Divorce and Parenting Mediation Services

DuPage County Divorce Mediation and Family Law Mediation offer an alternative dispute resolution method, helping parties reach mutually acceptable agreements without court litigation. Conducted in a confidential, supportive, and non-adversarial setting, our mediator, Erin Birt, assists clients in Cook, DuPage, Kane, and Will Counties both in-person and online, as well as serving clients outside of Chicagoland online.

Curious about your compatibility with Birt Family Law? Discover if your goals align with our services by clicking the "Get Started" button below.: 

Family Mediation Quick Links:

• Introduction to Mediation
• Our Approach to Mediation
• Services Offered via Mediation
• FAQ's for Mediation
• Fee Packages for Mediation
• How to Get Started

Introduction to Mediation

Welcome to our Divorce Mediation services, proudly serving DuPage County, Chicagoland, and clients nationwide. Led by Erin Birt, our team specializes in Restorative Divorce, a transformative approach committed to keeping families out of court and fostering positive resolutions.

Erin Birt brings a wealth of experience as both a skilled family law mediator and a seasoned Illinois divorce lawyer. With a keen understanding of the intricate legal landscape governing divorces and family law agreements, Erin ensures that every mediated solution is not only legally sound but also tailored to meet the unique needs of each family.

What sets us apart is our proactive approach to presenting options that have a proven track record of success in divorce courts. We empower our clients by providing a range of solutions endorsed by the legal system, facilitating informed decision-making and swift progress towards resolution.

While post-mediation legal counsel is not obligatory, it is strongly encouraged. We advocate for the importance of having any mediated agreement thoroughly reviewed by an attorney to safeguard your legal rights and interests. This additional step offers assurance and clarity, ensuring that the finalized agreement is fair, equitable, and legally sound.

In our commitment to excellence, we provide comprehensive support throughout the mediation process. From clear communication in our service contracts and status updates to facilitating additional mediation sessions if significant changes are proposed during legal review, we prioritize transparency and collaboration every step of the way.

During mediation, our mediator may gently challenge provisions or information, fostering constructive dialogue and leading to stronger, more robust agreements. These challenges, though initially daunting, often result in deeper understanding, growth, and resolutions that better serve the needs of all involved.

Experience the difference with Erin Birt and our dedicated team, where expertise, compassion, and personalized attention converge to create meaningful, lasting solutions for your family's future.

Our Approach to Family Mediation

At Birt Family Law, we're committed to transparency and clarity every step of the way. Our approach is designed to empower you with the knowledge and support you need to navigate the divorce process with confidence. From the initial consultation to the final resolution, we provide a clear pathway forward, ensuring that you understand your options and feel informed and empowered to make decisions that are right for your family.

Central to our commitment to transparency is our unique 3-month/90-day flat fee package, which can be renewed as needed. This package offers predictability and peace of mind, allowing you to focus on the important work of moving forward with your life.

In addition to our flat fee package, we provide a comprehensive roadmap for your journey through divorce or co-parenting. This includes a workbook, journal, and agendas for each session, ensuring that you know what to expect and are fully prepared for every step of the mediation and court process.

Our Restorative Divorce services, including mediation and co-parenting support, are guided by this transparent approach. Led by our experienced Family Mediator, Erin Birt, our sessions are structured to provide clarity and direction, helping you navigate the complexities of divorce with confidence and ease.

Whether you're located locally in DuPage County or joining us from across the nation via Zoom, you can trust that our transparent approach and comprehensive resources will support you every step of the way. Experience the difference with Birt Family Law – where transparency, support, and positive outcomes go hand in hand.

Our Services for Family Mediation in DuPage County (and beyond)

At Birt Family Law, our mission is to provide you with the support and guidance you need to navigate challenging transitions with confidence and peace of mind. With over two decades of experience as a DuPage County Divorce Mediator, Erin Birt and our dedicated team are committed to delivering compassionate, solution-oriented services tailored to your unique needs.

We understand that facing divorce or family law issues can be overwhelming, which is why we offer comprehensive services designed to address a wide range of complex matters. From pre-marriage planning to post-divorce issues, we're here to guide you every step of the way.

Our services include:

• Pre-Marriage Planning: Helping couples lay the groundwork for a strong, resilient future through thoughtful planning and agreements.
• Prenuptial Agreements: Crafting legally binding agreements that protect your assets and clarify financial responsibilities.
• Postnuptial Agreements: Establishing agreements after marriage to address financial and property matters with clarity and fairness.
• Reconciliation Planning: Supporting couples in exploring options for reconciliation and navigating the path forward with confidence.
• Same-Sex Couple Separation: Providing compassionate support and guidance for same-sex couples navigating separation or divorce.
• Cohabiting Couple Separation: Assisting unmarried couples in resolving issues related to separation and property division with fairness and respect.
• Unmarried Parents Separation: Guiding unmarried parents through the complexities of separation and establishing parenting agreements that prioritize the well-being of their children.
• Divorce and Legal Separation: Advocating for your rights and interests throughout the divorce process with compassion and expertise.
• Property and Debt Division: Equitably dividing assets and debts accumulated during the marriage to ensure a fair outcome for both parties.
• Maintenance or Alimony: Negotiating fair and sustainable spousal support arrangements that meet your financial needs.
• Parental Responsibilities: Creating comprehensive parenting plans that promote stability and well-being for your children.
• Custody and Visitation (Parenting Time): Crafting parenting schedules that prioritize the best interests of your children and support meaningful relationships.
• Child Support Issues: Advocating for fair and appropriate child support arrangements that meet the needs of your children.
• Stepparent Visitation or Access to Child: Protecting the rights of stepparents to maintain meaningful relationships with their stepchildren.
• Grandparent Visitation or Access to Child: Advocating for grandparents' rights to maintain relationships with their grandchildren.
• Removal of Child/ren from Illinois: Providing guidance and advocacy in cases involving parental relocation while prioritizing the best interests of the child.
• Post-Divorce Issues: Addressing post-divorce matters, such as modifications to parenting agreements or financial obligations, with diligence and expertise.
• Annual Review of Parenting Agreements: Supporting you in evaluating and updating parenting agreements to accommodate changing circumstances and promote ongoing stability.

