Interested in Divorce or Family Mediation Services?

Thank you for your interest in the divorce or family mediation services of The Law Firm of Erin N. Birt, P.C., also known as Birt Law.  You may want to share this page with the other parent or party to see if mediation services with our office is agreeable. If so, please ensure that both parties contact our office and our friendly staff can coordinate schedules for the first mediation session to be held via Zoom or in-person.

How much does Mediation cost at Birt Family Law?

Hourly Rates:

Our mediation services use a similar structure that has been approved by the Domestic Relations Division in DuPage County for all Illinois mediation matters (regardless of county of residence).  Therefore, if you live in a different Illinois county, no problem at all, we can help you just the same. 

The mediation rate for divorce matters is $300.00 - $350.00 per hour. The hourly rate applies to both mediation sessions and work by our mediator outside of the session. Unlike many other firms, our mediation session fee includes the preparation of an agenda to make your time spent in mediation the most productive. Also, for your convenience and/or payment plan needs, we accept cash, checks, and credit cards for payment of services. Contact us to learn the rate applicable to your case and an estimate of services.

Flat Fee Packages Offered: 

At a joint orientation call, we can discuss what flat fee program might best fit your needs. Below are common fee packages. 

How long is Mediation?

Please note most courts state that mediation should be attempted for 3 hours prior to seeking any relief in court and we accommodate such guidelines by asking that clients commit to at least 3 hours of mediation. Therefore, the initial mediation fees cover 3 hours of mediation and 1 hour of administrative functions. Any additional mediation sessions, document review, and document production beyond the sessions agendas, are billed at the hourly rate.

We also offer flat fee packages for half day, full day, and 3 - 6 month packages. All packages are designed to have couples or parents spend less time in mediation than the average family law litigation case. 

Why should I mediate with Birt Family Law?

Our mediator, Erin Birt, is a court approved mediator for DuPage & Kane Counties, as well as other counties, and therefore her services comply with local court rules requiring mediation prior to seeking court assistance. Most of her mediation clients never have to seek court assistance to resolve their family issues. Ms. Birt's divorce experience includes 20+ years of mediation experience, she is a past and current board member for the Mediation Council of Illinois, and she is also often a presenter and trainer for other mediators at approved continuing education seminars.  She enjoys training other mediators while always seeking training for herself as well.  She is a member of the Mosten Guthrie Academy mediation practice group so that she can provide her clients with up to date tools and best mediation practices.  Her goal is for her mediation clients to be able to start a new beginning in less time than a traditional stressful divorce.

When is Mediation?

Mediation sessions are offered during regular business hours, however, we might be able to offer other meeting times as well based upon availability. Please contact the office to let us know your availability and we will do our best to schedule your session at time convenient for you. Most sessions are 1 hour or 2 hours in duration. Longer sessions are available based upon availability. 

Please note that mediation sessions are either in person or via Zoom. During the winter months, mediation might be primarily conducted via Zoom, please check with your mediator. 

Next Steps to Start Divorce Mediation

If you are ready to start mediation, please contact us or book your free joint mediation orientation call below. Once mediation is agreed upon by both parties, each party will receive online forms to review and complete prior to the first session.  The forms can be easily completed on your phone, tablet, or laptop. 

If you feel you cannot discuss and agree upon setting a joint call together, perhaps mediation is not the best fit - we can help you evaluate what services will help you such as  services for: Divorce, Uncontested Divorce, Collaborative Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Client Wellness, and Legal Wellness Services.

Thank you again for your interest in mediation, you are already starting on the best path, keep moving forward, and as the picture above states, "just start".  We are here to help. And remember, every day out of court is another day out of court...

If you are considering whether to start mediation, please review our recent client comments about our services and learn about past client success with Birt Family Law. You can also contact our office to set a free 15-minute introductory call.