On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Child Custody on Friday, September 22, 2017.
Illinois parents who are divorcing are often concerned about what will happen to their children. Knowing that it is in the best interests of the child or children to have a strong relationship with both parents, divorcing spouses will often work diligently to set aside their differences and develop a custody plan that works for everyone involved.
Still, emotions can run high at this difficult time. In many cases, parents can negotiate child custody issues between themselves and develop a workable parenting plan. However, there are situations in which these informal negotiations can break down, even when both parents are acting in good faith.
Fortunately, help is available. Alternative dispute resolution options include mediation and collaborative law. In mediation, the parents meet with a trained mediator who provides neutral guidance during the process of working out an acceptable custody agreement. In collaborative law, both parties, along with their attorneys, meet together to discuss their differences and attempt to achieve a resolution.
In many cases, these alternatives to going to court not only save money, but are less stressful than having to ask a judge or a jury to make a decision about what is a highly personal issue. The very presence of parties outside of the family, in the form of a mediator or attorneys, can often reduce tensions and encourage parents to think clearly about what is best for their children. Parents who are considering divorce may benefit from speaking with an experienced family law attorney, particularly if they are having difficulty negotiating terms of the divorce with their spouse.
