Author Posts

The Disconnect and Uncertainty of Divorce During the Pandemic and How Mediation Can Help

By Ellen Barron Feldman (efeldman@celandassociates.com) As a mediator and a collaborative attorney, I have been doing co-mediation exclusively by zoom since March 2020. The context is unsettling at best.  Couples are together in their homes, trying to home-school their children, wondering if they will be losing their jobs or able to pay the mortgage, not

Vacations Aren’t Just for Kids Anymore

Nearly everyone has treasured memories of family vacations, with all the fun and all the mishaps. When families are impacted by divorce, traditional family vacations become one-parent events. The memorable and beloved trips and experiences continue. The question is what about the parent left behind? You must never allow your children to feel guilty about

Approaching Family Mediation in Chicago Illinois in a Zen State – by Brian James

Family mediation in Chicago Illinois often grapples with some difficult tasks, such as determining what type of shared parenting responsibilities the parties will have, when visits with children will occur and how children will be raised.  In order to make the most of family mediation in Chicago Illinois, it is necessary to maintain composure and

Three Techniques to Try to Resolve an Employment Dispute in Chicago IL – by Brian James

When an employment dispute in Chicago Illinois arises, the parties may believe that the only solution is to take the issues to court and let a judge or jury decide what will happen.  However, this pursuit often leaves both parties losing with the high costs involved in litigation and with the potential loss of a

Tricks to Success with Resolving Landlord/Tenant Disputes in Chicago IL – by Brian James

Landlord/tenant disputes in Chicago Illinois can be disruptive to a living environment.  During heated moments, a landlord might threaten eviction.  A tenant may refuse to pay rent that the landlord depends on.  Mediation can often help parties resolve landlord/tenant disputes in Chicago Illinois in a peaceful manner. Prior to mediation, it is important for both

Myths Dispelled about Divorce Mediation in Chicago – by Brian James

Divorce mediation in Chicago is an alternative way of handling a divorce.  Rather than battling the case out in court, the parties collaborate and move toward a peaceful resolution of their case.  Since divorce mediation in Chicago is not as common as litigated cases, confusion sometimes surrounds the process.  Some misunderstandings include: Mediation is Only