How Can Divorce Mediation Benefit Children?

 Posted on August 09, 2024 in Divorce

Divorce is often thought of as an ugly process. Anger and hostility often surface in high-conflict divorces, especially if the spouses engage in litigation. Fighting a court battle is costly, time-consuming, and almost certain to increase tension. Unfortunately, that tension often does not limit itself to the spouses and can have a spillover effect on their children.

However, there are steps you can take to ease the discomfort of divorce. One way is to hire an experienced Illinois divorce attorney who can guide you away from the legal pitfalls that many divorcing couples experience. Another popular way is by attending mediation, which can help relieve not only the couple’s mental and emotional strain but also that of their children.

Read on to find out more about mediation and ways it can benefit children.

What Is Mediation?

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution, which means resolving a disagreement outside of court. It is so effective in helping couples reach divorce settlements that courts often order spouses to attend mediation right after they file for divorce.

A mediation session is conducted by a mediator, a neutral party who is trained and certified in negotiation. During the session, the mediator will:

• Discuss the case with both parties and hear their arguments
• Separate the parties into different rooms and speak with each one privately
• Rotate between the parties, trying to bring each one closer to a compromise

If a settlement is reached — and in most cases, it is — the mediator will draft an agreement that becomes legally binding and enforceable once signed by the parties.

How Can Mediation Benefit Children?

Mediation can benefit children of divorcing parents in the following ways:

• In mediation, the parties have more control over the outcome than they do in litigation. This is not only empowering and tension-reducing, but it also means parents can negotiate more tailored solutions when it comes to issues like child custody and child support.
• The mediation process facilitates communication between the parties. Unlike in court, where they do not interact, in mediation the parties sometimes sit across from each other and negotiate, even if through a mediator. Children benefit when parents are able to communicate.
• Mediation often saves parties significant costs and time. This not only helps relieve unnecessary stress but can also mean more money and time to spend on the child.
• Children suffer from the conflict that accompanies divorce, but the nature of mediation is anti-conflict. Unlike litigation, where each party’s aim is total victory, the goal of mediation is to achieve a compromise that works best for everyone, including the children.

Contact a West Chicago, IL Divorce Mediation Lawyer

Another great aspect of mediation is that you can bring an attorney who can protect your interests and give you a legal edge during the negotiations. At Hensley Sendek Law, our experience and intimate knowledge of family law allow us to help our clients achieve the best possible outcome in mediation. Call 630-358-9029 to schedule a free consultation with a Naperville, IL divorce mediation attorney today.