Alternative Dispute Resolution

Alternative Dispute Resolution in Illinois Divorce

Collaborative Law ● Mediation ● Settlement Conferences ● Negotiation

To arrive at a satisfactory decision in a delicate, difficult family law or divorce matter, both the practical and the emotional aspects of the situation must be considered. A judge in divorce court will rule on the numbers and practical matters. It takes the couple themselves, with the help of skilled attorneys who are great negotiators or mediators, to reach a resolution that acknowledges the emotional and financial needs of everyone involved.

At the Chicago area law office of Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C. clients considering divorce can work with a lawyer who has both training and experience in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods such as negotiation, settlement conferences, mediation, and collaborative law.

The collaborative efforts of ADR have many benefits:

• Cost savings, in comparison with litigating in family court
• Time savings, in most cases
• Creative solutions that a divorce law judge may not have considered
• Control over the most important issues in your life
• Resolution of uncontested divorces quickly

If you would like to know more about how the divorce lawyers at Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C. can help you with mediation, collaborative law, or other alternative dispute resolution services, contact their Oak Brook law office.

Is ADR Right for You?

Mediation and the collaborative law process can be very effective under the right circumstances. Perhaps the most important factor is that both partners be interested in trying to amicably reach a settlement. If your household has significant assets or a family-owned business, financial experts will be available to help with valuation and property division. If children are involved, your attorney will help you access child custody evaluators or other parenting experts to enable you to reach a decision on child custody and visitation.

Alternative Dispute Methods Do not Work for Everyone

There are some situations in which mediation or collaborative law are unlikely to be effective.

• Has there been domestic violence in your marriage?
• Is your former partner intent on taking the case to court and unwilling to work together to reach a resolution?
• Do you believe your former partner is lying about finances or hiding assets?

These and similar problems should signal the need to take your case to court instead of collaboration. Your divorce lawyer at Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C. can advise you on how best to move forward with your divorce case. Contact their Chicago area law office at 630-472-9400 to arrange a free initial consultation.

For more information, please visit our Divorce Information Center.