MEDIATION
At GQ Law, we believe that mediation is a powerful and effective alternative to traditional litigation, providing a constructive pathway for resolving disputes. Our approach to mediation is rooted in fostering open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect, ensuring that all parties involved have a voice in finding a resolution. We guide individuals through the process with professionalism and empathy, working diligently to reach fair and equitable solutions that meet the needs of everyone involved.
Our process at GQ Law emphasizes confidentiality, cost-effectiveness, and time efficiency, allowing clients to avoid the stress and expense of prolonged courtroom battles. Whether dealing with family law matters, business disputes, or other civil conflicts, we strive to facilitate outcomes that promote healing, clarity, and long-term success for all parties.
WHAT IS MEDIATION?
Mediation is a confidential process in which a neutral third party assists the parties in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediators do not advise, take sides, or render a judgment. The mediator can meet, or caucus, with parties and counsel them individually regarding underlying issues and concerns. The mediator’s goal is to open communication between the parties so that they discuss options and alternatives that would result in a mutually beneficial agreement.
“The thing that impressed me about Jennifer is that she took a potentially intimidating situation and made it simple. She provided me with an easy to follow list, making the process easy.”
~Lynn
HOW IS MEDIATION UTILIZED IN FAMILY LAW?
All of the circuit courts in Illinois have mandatory mediation programs for cases involving the allocation of parental responsibilities or parenting time issues (formally custody and visitation).
Parties may initiate mediation at any stage of their case, even before filing for divorce. Mediation helps parties discuss initial parenting agreements, changes to parenting agreements, as well as issues of child support and other divorce-related financial issues. The topics addressed in mediation can include communication, parenting time schedules, child support, education decisions and expenses, healthcare decisions and expenses, religious affiliation, and extracurricular activities. The mediator assists in creating a parenting plan that is agreeable for the parties
“She was kind, courteous, knew what she was doing, and was very timely.”
~Frank
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEDIATION?
Unlike a judge or an arbitrator whose decisions cause one party to win and the other party to lose, mediation is about finding a solution that works for both parties. A mediated settlement can save parties significant time, legal fees, and effort. Mediation is a private and confidential process. Even if there is no agreement at the end of a mediation, there is no negative effect on the court case.
Jennifer has completed the Northwestern University Mediation Skills program and is able to assist parties who mutually choose her as a mediator to work through their family law issues. Additionally, Jennifer can represent clients through the mediation process, so they have legal counsel throughout the process. This is called “attorney-assisted mediation”.