Mediation is a non-binding, confidential process by which a neutral third person assists the parties in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement. Depending on the type of case, mediation may be discretionary or mandatory.
Mediation services are provided in several departments and divisions of the Circuit Court of Cook County, including:
Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation
The Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program is designed to deliver critical services to Cook County homeowners in crisis as early as possible once the foreclosure process begins. Foreclosure Mediation is managed by the Chancery Division.
Child Protection Mediation Program
The Child Protection Mediation Program is available to families involved in child abuse, neglect or dependency proceedings. The program offers an opportunity to resolve issues outside of court through the Child Protection Division.
Domestic Relations Mediation
In Domestic Relations cases, mediation is mandatory for (1) initial determinations of allocation of parental responsibilities; (2) modification of allocation of parental responsibilities; (3) relocation; and (4) non-parent (third party) visitation. Domestic Relations Mediation is discretionary for all other issues, including financial and discovery disputes.
Major Case Court-Annexed Civil Mediation
Under Major Case Court-annexed Civil Mediation, a Law Division judge can order parties in civil cases to submit to mediation. Major civil cases seeking damages in excess of $30,000 are eligible for referral to the Major Case Court-Annexed Civil Mediation Program.
Estate and Guardianship Mediation
Any Probate Division judge may order a Decedent Estate, Minor Guardianship or Adult Guardianship case to mediation. Additional information about the Probate Division Mediation Program is available on the program page.
Family Court Services Mediation
Family Court Services provides mediation services to parent litigants in the Circuit Court of Cook County’s Domestic Relations Division. FCS' mediation process provides a safe and confidential forum for parents to focus on their child(ren)’s needs post-separation and divorce.