At Birt Family Law, we believe in transparency and predictability. That's why all our services are offered on a flat-fee basis, allowing you to predict and budget for your mediation & legal expenses with confidence. With our clear fee structure and compassionate approach, you can trust that you're in good hands every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Mediation

1. What are the benefits of family mediation?

Choosing Birt Family Law Mediation offers numerous advantages:

• Direct Communication: Mediation provides a platform for open and direct communication between parties, fostering understanding and cooperation.

• Control Over the Process: Unlike traditional litigation, mediation empowers the parties to control the decision-making process, ensuring that agreements are tailored to their unique needs and circumstances.

• Individualized Agreements: Mediation agreements are crafted by the individuals involved, rather than imposed by third parties such as judges or arbitrators. This results in agreements that are more likely to be fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial.

• Increased Compliance: Parties are more inclined to adhere to agreements that they have actively participated in creating, leading to greater compliance and cooperation in the long term.

• Efficiency: Mediation helps streamline the resolution process by narrowing down key issues, even if a final agreement is not reached. This can significantly reduce the time and resources spent on court proceedings.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Mediation offers a cost-efficient alternative to traditional legal services, providing resolution options at a fraction of the cost. With transparent flat-fee packages, you can predict and budget for your expenses with confidence.

By choosing mediation, you not only gain greater control and flexibility over the outcome but also save time and money while fostering positive communication and cooperation between parties. Experience the benefits of mediation with Birt Family Law – where your peace of mind and satisfaction are our top priorities.

2. Can our Mediator Represent Us in Court to Finish Our Legal Process?

While our mediator does not provide legal representation or file legal documents, they play a crucial role in facilitating constructive dialogue and guiding parties towards mutually beneficial agreements. At Birt Family Law, our priority is to empower you to navigate the divorce process with confidence and clarity.

During mediation sessions, our mediator works closely with you to help you reach agreements on key issues, such as property division, child custody, and support arrangements. By fostering open communication and cooperation, we strive to achieve outcomes that meet the needs and interests of all parties involved.

After successful mediation, we offer an additional education session to prepare and empower you to file and obtain court approval of your mediated agreement. This session equips you with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the legal process effectively, ensuring that your agreement is properly executed and enforceable.

While our mediator does not provide legal representation in court, we can refer you to a mediation-friendly closing attorney experienced in working with our firm. This attorney can assist you in finalizing your mediated agreement and navigating any remaining legal procedures with confidence and peace of mind.

At Birt Family Law, we are committed to providing comprehensive support and guidance at every stage of the divorce process. From mediation to post-mediation education and beyond, we're here to help you achieve positive outcomes and move forward with confidence.

3. What are the Costs for Mediation?

At Birt Family Law, we understand the importance of transparency and predictability when it comes to legal expenses. That's why we offer flexible pricing options designed to accommodate your needs and budget.

Our mediation services are available at:

• Hourly Rates: Ideal for clients seeking ongoing support or specific services on an as-needed basis.

• Flat Fee Rates: Our flat fee packages provide a clear and predictable cost for the entire mediation process, allowing you to budget with confidence and avoid any surprises along the way.

Additionally, we offer expedited rates for clients who require urgent or accelerated mediation services.

During a complimentary 15 minute introductory telephone call or a joint orientation meeting, we'll discuss your unique circumstances and goals to determine the pricing option that best suits your needs. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the support and guidance you need at a fair and transparent cost.

Experience the benefits of mediation with Birt Family Law – where clarity, affordability, and positive outcomes go hand in hand.

Fee Packages for Mediation Available 

At Birt Family Law, we understand that every family's needs and goals are unique. That's why we offer customizable fee packages designed to accommodate your specific circumstances and preferences.

Our fee packages include:

• 3-Month Packages: Ideal for clients seeking comprehensive support over an extended period, our 3-month packages offer ongoing guidance and assistance throughout the mediation process. It can be renewed at the end of the 3 months. 

• Expedited Packages: For clients who require urgent or accelerated mediation services, we offer expedited packages designed to meet tight deadlines without compromising on quality or effectiveness.

All our fee packages are offered at a flat rate, providing you with clarity and predictability from the outset. Whether you're looking for long-term support or need a quick resolution, we have a package that aligns with your family and goals.

To learn more about our fee packages and determine which option best suits your needs, we invite you to schedule a free 15-minute introductory call with our team. During this call, we'll discuss your circumstances, goals, and preferences to help you make an informed decision about your mediation journey.

Experience the flexibility and affordability of mediation with Birt Family Law – where your peace of mind and satisfaction are our top priorities.

Next Steps: Book a Introductory Telephone Call

Ready to take the next step towards resolving your family matter through mediation? Schedule an introductory telephone call with Erin Birt, where both parties have the opportunity to assess whether she is the right fit to help you find solutions.

To schedule your introductory call, please contact our office directly or submit your information via our contact form, and we'll get back to you promptly to arrange a convenient time.

Still curious to learn more about whether we align with your needs and goals? Explore details about our ideal client profile below.

Have you been court ordered to mediation or do you want your judge to send your case to mediation to try to resolve the case? Read more about court ordered mediation below.

Court Ordered Mediation