"There are no satisfied customers in divorce litigation," says Chicago-area mediator and attorney Jerald Kessler. "It always leaves a negative impression." That's why it has become more fashionable in recent years to settle divorce cases out of court – through mediation. This alternative method of dispute resolution allows spouses to work out their divorce agreement themselves. With a mediator's supervision, parties negotiate their own terms in a confidential setting, rather than letting a judge dictate the outcome. It's more cost-effective, less stressful, and far less emotionally devastating.

Kessler, who has offices in Chicago, Northfield, and Libertyville, is a highly respected veteran divorce mediator. A past president of the Mediation Council of Illinois, he has focused primarily on mediation for more than fifteen years.

"There are mediators, and there are people who offer mediation, many of whom have minimal training," explains Kessler. "What I am is a professional mediator – it's not something I dabble with. I have much more extensive experience and training." Not only has Kessler developed a mastery of the process; he has also taught classes and given seminars on mediation throughout the U.S. In addition, he participated in the development of the American Bar Association's Model Standards of Practice for Family and Divorce Mediation.

Although he mainly practices divorce mediation, Kessler uses the process to resolve all kinds of commercial and legal conflicts. "It keeps my skills polished," he says. "When you apply mediation in different contexts, it highlights the process itself and challenges the mediator to keep all skills at a state of readiness. It keeps the artistry of it alive."

Kessler sees divorce as a problem-solving challenge that usually doesn't need to involve complicated legal issues. "People feel reassured when they realize that it's a matter of plain old problem-solving," he says. "Many couples try to resolve issues in a legal system designed only to adjudicate. But litigation is a crude implement for family issues. The last thing you need when you divorce is a lawsuit."

Some people think the process wouldn't work for high-conflict cases, but Kessler says that high-conflict divorces actually benefit the most from mediation. "If such a case goes to court, the parties can expect years of horrible emotional and financial struggle with ultimately little to show for it. They can bypass that through mediation. Many clients regret that they didn't try mediation earlier."

With very flexible hours and a relaxed yet professional style, Kessler is always accommodating with his clients. "I have a strong ability to establish trust and rapport with people through listening carefully and letting them know I really am concerned about their issues," he says. With compassion, knowledge, and thorough attention to detail, he sees clients through divorce with as little trauma as possible. Kessler gets the most job satisfaction from "seeing people emerge with a sense of resolution" and views mediation as "an opportunity to help people to retain control of the outcome of their divorce."

"It's never too late to try divorce mediation," Jerald Kessler says. His mastery of the mediation process will save you time, money, and stress by helping you reach an ultimate resolution that works.

Jerald A. Kessler
14047 Petronella Drive, Suite 202B
Libertyville, Illinois 60048
Phone: (847) 367-4500
Fax: (847) 367-9424
Website: www.kesslermediation.com
e-mail: jakessler@igc.org

Jerald Kessler has written the following articles:

FAQs:

• "How long does mediation usually take? Are there ways to speed up the process?"
• "If a divorce involves complex issues, can you still use a mediator?"
• "How can I make more effective use of my attorney if I am mediating my divorce?"