Not only am I on the mediation roster for the Sixth Circuit (including Champaign and Douglas Counties) and the Fourth Circuit (including Shelby County) but I am now on the roster for the Fifth Circuit which includes Coles County, Vermilion County and Edgar County. I’m very passionate about using mediation to help navigate child related issues. I’m also a mediator …
If you are interested in asking Cari a question to be promoted on her YouTube channel or on her podcast, Ag Law Today, please email Cari Rincker at cari@rinckerlaw.com with Ask Cari in the subject line. Your identity will remain anonymous. Cari’s answers are for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
Episode #3 of Ag Law today is now live! I’m talking all things agriculture mediation with Missy Greathouse of the Illinois Agriculture Mediation Program. You can listen to the podcast here. I’m a member of agriculture mediation roster for New York, New Jersey and Illinois. I’m a big believer in mediation (in general) as a dispute resolution mechanism. If you …
Supervised visitation requires the presence of a third party during parenting time. 750 ILCS 5/600(m). This restriction on parenting time can only be imposed after a hearing where the court finds the child’s physical, mental, moral or emotional health is “seriously endangered.” This is not as a strict a restriction of termination of parental rights. Instances where supervised visitation may …
I am very excited to announce that I have recently been appointed on the roster of mediators and child representatives/Guardian ad Litems for the Fourth Circuit in Illinois, which includes my hometown county of Shelbyville. I’m thrilled to be part of the team of professionals helping families navigate conflict. I’m pretty passionate that the courthouse is not the answer to …
The mediator should begin the mediation session with laying a few ground rules. Here are some examples: 1. Explaining his/her role in the process 2. Reminding everyone about confidentiality and how the information used in the mediation is for “settlement purposes” and cannot be used in court 3. Depending on preference, asking the parties to put cellphones on silent or …
Initial Contact. Typically, one person calls the mediator at first and requests a telephonic or in-person consultation. If the initial consultation is given to only one party, then in efforts to stay neutral, private time with the mediator is also offered to the other person. Some mediators choose to charge for the initial consultation. Confidentiality Agreement. During this stage, …
In yesterday’s post, I noted what mediation is NOT. Well, this is what mediation IS: Mediation is a Conversation Put simply, the role of the mediator is to facilitate a conversation between the parties The mediator is not there to listen to testimony like a trial or arbitration. Albeit “heated” at times, a mediation session is conversation focused. Mediation Allows …
When I talk to folks about what mediation is, sometimes is easiest to explain what it is NOT first. I’m going to compare mediation to other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Litigation – Although mediation can be used in disputes between parties who are involved in litigation, the mediator is not acting like a judge, making a decision. Unlike trial, …
I’m happy to announce that I was selected to be in the roster of family law mediators for the Sixth Circuit in Illinois. Specifically, I will be mediating custody and visitation issues (i.e., the allocation of parental responsibilities). The Sixth Circuit includes the following 7 Counties: Macon County, Piatt County, Champaign County, Dewitt County, Douglas County and Moultrie County. I’m …
I will be speaking tomorrow at the crack of down tomorrow morning to the CU Sunrise Rotary Club on mediation. For those of you who are in Central Illinois, I would the support! The presentation is at 6:45am and coffee (and breakfast!) will be provided. Here are my materials for the presentation on mediation available on my JD Supra page …