Mediation Services

Not every divorce or custody case involves a challenging and emotional battle in court. In fact, avoiding litigation can save you time, money, and stress, and one method of resolving cases out-of-court is mediation.

Mediation is a process in which a neutral mediator encourages conversation and compromise between the parties of a case. If you reach a mediation agreement, you can avoid going to trial. You still want an experienced family lawyer representing you during this process, and you should look no further than Hammer Serna & Quinn, LLC.

Experienced Mediators at HSQ Law

At Hammer Serna & Quinn, LLC, we know the importance of mediation in many family law matters. Therefore, the firm is proud to have two certified mediators as part of our experienced legal team.

Founding partner Vanessa Hammer is a certified mediator who encourages alternative dispute resolution to resolve family disputes whenever possible. She has extensive experience assisting clients through both mediation and the collaborative law process when it is appropriate.

HSQ is also pleased to share that our attorney of counsel, Brendan Hammer, is on the approved Mediator list for the Domestic Relations Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. A Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Law and Member of the Academy of Professional Family Mediators, Brendan was certified in Divorce Mediation in 2013 through Northwestern University. Brendan provides neutral services via mediation, arbitration, and hybrid processes to disputants in matrimonial and family law matters in Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties.

Never hesitate to reach out to HSQ Law directly to discuss our mediation services and how we might assist you in your divorce or custody matter.

Is Mediation Right for Your Divorce Case?

As mentioned, mediation can be a beneficial approach for couples going through a divorce in Illinois. Whether or not mediation is right for your divorce case depends on several factors.

First, mediation requires a willingness to compromise and communicate effectively. If both parties are open to negotiation and committed to finding mutually acceptable solutions, mediation can be an effective tool. It allows you to maintain control over the outcome of your divorce and work together to create a customized agreement that addresses your unique goals and circumstances.

Mediation can also be particularly useful when there are children involved. It allows parents to prioritize the best interests of their children and develop a parenting plan that promotes their well-being. Mediation encourages cooperative co-parenting and can help establish a foundation for healthy communication and collaboration in the future.

Furthermore, mediation is generally a faster and less expensive process than litigation. It eliminates the need for lengthy court battles and reduces legal fees. This can be particularly advantageous for couples with limited financial resources or those seeking a timely resolution to their divorce.

However, mediation may not be suitable in cases where there is a significant power imbalance, a history of domestic violence, or a complete breakdown of communication between the parties. In such situations, pursuing traditional litigation may be more appropriate, and your attorney can advise when this is the case.

Learn More About Mediation Services from Our Illinois Family Law Firm

Ultimately, the decision to pursue mediation in an Illinois divorce case depends on the specific circumstances and the willingness of both parties to engage in a cooperative and constructive process. Consulting with an experienced family law attorney at Hammer Serna & Quinn, LLC can provide valuable guidance on whether mediation is the right path for your situation.