Before You Begin
Please read the following terms carefully. You must agree before proceeding to the intake form.
This Parenting Mediation Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into voluntarily by both participating parties and the mediator at Natural Out Come — Co-Parenting & Family Mediation Services.
The parties voluntarily agree to participate in mediation to address family, parenting, parentage, parenting time, child support, communication, and other child-related issues. The purpose of mediation is to assist the parties in reaching mutually acceptable agreements that promote the best interests of the child(ren).
The mediator is a neutral facilitator. The mediator does not represent either party, does not act as an attorney, does not provide legal advice, does not make decisions for the parties, and does not guarantee settlement. The mediator's role is to facilitate communication and assist the parties in exploring potential resolutions.
Participation in mediation is voluntary unless otherwise ordered by a court. Either party may suspend or terminate mediation at any time unless prohibited by court order.
The parties agree to participate honestly and respectfully, provide accurate information, avoid threats, intimidation, and harassment, focus discussions on the needs of the child(ren), and refrain from interrupting the other party.
Mediation communications shall be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by applicable law. The parties agree not to subpoena the mediator or mediation records except as permitted by law. Exceptions may include child abuse or neglect reporting obligations, threats of serious bodily harm, court-ordered disclosures, and other legal exceptions.
Children shall not participate in mediation sessions unless specifically authorized by the mediator and agreed upon by the parties. Children shall not be asked to choose between parents or make parenting decisions.
Each party has the right to consult with independent legal counsel before, during, or after mediation. The mediator encourages parties to seek legal review of any proposed agreement.
The parties agree to provide complete and accurate information concerning income, assets, parenting schedules, child-related expenses, and other matters relevant to mediation. Failure to disclose material information may affect the validity of any agreement.
Any agreements reached during mediation may be memorialized in writing. The parties understand that a Memorandum of Understanding may be prepared, additional legal documents may be necessary, and court approval may be required before agreements become enforceable court orders.
Mediation fees, retainer amounts, payment terms, and cancellation policies will be discussed and agreed upon prior to the commencement of mediation sessions. All fee arrangements will be provided in writing.
The mediator may terminate a session if a party becomes abusive, a party threatens another participant, safety concerns arise, or mediation is no longer productive.
The parties understand that mediation does not guarantee that an agreement will be reached.
The mediator shall not be responsible for decisions made by the parties or outcomes resulting from any agreement reached during mediation.
The parties agree they will neither request nor subpoena the mediator to testify in any matter for any reason, nor will the parties request or subpoena the mediator's notes, records or any materials in the possession of the mediator, for any purpose.
The parties agree that the mediator shall have the same limited immunity as judges and court employees have under the laws of the State of Illinois and agree to defend and indemnify the mediator in connection with any summons or subpoena arising out of the mediation proceeding.
The parties also agree the mediator is not a necessary party in any judicial, quasi-judicial or administrative proceeding arising out of this mediation.
The parties acknowledge that they have read this Agreement, understand its contents, enter into mediation voluntarily, and have had the opportunity to seek legal advice.
By checking the box below and clicking "I Agree — Proceed to Intake Form", you confirm that you have read, understand, and voluntarily agree to the Parenting Mediation Terms and Agreement above.
You must check the box above to continue.