What do you do when you don’t want to fight, but there is no way you and your spouse are going to be able to work out your divorce yourself? Both of you could “lawyer up” and go to court, but you know that will drain your finances, and take time and energy you don’t want to spend on all out warfare. A divorce mediator can be the answer.

In divorce mediation, a mediator helps to facilitate the conversation between you and your spouse. She guides you toward resolving your issues yourself, without being told what to do by a judge.

That’s what I do. I have been a divorce mediator for almost 20 years.

As a divorce mediator, I have helped people engage in productive discussions that help them resolve, rather than escalate, their conflicts. I have helped couples stay out of court, keep their private lives private, and craft creative settlement agreements that work for their families – agreements that they likely never could have made if they fought in court.

It is Always Better to Settle Your Case Yourself.

If you go to court, a judge will decide your case. Or, your lawyer will negotiate a settlement for you. While letting your lawyer do the negotiating might sound easier, that doesn’t mean it’s better. Usually it’s not.

First, you will pay your lawyer thousands (or tens of thousands) of dollars to negotiate for you. While you may, or may not, end up with a better deal, the amount you pay in legal fees can be way more than the “extra” amount you got in a settlement.

Second, just because your lawyer negotiates for you, that doesn’t mean you will like the deal you get. Lawyers often urge clients to settle on the eve of trial. They do that because they can’t guarantee the result you will get at trial.

But, when you settle at the last minute, you feel pressured.  You also often settle on terms you don’t like, simply because you feel you have no choice.

If you mediate your divorce case, you will have a greater voice in crafting a unique agreement tailored to your circumstances.  You also can take the time you need to negotiate your case intelligently.

If you live in Cook County, or Dupage County Illinois, and you need a divorce mediator, CONTACT ME. I can help you resolve your divorce in a sensible and cost-effective way.

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