Preparing for Mediation To Resolve Child Custody Disputes in Illinois

 Posted on August 17, 2025 in Child Custody

When parents face disagreements about child custody, known in Illinois as parental responsibilities,  the court may require them to participate in mediation before moving forward with a trial. Mediation provides a less stressful way to address conflicts, focusing on solutions that support the child’s best interests.

With preparation, mediation can help avoid costly litigation and encourage cooperation between parents. Working with an experienced Arlington Heights, IL child custody attorney ensures that you enter mediation with the right strategy, documents, and goals.

Documents You Need for Child Custody Mediation in Illinois

Before attending mediation, you should gather documents that demonstrate your ability to meet your child’s needs. Some of the most important records include:

• Financial records: Documents, such as pay stubs, tax returns, and proof of monthly expenses, are critical since Illinois child support is calculated using the Income Shares Model under 750 ILCS 5/505.

• Your child’s medical records and school information: These help show involvement in health and education decisions.

• Legal documents: Any existing custody orders, parenting agreements, or court filings related to the case.

Having these documents ready will allow the mediator to understand both parents’ circumstances. That clarity can improve the chances of reaching an agreement.

What To Include in a Proposed Parenting Plan

Illinois law requires that parents submit a proposed parenting plan in custody disputes. Under 750 ILCS 5/602.10, this plan should address several important issues, including:

• Allocation of parental responsibilities, such as decisions regarding health care, education, and extracurricular activities

• A detailed parenting time schedule, including school breaks, holidays, and summer vacations

• Transportation arrangements for exchanges between households

• How future disputes will be resolved, whether through mediation, counseling, or court review

A clear parenting plan helps guide mediation and shows that you are willing to work toward a solution that supports your child.

Clarifying Your Goals and Priorities Before Child Custody Mediation

Going into mediation with clear priorities is essential. You should think carefully about what matters most to you and where you are willing to compromise. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act highlights the "best interests of the child" standard in 750 ILCS 5/602.7. This means that the mediator and the court will focus on how each parent’s proposals support the child’s well-being.

When preparing, think about how each custody arrangement might affect your child’s relationships, schooling, home life, and sense of stability. Showing that you can provide a consistent and nurturing environment strengthens your position. For example, if your job keeps you busy during the day, you could highlight your availability on evenings or weekends. Knowing your priorities ahead of time helps you enter mediation with realistic expectations and a willingness to cooperate.

Contact an Arlington Heights, IL Mediation Attorney

Mediation can be a turning point in disputes about parental responsibilities. By organizing documents, creating a parenting plan, and clarifying your goals, you can approach the process with confidence. To ensure your rights are protected and your child’s best interests remain the focus, turn to the Arlington Heights, IL mediation lawyers at A. Traub & Associates.

Our firm is proudly female-owned, and Attorney Angel M. Traub is a certified mediator with extensive experience assisting in the resolution of disputes involving divorce, custody, family law, and other forms of civil litigation. Call us today at 847-749-4182 to schedule your initial consultation. We will discuss how mediation can help your family.