The divorce rate is higher than it once was, and court dockets around the country reflect this reality. As such, some couples are seeking other methods by which to settle their divorce quickly and amicably, and mediation has emerged as the most common in recent years. While it is not for everyone, there are multiple advantages over going to court that can benefit many couples, and the process is generally worth some consideration.

Clear Advantages

Perhaps the most notable advantage to mediation is the ability to begin relatively quickly. Court appearances can drag on or even take a long time to begin depending how crowded a court’s docket may be. To commence mediation, the only thing required is a mediator, though each side may still wish to retain their own attorneys. Illinois mediators are required to adhere to certain standards and practices, as well as to complete training courses totaling at least 40 hours, but there are enough trained mediators in Illinois that it should not be difficult to find one.