Divorce Mediation

Watch this short video to understand how divorce mediation at Joerika Stitt Esquire, LLC works.

A Mediator with Legal & Family Systems Experience

You don’t have to let a judge decide your family's future. Divorce mediation puts you in control — with the guidance of a certified mediator who understands both the law and the people behind it.

Joerika Stitt, Esq.

Licensed Illinois Attorney • Certified Mediator • Collaborative Divorce Attorney

Experience That Bridges Law and Human Understanding

Attorney Stitt brings a rare combination of professional experience to divorce mediation. Before becoming an attorney she spent nearly a decade working as a master level social worker — helping individuals and families navigate complex personal and family transitions.

She now combines that human centered experience with her legal training and certification as a mediator through the Center for Conflict Resolution. The result is a mediator who understands not just the legal framework but the emotional dynamics, communication challenges, and family systems that shape every mediation she conducts.

When is Mediation a Good Fit?

Mediation is often appropriate for couples who want to retain agency, reduce conflict, and protect what matters most.

01 Maintain privacy throughout the divorce process, away from public court proceedings.

02 Remain actively involved in the decisions that shape your family's future.

03 Reduce unnecessary conflict and the emotional toll of prolonged litigation.

04 Protect children from the disruption and stress of extended court battles.

05 Reach practical agreements tailored specifically to your family's circumstances.

06 Move forward with clarity even when significant disagreements exist between parties.

Issues Commonly Addressed in Mediation

  • DIVORCE AGREEMENTS

    - Division of marital property

    - Retirement assets and financial accounts

    - Spousal maintenance

  • PARENTING MATTERS

    - Parenting time schedules

    - Parental decision-making responsibilities

    - Co-parenting structures

  • CHILD & SPOUSAL SUPPORT

    - Support calculations

    - Allocation of child-related expenses

  • POST-DIVORCE MATTERS

    - Parenting plan modifications

    - Support modifications

    - Resolving disputes after divorce

Expert Support On Request:

Financial Neutrals & Child Specialists

For some matters involving complex financial or parenting considerations, additional professional insight can be helpful. When appropriate, Attorney Stitt may recommend the involvement of trusted professionals from her network—such as financial neutrals or child specialists—to provide focused expertise on specific issues.

These professionals participate only when it serves the needs of the family and helps support thoughtful, well-informed decision-making throughout the mediation process.

Child Specialists (LCSWs)

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) can serve as child specialists during mediation. They bring clinical expertise to address parenting disputes, communication dynamics, and the emotional needs of children—supporting families in reaching agreements that serve children's long-term wellbeing.

Financial Neutrals (CPAs)

Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) can serve as financial neutrals during mediation. They provide objective financial analysis, evaluate asset division scenarios, and help both parties understand the financial implications of proposed agreements—supporting informed, durable financial decisions grounded in accurate, professionally reviewed data.

Your Investment

Evergreen Retainer

Starts at $2,500

All matters begin with an evergreen retainer placed in the firm’s client trust account and applied to services as work is performed. As the balance is used, the retainer is replenished so work can continue without interruption.

Hourly Rate

Mediation & Amicable Services $300/hr

Divorce mediation, collaborative divorce, and amicable resolution services. Time may include preparation, sessions, drafting, and communications necessary to advance the matter.

Litigation & Direct Representation

$450/hr

Full attorney representation for new contested divorce matters where no prior counsel has appeared, and for amicable matters that become contested during the process. Time may include preparation, drafting, court appearances, negotiation, and all communications necessary to advance the matter.

Submit Your Intake Form
Submit Your Intake Form

Collaborative Team Support

Varies

Some mediation matters involve additional professionals who are retained separately and billed independently, including:

  • Financial Professionals; and
    • Child Specialists

    Their fees are separate from attorney services and vary depending on the scope of work.