Mediation Attorneys Serving Elmhurst, Park Ridge, & Chicago
Family Law Mediation with Certified Mediator-Litigators
Family law mediation is an alternative dispute resolution method that lets separating or divorcing parties work toward a mutually acceptable agreement outside of court. In Chicago-area domestic relations cases, mediation can resolve allocation of parental responsibilities, spousal support, asset division, and other family law matters, including prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Mediation may be voluntary or court-ordered, and the mediator’s credentials and litigation background shape how effectively the process moves forward.
Both of our founding attorneys are certified mediators who spent approximately ten years at large Chicago firms before founding Weiss-Kunz & Oliver. Amanda M. Oliver is a certified mediator whose courtroom background informs a direct, practical approach in complex cases. Maxine Weiss Kunz is certified through the Center for Conflict Resolution and the Cook County Courts, and she is on the Cook County Courts’ certified appointment list for domestic relations mediators. That combination of litigation depth and formal mediation certification isn’t common. Clients working with our firm get grounded, realistic guidance about which agreements are likely to hold and when court may be the better path for a divorce or spousal support dispute.
Reach out to our family law mediation attorneys in Chicago today to schedule a consultation: (312) 605-4041
Advantages of Divorce Mediation
Divorce ranks among the most difficult experiences in a person’s life, and one of mediation’s most immediate benefits is a less confrontational setting. Rather than opposing attorneys arguing positions before a judge, both parties work with a neutral facilitator toward outcomes they design together. Other advantages include:
- Lower overall cost: Both parties typically share the cost of a single neutral mediator. Our attorneys charge lower hourly rates for mediation than for litigation representation, reducing total expense compared to each party retaining separate litigation counsel.
- Client control over outcomes: Parties choose which topics to address, retain final say over the marital settlement agreement, and can craft terms that reflect their family’s specific circumstances rather than a court-imposed order.
- Each party is heard: A mediator can spend the time needed to understand both parties’ concerns. A Cook County Domestic Relations Division judge managing a full docket rarely has that capacity.
- Confidentiality: Communications, documents, and work notes from mediation sessions are privileged and confidential and can’t be used in litigation if mediation fails.
- Scheduling flexibility: Sessions are arranged around the parties’ calendars rather than court dates.
- Children Are Protected From Conflict: A mediated process can keep children out of adversarial proceedings.
- Post-judgment stability: Mediated agreements often hold better over time than court-imposed orders because both parties had a hand in crafting them.
Real Stories from Real People
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"I needed an attorney who would fight for me and also keep me focused, and Maxine had my back."Maxine was very professional and worked efficiently to complete our case. Highly recommend!- Gloria B.
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"As a client of WKO, I highly recommend Amanda Oliver."She has extensive experience to address family law issues efficiently and effectively. She is direct, informative, knowledgeable, resourceful and well-respected in the legal community. I love how she anticipates and mitigates potential issues, strategizes next steps, and keeps me informed along the way. If you have to go thru the divorce process, you want Amanda in your corner. HIGHLY recommend!- Angela L.
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"Divorce isn’t always easy but Maxine and her team at WKO make it so."Maxine and her team have exceeded my expectations. Focused on the family and doing the right thing for everyone involved. Most importantly, my children. I’m deeply grateful for her efforts.- Stephen G.
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"I am so glad I chose Amanda & her team."I highly recommend Amanda Oliver & her team at Weiss-Kunz & Oliver. Everyone I dealt with was professional, empathetic & compassionate. They make their clients their priority. Their fee structure was fair & very transparent.- Amy S.
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"Maxine is very competent in her work, friendly, professional, responsive and down to earth."Maxine Weiss Kunz was great to work with. She clarified complex legal jargon into laymen terms and helped soothe the anxiety I often feel when the law is involved and it is a serious matter. Grateful to her and her team. Thank you Maxine!- Nina K.
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"Thank you, Amanda for being a powerful advocate when I needed one most."You handled my case with empathy, patience, and delivered with passion. You exceeded my expectations, and your work was brilliant! Weiss-Klunz & Oliver are not only knowledgeable of the law, the entire team is responsive, supportive, and really care about their clients. Thank you for taking my situation and turning it into a positive outcome.- Rosa
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"I needed an attorney who would fight for me and also keep me focused, and Maxine had my back."
Maxine was very professional and worked efficiently to complete our case. Highly recommend!
- Gloria B.
How We Can Help
Before recommending mediation, we meet with each prospective client individually to assess whether it’s appropriate for their situation. That screening includes a mandatory domestic violence assessment required by the ethics canons. If we determine that mediation isn’t in your best interests, we’ll recommend alternative approaches, including collaborative divorce or traditional litigation. Our attorneys handle the full range of domestic relations proceedings, so the path forward doesn’t depend on any single process working out. Couples who complete a mediated divorce are generally better positioned to maintain a cooperative relationship afterward, which matters most when children are involved.
Contact Weiss-Kunz & Oliver today.
