+ Why mediation for my divorce or family dispute?

Plain and simple: you both control the outcome. You are in the driver's seat as you create an agreement that makes sense for the daily needs of your family (and you are not relying on someone else to make these determinations).

+ What is family/divorce mediation?

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution. The mediation space includes the individuals seeking mediation and the mediator. The mediator’s role is to help the participants identify their own underlying interests and needs, facilitating movement toward a mutually agreeable and beneficial resolution of the dispute(s). The mediator is a neutral and impartial individual.

+ What is the value of family/divorce mediation? What are the packages offered?

Mediation provides a tremendous value to families. Instead of both sides spending thousands of dollars in litigation, you often pay a fraction of the cost. Ragen Mediation offers (3) distinct packages created with your needs in mind.

Package 1- $300 Includes (1) 15-minute pre-mediation session, (2) mediation sessions (virtual or in-person), unlimited calls & emails during the duration of ongoing mediation, and (1) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to reflect the agreement reached. If additional sessions are needed beyond the (2), each additional session will be charged at the rate of $150/hour.

Package 2- $400 Includes (1) 15-minute pre-mediation session, up to (4) mediation sessions (virtual or in-person), unlimited calls & emails during the duration of ongoing mediation, and (1) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to reflect the agreement reached. If additional sessions are needed beyond the (4), each additional session will be charged at the rate of $100/hour.

Package 3- $550 Includes (1) 15- minute pre-mediation session, up to (6) mediation sessions (virtual or in-person), unlimited calls & emails during the duration of ongoing mediation, and (1) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to reflect the agreement reached. If additional sessions are needed beyond the (6), each additional session will be charged at the rate of $100/hour.

*Sliding scale options available to those who qualify.

Beyond controlling the outcome, moving at your own pace, and going through a less stressful process, mediation just makes pure financial sense.

+ Who does Ragen Mediation, LLC work with?

We work with families who choose mediation because they want what is best for their children. You both may not agree on every detail (why you came to mediation in the first place!), but you are committed to the negotiation process; a process that involves flexibility, creativity, and patience. Ragen Mediation, LLC also works with court-appointed individuals. We work with individuals from all over central Illinois, including (but not limited to!) the following cities and their surrounding areas: Bloomington-Normal, Peoria, Clinton, and Champaign-Urbana.

+ What is the process of working with Ragen Mediation, LLC?

First, please reach out! You can fill out the form under "Contact" on this website or email Kelly directly at kelly@ragenmediation.com. After reaching out, Kelly will send you both the pre-mediation screen questionnaire to complete. After this is completed, we will schedule your 15-minute pre-mediation appointment. You will be able to ask any questions at this appointment and Kelly will go over the mediation process. The next step is selecting the package that works best for you and making payment for that package. Once that is completed, we mediate!

+ We agree on a lot, can we still use mediation?

Sure! The process is typically still beneficial and Ragen Mediation, LLC. can draft the memorandum of understanding (MOU) for you. This situation may be a good fit for our first package.

+ Is mediation good for everyone?

While many (if not most) benefit from mediation, mediation is not always the best option for every situation. This is why we provide an initial screen to help us determine, as early as possible, what may or may not be a good fit.

+ I/We prefer virtual mediations, is this an option?

Virtual mediations have become widely popular and many find them to be just as effective, and even more comfortable. Our mediator has been trained in virtual mediations and is happy to provide this offering. Many prefer virtual mediations in general as it is accommodating and comfortable. Instead of coming to an office, you can mediate from the comfort of your home (even in your pajamas!) without the other parent in the room. In-person mediations are available to those who reside in central Illinois.

+ We have been ordered to mediation by a court. Can we use your services?

Every jurisdiction has their own rules on who can mediate their court-ordered mediation. Ms. Ragen is approved for court-ordered mediation in the Sixth and Eleventh Judicial Circuits of Illinois which include the following: McLean county, Logan county, Ford county, Livingston county, Woodford county, Macon county, Piatt county, Champaign county, Dewitt county, Douglas county and Moultrie county. If you are outside of these counties, please check with an attorney in your jurisdiction to advise as to who you can use if you are seeking cout-ordered services.

+ I/We have not been ordered by a court to mediate. Can I still use your services?

Absolutely! Many families seek mediation before heading to divorce or family litigation. These are often termed "private" mediations. A large portion of Ms. Ragen's mediations are "private". Please check out the blog section to read further on the differences between private and court-ordered mediation.

+ Can you provide us legal advice, file in court, or provide any legal services?

Absolutely not! I am not your attorney and as a mediator, I do not advocate for either side. You are both free to hire your own attorneys throughout the process. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) will be completed by me, however I do not file the MOU in court, nor do I e-file the MOU.

+ What about the mediator’s availability? I am worried because I have a very busy schedule.

Ragen Mediation, LLC offers both in-person and virtual divorce and family mediations on weeknights and weekends. Appointment times occur after 5:45 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Appointment times occur after 4:30 pm on Wednesdays. There are also appointment times available on Saturday and Sunday.

+I live in Central Illinois. Do you offer in-person mediation?

Yes! We offer in-person mediations at our Normal office by appointment only (no walk-ins). We are located at 706 Oglesby Ave. Normal, Illinois. Free parking on site. Mail is received at: 1900 E. College Ave. Suite A #160 Normal, Il 61761.

Live a bit further south of Blo-No? We can arrange to meet in the Clinton, Illinois and Heyworth, Illinois areas. Contact Kelly to discuss options for meeting in southern McLean County and DeWitt County.