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What is Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation is a less stressful, non-litigating process. A Successful divorce mediation is generally much less expensive than a contested divorce. In Illinois the average cost of a litigated divorce is $30,000. A mediated divorce averages under $5,000 dollars. In the mediation process, the parties have the opportunity to resolve issues involving their children, division of their assets and debts, and support without having a judge decide these matters for them. When parties are able to arrive at their own agreement, they are more likely to be satisfied with the arrangement and to abide by it.

The divorce mediation process is one that significantly reduces conflict between the parties so they may be better able to raise their children together and get on with their lives.

What is Post Decree Mediation?

In Lake and McHenry counties it is required that the two parties who are divorced must go to post decree mediation before going to court to resolve an issue. It works in the same way as divorce mediation except the length of time is much shorter 2 hours typically. A memorandum of understanding is written up and given to you, then you go before a judge. This is a cost saving to you as well as freeing up the court for other cases.

  For More Information:
  View the brochure on Divorce Mediation

A Divorce Coach...

• is a skilled professional, trained to manage a wide variety of emotions and issues that arise during divorce.
• helps you make informed decisions about your parenting, lifestyle, family, and social interactions.
• provides a safe environment to explore feelings of anger, guilt, fear, sadness and frustration.
• will help you reconstruct emotional boundaries when dealing with your ex-spouse.
• will help you understand your options of the divorce process.
• will help you to find a balance between divorce and moving on with life.
• will help with parenting plans and custody arrangements.
• will provide guidance and direction to help you find the appropriate resources you need.
• helps you manage your emotions.
• assists you to develop goals, etc.

Divorce Coaching is specific and time limited to what you are experiencing with your divorce.

Divorce is a confusing, stressful and turbulent time that creates uncertainty and fear. Divorce Coaching is an individualized, collaborative process that focuses on:

• Managing emotions
• Developing goals
• Creating an action plan on how to achieve those goals
• Working towards redefining your life
• Divorce coaching will assist and support you through this major life crisis.

Coaching helps with the transition process by providing a soft landing spot to deal with your frustrations, anger, loneliness and sadness.

We will work together to highlight your strengths and determine where your challenges may lie. Divorce coaching also helps you to make the behavioral changes you will need to understand the emotional impact of what has hindered your progress to date.

Divorce coaching IS about YOU, in the present and moving into your future.

Divorce coaching is not legal advice and not therapy. Divorce coaching is not about placing blame, finding fault or dealing with the past.

• Are you thinking about getting a divorce?
• Has your marriage ended but you are not sure what to do next?
• Are you already divorced and wanting to move on with your life, but are not quite sure how to do that?

Through the coaching process we will work together to manage emotions, identify the practical realities of your divorce and address issues related to self-esteem.

The coaching process is an opportunity to work with someone whose only goal is to help you through your divorce. Divorce coaching is an essential component of surviving divorce.

What is the difference between coaching and therapy?

Divorce Coaching is a time specific and goal oriented approach to help clients break down the hurdles that may be in the way of achieving their goals.

Therapy is about exploring the past and more focused on insight oriented work. Therapy is also about diagnosing and treating mental illness.

How does coaching work?

Coaches work one on one with clients once a week or more, depending on your need. We will either meet face to face or have telephone sessions. The average length of a coaching relationship is approximately 6 months.

How do I know if I am ready for coaching?

When you are ready to focus on you and de-focus on the behaviors of your ex-spouse you are ready for coaching. When you realize that you are ready to help yourself but not sure what to do next, you are ready for coaching.