In Illinois, divorce mediation often leads to a less expensive, more amicable resolution. While many Illinois residents hire attorneys for the sole purpose of litigation, this tends to lead to a very draining process.
However, Mediation offers an out-of-court alternative. When coupled with Limited Scope Representation, this strategy presents a nuanced alternative, customizable for both partners.
How Divorce Mediation Acts as a Litigation Alternative in Illinois
In recent years, Illinois residents find divorce mediation to be quite effective. Thus, they avoid the long, drawn-out, and costly traditional divorce method. Through the mediation process, a trained professional (known as a mediator), serves as a neutral facilitator. Ultimately, the mediator’s goal is to help both parties reach an agreeable divorce solution.
Although many mediators are lawyers, this is not a requirement in Illinois (But the professionals at Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions are licensed attorneys!). In general, mediators address questions without providing legal advice. In these instances, hiring an attorney proves quite beneficial. Additionally, at the end of the mediation process, attorneys aid their clientele in navigating the court system and procedural requirements. This is where limited scope (a.k.a. “A la carte”) legal representation can be a significant benefit!
Blending Limited Scope Legal Representation with Divorce Mediation
When adding Limited Scope Legal Representation to the Divorce Mediation process, the client receives legal guidance based on specific challenges. Overall, the attorney represents the client’s interest in a limited manner. For example, a client may choose to bring in a limited scope attorney at the beginning, middle, or end of the divorce process. After agreeing upon the scope of services, the attorney collaborates with the mediator. In addition, attorneys often complete all of the necessary legal documents on the client’s behalf.
Unlike a mediator, a limited scope attorney advises clients legally. Notable, the limited scope attorney represents their client(s) in court in specified, agreed upon, circumstances. Think of it as an insurance policy on your divorce. Someone who helps you understand the laws, what your rights and responsibilities are with regard to your children and/or your marital estate (finances/assets/debts), how to deviate from a state’s statute, what court has jurisdiction for your divorce, as well as draft and/or review all the legal paperwork that the courts require.
HOW DOES THIS SAVE YOU MONEY?
On average, a litigated divorce costs around $15,000 per person. In total, this average adds up to $30,000 for a divorcing couple. Meanwhile, the divorce mediation process intertwined with limited scope representation averages around $8,000 combined. Holistically, this saves the average divorcing couple $22,000.
At the end of the process, the divorcing couple seeks to create an independent agreement, not dictated by a judge or third-party. Knowing the divorce resolved peacefully, accurately, and legally gives clients peace of mind moving forward with the rest of their lives.
For legal guidance will divorce mediation and limited scope representation, contact the family law firm at Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC.