Divorce Mediation: Going Hand-in-Hand with Limited Scope Legal Representation
In Illinois, divorce mediation often leads to a less expensive, more amicable resolution. While many Illinois residents hire attorneys solely for litigation, this often leads to a very draining process.
However, Mediation offers an out-of-court alternative. When combined with Limited Scope Representation, this strategy offers a nuanced alternative that can be tailored for both partners.
How Divorce Mediation Acts as a Litigation Alternative in Illinois
In recent years, Illinois residents have found 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 (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 Legal Solutions — Collaborative Family Law 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 provides legal advice to clients. Notably, 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 about your children and/or your marital estate (finances/assets/debts), how to deviate from a state’s statute, which 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 averages $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 a third party. Knowing that the divorce was resolved peacefully, accurately, and legally gives clients peace of mind as they move forward with the rest of their lives.
For legal guidance on divorce mediation and limited scope representation, contact the family law firm at Legal Solutions — Collaborative Family Law.
