Divorce Mediation Services

There are times in relationships where couples and families reach a point where they are in need of assistance in making very important decisions about how to move forward in conflicts that arise. In addition to psychological services, CORE also offers Mediation services to support these difficult moments. Mediation is a common method for conflict resolution that allows all parties involved more freedom and autonomy than going through disputes using courts alone. Mediation can be useful for a variety of people, and CORE recognizes that many different types of families are in need of support. Whether you are thinking of separating from a partner whom you share assets, considering or planning for divorce, already divorced and needing renegotiation, or dealing with disputes with other family members, mediation can be a way to empower yourselves to enter into agreements without relying on courts to make decisions for you that you would like to be able to make for yourselves.

  • Mediators can provide couples and families with navigating clarity about the following topics:

    • Parenting Plan/Schedule
    • Division of property
    • Finances/income/assets
    • Child Support

  • Reasons why people choose mediation in addition to seeking legal representation:

    • Confidentiality
    • Gain a greater sense of control in decision-making and the outcome
    • Experience more flexibility in decision-making than the law encourages
    • More cost-effective than traditional litigation and court costs

  • What can the outcome of Mediation be?

    • An agreed upon document called a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) – a document (not legally binding at the mediation stage) prepared by the mediator that describes all of the agreements you are making as a couple or family. This document can be used to help you keep yourselves and each other accountable to your wishes and needs, and it also typically used by your chosen legal team to support your divorce process.

    • Peace of mind that you and your partner/spouse/family have made all of the efforts possible to create the outcome that best works for your specific needs.

    • Time, energy, and resources to move forward in your next chapter of your life with your new goals.

About our Mediator: Amanda Rios

Amanda Rios (who is one of the co-founders of CORE) is an expert in the field of couple and family therapy with a specialization in multicultural topics (race/ethnicity, LGBTQ, Socioeconomic, etc). Amanda works as a family systems therapist and professor and through her work, she has found that not all couples are seeking to repair their relationships, but rather find resolution together to make their lives function as best they can.  In recognizing these distinctions, Amanda received intensive training through Northwestern University’s Conflict Resolution and Mediation program to expand her practice to include Mediation services.  She enjoys working with families from all walks of life and is sensitive to the unique needs that each couple or family brings with them to mediation, recognizing that not all traditional solutions will work for each family.  Amanda understands that people function best when they feel heard and experience respect when having a conversation, and she works to facilitate difficult dialogues that are both meaningful and productive.

Your first step to achieving your goals is to set up an initial phone consultation with Amanda. You can do so by calling (312)470-4302 – for downtown Chicago, or (224)714-2412 – for downtown Evanston. Amanda can also be reached at: dr.amandarios@core-chicago.com