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Natural-OutCome... Family Mediation
Helping Illinois families resolve co-parenting conflicts privately, affordably, and cooperatively — putting children first.
Mediation Defined
What is Mediation?
Mediation is one of several alternative dispute resolution options available to families in Illinois seeking to resolve issues involving co-parenting. In Illinois family, divorce, and child custody mediation, the parties cooperate to resolve conflicts with the assistance of a neutral third-party mediator.
The mediator is responsible for helping the parties define the issues, facilitating communication between them, and assisting in negotiating mutually agreeable solutions.
Unlike litigation, mediation is private and voluntary. Discussions during mediation are privileged and confidential.
The Role of a Mediator
According to the Model Standards of Practice for Family and Divorce Mediation, the "primary role of a family mediator is to assist the participants in gaining a better understanding of their own needs and interests and the needs and interests of their children."
The Mediator Does NOT:
- Advocate for either party
- Act as anyone's lawyer
- Judge or make binding decisions
- Provide legal or therapeutic advice
- Take sides
Why Choose Mediation
The Advantages of Mediation
Confidentiality
A private and confidential process — participants freely express feelings without fear of public record.
Flexibility
Participants develop more flexible and creative solutions tailored to their specific circumstances.
Friendlier Process
A cooperative setting where participants work together toward a win-win settlement.
Better for Children
Because parents resolve issues more amicably, the process is far less stressful for the children.
Price Advantage
Both parents split the cost of one professional — considerably less than each paying for their own lawyer.
Empowering
Participants maintain control over outcomes rather than leaving decisions to a judge.
Key Information
Our Services
You can count on Natural Out Come to be your privately retained service to meet and exceed all your needs and requests.
Parenting / Co-Parenting Plan
A written document you and the other parent create together with the mediator's assistance, outlining how you will handle the care of your children after separation or divorce. A detailed parenting agreement provides children with a predictable visitation schedule and stability.
Parent Coordinator
Reserved for situations where both parents are unable to agree and mediation has failed. A parent coordinator helps with communication, defuses tension, and resolves day-to-day co-parenting issues — always keeping the child's best interest at the forefront.
Cost of Mediation
Mediators typically charge between $150–$500 per hour, with fees divided equally between both parents (50/50). This is considerably less expensive than each party hiring their own attorney, allowing both parents to pay hundreds instead of thousands.
Confidentiality
Mediation communications are confidential to the extent agreed by the parties or provided by law. This private process allows participants to freely express their feelings without fear that what they say will become part of the public record.
MEDIATION 50/50
In most cases, both parents split the cost equally — allowing each parent to pay hundreds instead of thousands. Natural Out Come has provided quality services to clients by providing them with the professional care they deserve.