Court Ordered Mediation
DuPage Court Ordered Mediation is a confidential, informal, and non-adversarial process. A qualified and neutral mediator is selected by the parties or the Court to assist the parties in reaching an agreement on parenting issues.
What Topics are Discussed in Court Ordered Mediation?
DuPage Court Ordered Mediation may be ordered for any contested parentage, divorce (pre-judgment), or post-divorce (post-judgment) case that involves non-economic matters such as:
- parental responsibilities,
- parental decision making responsibilities,
- custody,
- residential custody,
- visitation,
- parenting time,
- holiday parenting time,
- vacation parenting time,
- removal of a child from Illinois,
- communication with the child/ren,
- access to the child/ren;
- other issues per the court order or by agreement of all parties.
What topics are NOT Discussed in Court Ordered Mediation:
- Financial matters
- Asset Allocation
- Debt Allocation
- Financial Support
- Financial Contribution to Child Expenses
The parties, however, can agree to extend both the duration of court ordered mediation and the topics discussed in mediation by agreement and any agreement reached will need to be submitted to the Court by way of an Agreed Order (typically prepared by the attorneys).
What is the Cost for Court Ordered Mediation?
The fee is determined by the Court, it is typically $225 or $250 per hour. Please review your court order for your specific rate. Fees are due before your appointment time is confirmed.
The fees for court ordered mediation in a pre-judgment case include three (3) hours of mediation plus one (1) hour for administrative charges, unless extended by court order or agreement of the parties and attorneys. If the parties agree to extend the additional fees and amount of time spent in mediation are influenced by the complexity of the issues presented by the parties and whether attorneys wish to be present and involved in the mediation sessions.
You can pay your court ordered fee from a joint account, in equal amounts, or as stated in the court order. We accept case, checks (if delivered before your first session) and credit card payments. Payments must be made before an appointment will be confirmed.
If you seek a payment plan, we only offer payment plans to those who qualify via ClientCredit + Affirm. You can find that information and application process at the bottom of our Pay Now page.
Approved Court Ordered Mediator
Erin Birt has been approved by the Presiding Judge of the Domestic Relations Division of the 18th Judicial Circuit Court as a qualified court approved mediator for over 18 years. Erin is also on the approved list for Kane County 16th Judicial Circuit Court as a qualified mediator.
To begin court approved mediation services, please contact the firm to set an appointment and provide the firm with a copy of the court order or Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage, if applicable.
DuPage County Court Approved Mediator, Erin Birt, serves clients in Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Warrenville, Winfield, Carol Stream, Bloomingdale, Lombard, Elmhurst, Downers Grove, and Oak Brook as well as other cities located in DuPage County.
