Divorce & Family Mediation

Helping families divorce and resolve conflict outside the courtroom—while retaining control over decisions affecting their finances, children, and future.

CONSULTATION

A Mediator with Legal & Family Systems Experience

Divorce is one of the most personal transitions a family can face. Even when disagreements feel insurmountable, the courtroom is rarely the most effective venue for resolution. As a mediator and family law attorney, I guide families through high-stakes conversations in a private, structured environment. Here, you—not a judge—remain in control of the decisions shaping your children, your finances, and your future.

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 family mediation. Before becoming an attorney, she spent nearly a decade working as a master-level social worker, helping individuals and families navigate complex personal transitions.

She now combines that experience with her legal training and years of family law practice — allowing her to guide productive discussions even in the most difficult cases.

  • Difficult communication dynamics

  • Parenting disagreements

  • Complicated financial issues

  • Long-standing family conflict

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

Retainer

Starting at $3,500

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.

Attorney Hourly Rate

$450/hr

Legal services are billed at an hourly rate reflecting the professional experience required to guide families through complex financial and parenting decisions.

Time may include preparation, meetings, negotiation sessions, drafting, financial review, and communications necessary to advance the matter.

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.

  • "Attorney Stitt was very professional and knowledgeable. She answered all of my questions and kept me well informed during the process of getting my divorce."


    Darlene, February 17, 2022 (Divorce)

  • "My brother died without a will. Joerika researched Arizona laws and helped me figure out how to keep our home. She was a great help."


    Clementine, December 16, 2024 (Probate)

  • "From contract drafting to regulatory compliance, Attorney Stitt protected our interests with precision and care. Her responsiveness and clarity gave us real confidence."


    Maurice Jr., Fund Manager, December 17, 2024 (Small Business)

  • "Attorney Stitt made sure I felt prepared and positive on court days. She explained everything clearly and delivered the exact outcome I hoped for. Fair, thorough, and supportive."

    Anonymous Order of Protection, March 31, 2025

  • "She really helps to me for win an unemployment appeal. She is very kindly, supportive, and professional . I really appreciate her many advices and encouraging me. She is a best attorney."

    Yumi, August 19, 2024 (Unemployment Appeal)