Illinois Lawyer Referrals and Legal Guidance
Reconciliation in Illinois
Sometimes, as couples move through the divorce process, they have second thoughts and decide to try to work things out. In Illinois, judges have the authority to refer couples to marriage counselors when the couple decides they want to try to reconcile. This is called a ‘conciliation conference’ and is essentially a counseling session. Either party may also request that the court order a conciliation conference.
In some counties, including Cook County, the courts have Reconciliation Calendars, where the parties agree in writing to suspend the divorce proceedings for one year while they attempt to reconcile. During the one year period, no progress in the case is required by the court. Any court orders, such as child support orders, remain in effect but the enforcement of those orders is suspended. If during the one year suspension period, either party decides that it isn’t working, they may request that the case be removed from the Reconciliation Calendar and proceed through the system to a settlement or a trial. If no action is taken during the one-year period, the case will be dismissed, unless one party requests the court not do so.
In some situations, one party wants to reconcile and the other wants a divorce. The reality is that if you want a divorce you will get it sooner or later. However, if you want to reconcile you can often get the Judge to force mediation or counseling and if you can afford it., very often the process can be delayed. Sometimes that’s enough to get a couple back together, other times it’s not.
Like any other family law issue, it is important that you be goal focused and communicate with your attorney what you want to do. Believe it or not, we have seen some clients whose previous lawyers were so poor at communicating that the client was afraid to say that they didn’t want the divorce anymore. Speak up and work to meet your goals.
If you have any questions about Illinois family law or would like a referral to an experienced Illinois divorce lawyer please do not hesitate to contact us. All inquiries are free and confidential.
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