Bloomington, IL Divorce & Family Law Blog by Stange Law Firm, PC

Getting divorced can be emotionally painful regardless of how long individuals have thought about pursuing them. However, Illinois residents and others might be able to make the process of ending their marriages easier by working with mediators. One advantage of working with a mediator is that couples can decide for themselves when and where they want to meet. They may also be able to decide how long each mediation session should last.

Meetings are controlled events that are designed to help everyone remain calm and objective. The mediator is trained to help individuals avoid saying or doing anything that could be construed as confrontational. By avoiding conflict, individuals can avoid some of the stress and anxiety that might come with ending a relationship. It is especially important for those with children to remain as calm as possible during the divorce process.

It isn't uncommon for parents in Illinois and throughout the country to share physical custody of their children after a divorce. However, it can be challenging to create an arrangement that works for both the parents and the children. Ideally, the parents will realize that they are responsible for doing what is best for their children regardless of how they feel about each other. It is also important to understand that a child's needs will vary based on their age and other factors.

These other factors could include a parent's work schedule, the distance between the parents themselves and the academic needs of the children. Infants typically need to spend more time with a primary caregiver while younger children may be better off transitioning between each parent as often as possible. It is important to point out that a person can be both a bad spouse and a great parent.

Unmarried fathers in Illinois and throughout the country may be able to gain rights to a child by acknowledging their paternity. Doing so may make it possible to avoid going to court to establish it. However, if the mother doesn't agree that an individual is a child's father, a court appearance may be inevitable to resolve the matter. An acknowledgement of paternity (AOP) document must be signed by both parents, and it may also need to be witnessed.

By signing the document, a man will have the right to be consulted in the event that the child is put up for adoption. However, he does not automatically obtain custody or visitation rights simply by filling out the AOP document. A judge will need to determine if providing a father with visitation or custody rights is in the best interest of the child.

Individuals in Illinois who are going through a divorce may want to consider mediation instead of litigation. One benefit to choosing mediation over litigation is that it is a collaborative process as opposed to an adversarial process. This means that both parties in the divorce work together to craft a settlement that is in everyone's best interest. As the focus is on getting a deal done in a timely manner, mediation may be less expensive than going to court.

Individuals tend to have more control over the divorce process when working with a mediator. This is because a mediator is focused on ensuring that everyone has ample time to talk and to express their feelings. During a trial, an attorney may play a significant role in shaping the narrative presented to a judge or jury. As an individual exerts greater control during the mediation process, it can be a less stressful way to settle a divorce.