Why Mediation?

When people are divorcing, updating a custody agreement, or working on a complex or difficult contract such as a prenuptial agreement or business partnership formation or dissolution, they may need the help of a neutral party to help them sort out the issues and come to agreement. Common Sense Mediation acts as that neutral party. You remain in control of all decisions, and no agreement is signed until both sides agree that they have an agreement that works for them.

Once both sides have agreed to use mediation, an initial session is scheduled. During this session, both sides receive an orientation to the mediation process and begin to work on agreements. The number of sessions needed to reach an agreement depends on the complexity of the issues and the parties' ability to work cooperatively toward a solution. When an agreement is reached, it is drafted into a legally binding contract, which can be made part of a court order.

Instead of going to court, join those who are choosing to resolve their disputes through mediation. Common Sense Mediation provides a full range of mediation services, assisting you in resolving your personal and business problems quickly, privately, and inexpensively.

Divorce Horror Stories abound.

Protracted court battles lead to mental and physical exhaustion. Cases drag on for years. In Cook County, it takes 3 years or longer for the majority of divorces to be resolved, and over a third take 5 years or longer.

Meanwhile, you are living with the unknown results hanging over your head, waiting for someone else to decide your fate. During a divorce, sometimes it seems that everything is in chaos. After the divorce becomes final, it can take several more years for the conflicts to die down.

Divorce is a stressful event in people's lives, filled with emotional and financial worries. Hiring an attorney costs at least $1,500 to $5,000 per spouse for simple cases. In large urban areas, the average cost of a divorce is $18,000 per spouse.

The Alternative is Mediation.

You will be making the decisions yourselves, rather than negotiating through busy and often expensive attorneys. Mediating your divorce will typically take less time and cost less money.

You avoid the typical bitterness and hostility that occurs during divorce litigation, because you are actively involved in the process. Both parties to a mediated agreement feel responsible for that agreement, and have a personal stake in it. These mediated agreements have a high level of compliance by both parties, so post-divorce actions are greatly reduced.

Avoid the mental wear and tear of a divorce battle and the high costs of fighting it out in court. You have a choice. Create your own divorce settlement with your spouse. Join the growing number of couples who are choosing to resolve their disputes through mediation. Common Sense Mediation offers the mediation services that can help you.

Divorce Mediation

If you have decided to divorce or separate, but need help resolving responsibility for children, support, or property division, you can use mediation. Many options are discussed and weighed before you decide what will work best for you. You sign the final agreement only when you are satisfied that it is fair.

Team Mediation

Team mediation is effective and efficient for our clients. We bring the skill, experience, and expertise of a therapist and an attorney together to work in a team. We do not act as your therapist or your attorney, but rather as co-mediators, providing professional expertise and maintaining an atmosphere of fairness and respect in which you can resolve your differences.

Why Use Common Sense Mediation?

• The mediators are available, by telephone, to answer your questions about mediation before you set up an appointment.

• The Common Sense Mediation team can usually begin with one week of your request.

•  We put your concerns first.
•  We'll take all the time you need to get an agreement that works for you.
•  Convenient day, evening, and weekend appointments are available.

Divorce Mediation Fee Schedule

The fee for each mediation session is $200 per hour, payable at the end of each session. Once you have reached agreement on all issues, there is a flat fee of $2000 which includes:

•  The first draft of the Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) and the Joint Parenting Agreement (JPA), if one is appropriate;
•  One revised version of the MSA and JPA;
•  One-hour MSA and JPA review session;
•  Completion of required court forms;
•  A session for signing the MSA and JPA;
•  Preparation for final court appearance;
•  All consultations between the mediators;
•  All word processing, photocopying, and mailing costs.