Amicable Resolution
Encourages cooperation and structured communication—helping you reach respectful solutions instead of “winner/loser” outcomes.
Mediation
Family Law Mediation: A Path to Resolution
St. Charles - Edwardsville - O'Fallon - Granite City
What are my Legal Rights?
SCHEDULE CONSULTATIONMEDIATION SERVICES • FAMILY LAW • MISSOURI + ILLINOIS
Mediation Services at Besserman Law
Family disputes are emotionally taxing and legally complex. Mediation is a structured, confidential process that helps you reach workable agreements—often faster, with less stress, and at lower cost than litigation—while keeping you in control of the decisions.
2026 note: Court practices and local requirements can differ by county/circuit. We’ll help you
understand what applies in your Missouri or Illinois case.
The Benefits of Family Law Mediation
Mediation is designed to reduce conflict and help families move forward with clarity—especially when ongoing co-parenting is involved.
Faster Results
Often resolves key issues in weeks rather than months—reducing time spent waiting on court dates and continuances.
Cost-Effective
Typically less expensive than extended litigation by reducing motion practice, hearings, and trial preparation.
You Stay in Control
The agreement is built by the parties—not imposed by a judge—so it can reflect your real-world needs and priorities.
Confidentiality
Mediation is generally treated as a private process. Illinois recognizes a mediation privilege under the Illinois Uniform Mediation Act. [oai_citation:0‡Justia Law](https://law.justia.com/codes/illinois/chapter-710/act-710-ilcs-35/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Better for Co-Parenting
Helps reduce ongoing conflict and creates clearer expectations—especially helpful when you’ll be parenting together for years.
Our Mediation Services
Whether you’re starting a case, already in court, or need to modify an existing order—mediation can help you reach durable agreements on the issues that matter most.
DIVORCE MEDIATION
Divorce & Dissolution Agreements
Work through property division, parenting plans, child support, and spousal maintenance in a structured setting.
PARENTING
Child Custody / Parenting Time
Create workable custody/parenting time schedules, decision-making frameworks, holidays, travel rules, and conflict “reset” procedures.
SUPPORT
Child Support
Address guideline calculations, expenses, insurance, daycare, extracurriculars, and modification issues when life changes.
ASSETS
Property & Asset Division
Navigate retirement accounts, real estate, debts, business interests, and complex financial portfolios with a focus on practical, implementable outcomes.
MAINTENANCE
Alimony / Spousal Support
Negotiate fair support arrangements that reflect financial realities, earning capacity, and transition needs.
POST-JUDGMENT
Modification & Enforcement
When circumstances change, mediation can help adjust orders—or create compliance plans that avoid repeated court hearings.
The Mediation Process
Our goal is a clear, durable agreement that can be implemented in real life—and, when needed, incorporated into a court order.
1
Initial Consultation
We learn your goals, review the major issues, and confirm whether mediation is appropriate given safety and power-balance concerns.
2
Preparation
We identify needed documents (financials, schedules, proposals), set an agenda, and choose the right session format (joint sessions, caucus/shuttle, or hybrid).
3
Mediation Sessions
A neutral mediator facilitates structured discussions. The mediator doesn’t “pick a winner”—they help clarify issues, explore options, and move toward agreements.
4
Agreement Drafting
Once you reach resolution, terms are documented clearly (parenting details, timelines, division steps, support terms) to reduce future disputes.
5
Court Approval (When Needed)
In many family cases, your agreement can be submitted to the court and incorporated into an order/judgment. Requirements vary by case type and jurisdiction.
Missouri vs. Illinois: Similarities & Key Differences
Mediation looks similar in both states—neutral facilitator, structured negotiation, goal of agreement—but court rules and confidentiality frameworks differ.
MISSOURI
How Missouri Handles Family Law Mediation
- Courts may order or recommend mediation in family court cases. [oai_citation:1‡Missouri Revisor of Statutes](https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=487.100&utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Missouri Supreme Court Rule 88 authorizes judicial circuits to establish mediation programs for contested domestic relations issues. [oai_citation:2‡stlcountycourts.com](https://www.stlcountycourts.com/courts-departments/family-court/supplemental-family-court-summon/local-rule-6814/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Local rules may require minimum mediation time in contested custody/visitation matters (varies by county/circuit). [oai_citation:3‡casscounty.com](https://www.casscounty.com/DocumentCenter/View/2057/Local-Court-Rules-with-Index-072023?bidId=&utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Confidentiality in court-connected mediation is addressed under Rule 88.08 (and local rules often reference it). [oai_citation:4‡circuit7.net](https://www.circuit7.net/circuitcourt/localrule/68.8?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
ILLINOIS
How Illinois Handles Family Law Mediation
- Illinois Supreme Court Rule 905 requires each judicial circuit to establish a mediation program for child custody and allocation of parental responsibilities proceedings. [oai_citation:5‡Illinois Courts Audio](https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/c6c9f299-e480-4f91-a442-02e169ffe2c8/Rule%20905.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Illinois recognizes mediation privilege under the Illinois Uniform Mediation Act (IUMA). [oai_citation:6‡Justia Law](https://law.justia.com/codes/illinois/chapter-710/act-710-ilcs-35/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Local circuit rules often set the details (mediator lists, reporting, screening, scheduling)—so practice can vary by county/circuit. [oai_citation:7‡illinois16thjudicialcircuit.org](https://www.illinois16thjudicialcircuit.org/Documents/localCourtRules/Article_16.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
What this means for you
If your case is in court, the judge may refer you to mediation (and in Illinois, custody-related programs are
established statewide under Rule 905). In Missouri, mediation programs are authorized under Rule 88 and often shaped
by local circuit rules. We’ll help you understand what’s required, what’s optional, and how to prepare effectively.
