Divorce Mediation Services
Common Sense Mediation
This web page, which is within the website of the NLP Institute of Chicago
(where we both teach), was our first home on the web. We now have a dedicated
website for Common Sense Mediation at www.commonsensemediation.net
We are still adding material to that website, but there is already additional
material there which is not available on this page, so come on over and take a
look!
(847) 675-6400
7635 Tripp Ave
Skokie, Illinois 60076
What is Mediation?
When people are divorcing, updating a custody agreement, or working on a
complex or difficult contract such as a prenuptial agreement or business
partnership formation or dissolution, they may need the help of a neutral party
to help them sort out the issues and come to agreement. Common Sense Mediation
acts as that neutral party. You remain in control of all decisions, and no
agreement is signed until both sides agree that they have an agreement that
works for them.
Once both sides have agreed to use mediation, an initial session is
scheduled. During this session, both sides receive an orientation to the
mediation process and begin to work on agreements. The number of sessions needed
to reach an agreement depends on the complexity of the issues and the parties'
ability to work cooperatively toward a solution. When an agreement is reached,
it is drafted into a legally binding contract, which can be made part of a court
order.
Instead of going to court, you can join those who are choosing to resolve
their disputes through mediation. Common Sense Mediation provides a full range
of mediation services, assisting you in resolving your personal and business
problems quickly, privately, and inexpensively.
Divorce Horror Stories
abound. Protracted court battles lead to mental and physical exhaustion.
Cases drag on for years. In Cook County, it takes 3 years or longer for the
majority of divorces to be resolved, and over a third take 5 years or longer.
Meanwhile, you are living with the unknown results hanging over your head,
waiting for someone else to decide your fate. During a divorce, sometimes it
seems that everything is in chaos. After the divorce becomes final, it can take
several more years for the conflicts to die down.
Divorce is a stressful event in people's lives, filled with emotional and
financial worries. Hiring an attorney costs at least $1,500 to $5,000 per spouse
for simple cases. In large urban areas, the average cost of a divorce is $18,000
per spouse.
The Alternative
is mediation. You will be making the decisions yourselves, rather than
negotiating through busy and often expensive attorneys. Mediating your divorce
will typically take less time and cost less money.
You avoid the typical bitterness and hostility that occurs during divorce
litigation, because you are actively involved in the process. Both parties to a
mediated agreement feel responsible for that agreement, and have a personal
stake in it. These mediated agreements have a high level of compliance by both
parties, so post-divorce actions are greatly reduced.
Avoid the mental wear and tear of a divorce battle and the high costs of
fighting it out in court. You have a choice. Create your own divorce settlement
with your spouse. Join the growing number of couples who are choosing to resolve
their disputes through mediation. Common Sense Mediation offers the mediation
services that can help you.
Divorce Mediation
If you have decided to divorce or separate, but need help resolving
responsibility for children, support, or property division, you can use
mediation. Many options are discussed and weighed before you decide what will
work best for you. You sign the final agreement only when you are satisfied that
it is fair.
Team Mediation
Team mediation is effective and efficient for our clients. We bring the
skill, experience, and expertise of a therapist and an attorney together to work
in a team. We do not act as your therapist or your attorney, but rather as
co-mediators, providing professional expertise and maintaining an atmosphere of
fairness and respect in which you can resolve your differences.
Why Use Common Sense Mediation?
- The mediators are available, by telephone, to answer your questions about
mediation before you set up an appointment.
- The Common Sense Mediation team can usually begin with one week of
your request.
- We put your concerns first.
- We'll take all the time you need to get an agreement that works for you.
- Convenient day, evening, and weekend appointments are available.
Divorce Mediation Fee Schedule
The fee for each mediation session is $200 per hour, payable at the end of
each session. Sessions typically last for two hours. Once you have reached
agreement on all issues, there is a flat fee of $2000 which includes:
- The first draft of the Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) and the Joint
Parenting Agreement (JPA), if one is appropriate;
- One revised version of the MSA and JPA;
- One-hour MSA and JPA review session;
- Completion of required court forms;
- A session for signing the MSA and JPA;
- Preparation for final court appearance;
- All consultations between the mediators;
- All word processing, photocopying, and mailing costs.
The Common Sense Mediation Team
Virginia Brubaker, M.A.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
National Certified Counselor
M.A. in Counseling, Northeastern Illinois University
B.A. in Humanities, Michigan State University
Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
President, NLP Institute of Chicago, Inc.
Trainer in mediation, NLP, professional practice, and ethics
Member:
Association for Conflict Resolution
American Counseling Association
Illinois Counselors Association
Gail Schiesser, J.D.
Attorney licensed and practicing in Illinois
J.D., Chicago-Kent College of Law
B.S. in Writing and Political Science, MacMurray College
Certified Master Practitioner of NLP
Trainer in mediation, communication skills, and NLP
Member:
Association for Conflict Resolution
Illinois State Bar Association
Chicago Bar Association
To Reach Common Sense Mediation:
By telephone: (847) 675-6400
By post:
Common Sense Mediation
7635 Tripp Ave
Skokie, Illinois 60076
This web page, which is within the website of the NLP Institute of Chicago
(where we both teach), was our first home on the web. We now have a dedicated
website for Common Sense Mediation at www.commonsensemediation.net
We are still adding material to that website, but there is already additional
material there which is not available on this page, so come on over and take a
look! |