Court Ordered Mediation in DuPage County
Court Ordered Mediation offers a structured, non-adversarial process to help parents resolve parenting disputes outside of the courtroom. Whether your case is new or post-judgment, mediation provides a confidential space to work toward agreements with the support of a neutral and court-approved mediator.
What to Expect
When ordered by the court, mediation typically focuses on parenting-related concerns. Erin Birt, JD, CADC, has been an approved mediator in DuPage County for over 20 years and is also on the court-approved list in Kane County. She offers these services in person or via Zoom, depending on your preference and availability.
Mediation sessions are limited in scope and duration unless extended by agreement or court order. Most court-ordered cases include three hours of mediation and one hour of administrative time, unless otherwise specified.
Common Topics Discussed
The court may order mediation to address parenting issues such as:
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- Parental responsibilities and decision-making
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- Residential schedules and parenting time
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- Holiday, vacation, and school break parenting time
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- Communication with children
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- Removal of a child from Illinois
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- Other child-related matters, per court order or by agreement
Topics Not Covered
Court ordered mediation does not include financial or property-related issues, such as:
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- Child support
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- Spousal maintenance
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- Asset or debt division
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- Contributions to child expenses
If you and the other party wish to address these topics in mediation, you may agree to extend the scope and duration of services privately.
Mediation Fees
Unless otherwise stated in your court order, court ordered mediation is billed at:
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- $225–$250 per hour, depending on the judge's assignment
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- Fees must be paid before your appointment can be confirmed
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- Three hours of mediation + one hour administrative time are typically included
Fees may be paid:
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- Equally by each party
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- From a joint account
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- As directed in your court order
We accept credit cards, cash, and checks (in advance). Payment plans are only available through ClientCredit + Affirm, accessible at the bottom of our Pay Now page.
Start Court Ordered Mediation
To schedule your session:
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- Email or call our office to coordinate availability
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- Provide a copy of your court order or Judgment
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- Ensure payment is submitted prior to confirmation
In some cases, Judgments or court orders allow the parties to select a mediator who is a member of the Mediation Council of Illinois or listed on Mediate.com. Erin Birt meets both qualifications and regularly accepts court ordered mediations outside of DuPage and Kane Counties when permitted.
We will send you next-step instructions once your documentation and payment are received.
About Your Mediator
Erin Birt, JD, CADC
Court Approved Mediator | DuPage & Kane Counties
Member, Mediation Council of Illinois & Mediate.com
Erin has facilitated parenting resolutions for families throughout DuPage County since 2005. In addition to being a family law attorney, she holds a counseling certification and brings clarity and calm to emotionally charged topics. She is approved by the courts in multiple counties and frequently mediates cases outside DuPage and Kane when permitted by court order. Erin Birt is listed on the Mediation Council of Illinois roster and Mediate.com as a qualified mediator.
Service areas include: Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Warrenville, Winfield, Carol Stream, Bloomingdale, Lombard, Elmhurst, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, and surrounding DuPage County communities—as well as other Illinois jurisdictions when allowed by court order.
