Cook County Family Mediation Services

Cook County Family Mediation Services Rule 13.4 (e) of the Cook County Circuit Court regulates mediation in domestic relations. A mediator is a neutral third party who helps reach agreements acceptable to all. The mediator's task is to help define the problems and avoid miscommunications. They also analyze and clarify each party's priorities and motivations. Mediation is required for parents with conflicting child support or parental responsibility allocation. If the parties cannot choose a mediator on their own, Family Mediation Services will refer them to Cook County. The parties will be assigned a mediation scheduling date and a mediator from Cook County’s list. The Court may also order mediation for non-children-related matters. The Court may order mediation for non-children-related aspects of issues like property and debt distribution. If the parties cannot agree on a mediator, the Court may choose a mediator from the court's list. Parties who make less than $75,000 may get free mediation for non-children-related matters. You can read more about the Center for Conflict Resolution by clicking here.