Mediation
Mediation for domestic relations cases in Cook County, Illinois is governed by Cook County Circuit Court Rule 13.4(e). Mediation is a non-binding confidential process by which a neutral third person assists the parties in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement. The role of the mediator is to assist in identifying the issues, reducing misunderstandings, exploring and clarifying the parties’ respective interests and priorities, and identifying and exploring possible solutions that will satisfy the interests of all parties and thereby facilitate resolution of some or all of the issues in dispute.
Mediation is required pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule for parents who are in conflict over allocation of parental responsibilities, relocation, and other non-child support issues related to their children. In Cook County, the parents will be referred to Family Mediation Services for mediation unless they mutually agree to a private mediator.
Mediation for non-child related issues may be ordered by the Court. Examples of non-child related issues that may be subject to mediation include but are not limited to disputes over debts, assets, and money. If the parties cannot agree to the selection of a mediator for non-child related issues, the Court will choose a mediator from the list of court-certified mediators. Parties that earn less than $75,000 may qualify for free mediation for non- child related issues through the Center for Conflict Resolution. For more information about the Center for Conflict Resolution, please click here.