Mediation under these rules involves a confidential process whereby a neutral mediator, selected by the parties or appointed by the court, assists the litigants in reaching a mutually acceptable settlement agreement. It is an informal and non-adversarial process. The mediator does not decide the issues or bind the parties to a decision after a contested hearing. The role of the mediator includes assisting the parties in identifying the issues, fostering joint problem solving, exploring settlement alternatives, and aiding the parties in reaching an agreement. Parties and their representatives are required to mediate in good faith.
Additional information on Civil Mediation can be located in Article VIII of the Local Rules of the First Judicial Circuit.
Pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 905, the judges of the First Judicial Circuit of Illinois provide a mandatory circuit-wide mediation program of all contested issues of parental responsibility, custody, visitation, parenting time, removal, or relocation or access to children arising in all actions to which the Supreme Court Rules apply.
Additional information on Civil Mediation can be located in Article VII of the Local Rules of the First Judicial Circuit.
Application for Inclusion as an Approved Mediator - updated 2022
Contact Brenda Sprague with questions: email: b.sprague.fjc@gmail.com phone: 618-997-1234
