Considering mediation or collaborative law can be a way to resolve your family law dispute without going to court. Both mediation and collaborative law are alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes that can help you reach a mutually agreeable outcome. However, there are some key differences between the two processes.
When considering either mediation or collaborative law in Illinois, it is important to speak to an attorney. They can provide more information about the process and to see if it is the right decision for you.
A Basic Overview
In mediation, a neutral third party called a mediator helps you and your spouse communicate and negotiate a settlement. The mediator does not make any decisions for you, but they can help you to understand each other's needs and interests. The process usually lasts no more than one or two meetings but they can take anywhere from four to eight hours to complete.
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