[oai_citation:8‡stlcountycourts.com](https://www.stlcountycourts.com/courts-departments/family-court/supplemental-family-court-summon/local-rule-6814/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Is Mediation Right for Your Situation?
Mediation can be excellent for many families—but it’s not ideal in every scenario. Safety and fairness come first.
Mediation is often a great fit when…
- Both parties want to avoid a prolonged court battle
- You need a co-parenting plan that actually works day-to-day
- You’re willing to exchange information and negotiate in good faith
- You want more control and flexibility than court orders often provide
Mediation may not be appropriate when…
- There is ongoing domestic violence, coercion, or serious intimidation
- One party refuses to disclose financial information
- There are urgent safety issues requiring immediate court action
If safety is a concern, ask us about protective strategies and alternative pathways.
Quick Questions About Mediation
Short answers to the things people ask before they commit to the process.
Do I need a lawyer if I’m mediating?
Many people choose to consult an attorney during mediation (before sessions, between sessions, or to review a final
agreement). Whether you should depends on complexity (finances, custody, business interests) and comfort level.
Is mediation confidential?
Generally, yes—mediation is designed to be private. Illinois provides a mediation privilege under the Illinois Uniform
Mediation Act. Missouri court-connected mediation confidentiality is addressed under Rule 88.08 and commonly referenced
in local rules. [oai_citation:9‡Justia Law](https://law.justia.com/codes/illinois/chapter-710/act-710-ilcs-35/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Can the court require mediation?
Courts may order or refer cases to mediation depending on the issues and local practice. In Illinois, Rule 905 requires
mediation programs for custody/allocation proceedings. In Missouri, courts may order or recommend mediation in family
cases and judicial circuits may establish mediation programs under Rule 88. [oai_citation:10‡Illinois Courts Audio](https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/c6c9f299-e480-4f91-a442-02e169ffe2c8/Rule%20905.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
What if we agree on some issues but not all?
Partial agreements are common and still valuable. You can resolve the items you can agree on and narrow what remains
for additional mediation, negotiation, or (if necessary) court.
This page provides general information as of 2026 and is not legal advice. Laws, local court rules, and procedures can change. Consult an attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Are You Ready To Move Forward With Your Life?
CONTACT US
Missouri & Illinois
Offices
Our offices in Missouri and Illinois are conveniently located. Divorce laws differ according to the jurisdiction. Having in-depth knowledge of the local statutes in their region, our attorneys are prepared to assist you in dealing with any family law issue.
Need MORE INformation?Setup Up the Initial Appointment
To begin the divorce, custody, or family law process, you must first schedule an initial consultation with one of our attorneys. This meeting gives you the opportunity to ask your most pressing questions, understand your legal options, and determine the best path forward based on your unique situation.
There may be a small initial consultation fee; however, any unused portion of time may be credited toward your required advance deposit to engage the firm, if you choose to retain Besserman Law. Ask our team for current details when scheduling.
Schedule ConsultationThere may be a small initial consultation fee; however, any unused portion of time may be credited toward your required advance deposit to engage the firm, if you choose to retain Besserman Law. Ask our team for current details when scheduling.
What to Expect for Any Case.
A divorce or legal process begins with the initial consultation with your attorney. The hour will be devoted to answering specific questions and drafting goals for your case. You can expect your attorney to outline a strategy that has the best chance of success based on the information you provide.
GET STARTEDMeet With Attorney at Office or Online
Ensure you bring all necessary documentation to your consultation, including current and legal documents you think our attorneys will need to see, such as W-2 forms and last year's tax records. If you're not sure what documentation to bring, ask. You will have a more productive initial consult if you have the proper documentation on hand.
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Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ) of Divorce
Do we Need To Wait Before we File for a No-Fault Divorce?
Not always. In the case, you as well as your spouse, have lived apart for a continuous period of at least six months before admission of the divorce judgment, the two-year separation requirement could be waived, but only if you both consent in writing to do this. In case the two of you cannot consent, then you will have to satisfy the 2-year condition.
Do you know the Important Legal Problems in a Divorce?
The important problems that commonly come up in divorce cases are property division, child custody and visitation, child support, and alimony. Partners can enter into an agreement, property settlement agreement or divorce agreement, to resolve all or a number of the problems presented by their divorce case. This agreement, and, in particular, any arrangements regarding child custody and child support, will need court acceptance. They will have to fight it out in court where a judge will determine for them under the principles of Illinois law if spouses can not agree on any of the problems.
What’s a Legal Separation?
If you are living separate and apart from your spouse, you can petition a court to allow you a legal separation and fair support or alimony. Either spouse will not be prevented by a ruling for legal separation from filing for divorce after.