court System

Divorce, parentage, child support, parenting time, allocation of parental responsibilities, maintenance, property division, and related family cases in DuPage County are handled through the Domestic Relations Division of the 18th Judicial Circuit Court. The DuPage County Courthouse and Domestic Relations courtrooms are located in Wheaton.

DuPage County also operates a Family Center that provides court-connected services for families with children, including mediation, parent education, supervised parenting time, and neutral exchange. Family Center mediation is available through a current DuPage County court order and focuses on parenting plans and child-related decisions.

Private mediation through CEL is separate from the DuPage County Family Center. Participants may contact CEL voluntarily before filing a case, during pending litigation, or after a judgment or parenting order. Private mediation may address parenting matters as well as financial and property issues that fall outside the scope of the county program.

For current procedural information, court locations, forms, and program requirements, participants can review the 18th Judicial Circuit Court and the DuPage County Family Center. Court procedures can change, so questions about filing or legal rights should be directed to the court or an independent attorney.

What the mediation process can clarify →

Two adults walking near a courthouse while discussing private mediation

Neutral, Practical Support Since 2005

CEL & Associates has helped individuals, couples, parents, and families work through conflict since 2005. The approach is neutral, organized, and focused on helping participants make informed decisions rather than pushing them toward a predetermined result.

Family disputes often combine emotional strain with financial, legal, and logistical concerns. CEL’s mediators help separate those issues, reduce unproductive exchanges, and keep attention on the decisions participants need to make. When children are involved, the process can also help parents focus on workable arrangements that support consistency and reduce future conflict.

Contact CEL to Discuss Your Next Step →

Questions DuPage County Families Often Ask About Mediation

The answers below address common practical questions about using private mediation in DuPage County. They are general information and are not a substitute for advice from an independent attorney.

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Do we have to file for divorce in DuPage County before contacting CEL?

No. Participants may begin private mediation before either person files a case. Mediation can also take place while a DuPage County case is pending or after a judgment has been entered. Starting before filing may give participants an opportunity to identify issues and develop proposed terms before more formal court activity begins.

No. The DuPage County Family Center provides court-connected mediation for parents and guardians who have a current court order for its services. CEL provides private mediation that participants arrange independently. Private mediation can address parenting issues as well as divorce finances, property, support, and other family concerns.

Yes. Participants can use mediation to work through property, debt, support, or other financial questions while independent attorneys advise them and handle legal filings. The mediator remains neutral and does not replace either participant’s attorney.

Participants do not need to live in the same county or state to use CEL’s private mediation services. Virtual sessions can make it easier to participate from different locations. Any questions about where a legal case should be filed should be discussed with an independent attorney or the appropriate court clerk.

Parents may use private mediation to discuss changes to parenting time, transportation, holidays, decision-making, communication, or other parts of an existing arrangement. If the agreement modifies a court order, each parent should obtain independent legal guidance about documentation and court approval.

Yes. Unmarried parents may use mediation to develop or revise arrangements involving parenting time, decision-making, child support, shared expenses, and communication. The process can be used whether or not a parentage case has already been filed.

Not necessarily. CEL offers virtual mediation, and the mediator can discuss an appropriate meeting structure based on the circumstances. In-person meetings may be arranged when suitable. Participants should raise any safety, intimidation, or communication concerns before mediation begins so the process can be evaluated carefully.