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Offering Trusted Family Law Mediation In Illinois

You may fear that big legal battles are inevitable when family law issues arise. However, there are ways to avoid unnecessary conflict. One route that can have many advantages is mediation. We stand ready to guide you on this path.

At Bruckert, Behme & Long, P.C., we provide comprehensive family law and divorce mediation services in O’Fallon, in New Baden and throughout the Metro East area of Illinois. Our knowledgeable mediation attorneys can leverage over 40 years of combined experience to help you seek effective, practical family law solutions.

What Is Mediation?

One of several alternative dispute resolution methods, mediation aims to solve legal issues by encouraging mutual agreement. It involves the use of a mediator, who is a neutral third party. This resolution method can be chosen voluntarily by the parties, or Illinois courts may sometimes order it in family law disputes.

A Path To Resolving Family Law Issues

Mediation can address a wide range of family law matters, including:

  • Uncontested divorce: Couples may use this method to reach agreements in advance so they can have an uncontested divorce, which can make the divorce process easier and simpler.
  • Contested divorce: When spouses don’t agree, mediation could help with resolving conflicts over property division, spousal maintenance or other key divorce issues.
  • Child custody issues: Mediation can create an amicable parenting relationship when you seek to agree on parenting time/schedules, decision-making authority and parenting plan modifications.
  • Child support issues: This method could reduce financial tensions for concerns such as setting the initial support arrangement or modifications.

Our trusted team helps with all types of family law mediation.

How Does Mediation Work?

The parties select and then meet with a mediator. Generally, each party can have their own legal team with them during the process. The mediator guides discussions between the two parties, striving to help them reach an agreement on the issues in question. The mediator’s role is solely to act as a facilitator, not to take sides or make any binding decisions.

With extensive family law experience and deep knowledge of alternative dispute resolution, our firm’s lawyers are well-equipped to assist you with this process. Attorney Luke A. Behme is a court-approved mediator in the 20th, 24th and 4th Judicial Circuits in Illinois. Whether you need a mediator or representation during the process, we are here for you.

What Happens After The Process?

It depends on whether the parties reached an agreement. If they did not, they will then need to resolve the issue through litigation or other alternative dispute resolution efforts. If an agreement was reached, the parties can then take steps to formalize the agreement in writing and have it reviewed and approved by a judge. Whichever route your case goes, our firm can help you navigate post-mediation issues.

What Are The Benefits Of Mediation?

This method offers many advantages over litigation. It has the potential to be:

  • Less contentious: It promotes cooperation rather than conflict.
  • Less expensive: It is often more cost-effective than going to court.
  • Less stressful: Keeping things in a more informal setting can reduce anxiety.
  • Faster: It helps avoid lengthy legal battles, and you don’t have to work around the court’s limited schedule.
  • More private: The process is confidential, and the discussions are generally not admissible in court.
  • More flexible: It gives parties more direct control over the outcome, allowing them to tailor solutions to their family’s unique needs.

Our firm’s services aim to help you realize these benefits in your family law concern. We understand the nuances of this dispute resolution methods and what it takes to unlock its full potential.

Get In Touch Now To Learn More

Looking for a more peaceful path to addressing your family law needs? Mediation may be the answer. Reach out to our mediation lawyers today to learn more about this method, if it’s a good fit for your situation and how our team can help you pursue it. You can get is touch with us by completing our contact form or calling us at 618-589-1152.