+ Why mediation for my divorce or family dispute?

You both are living the daily reality of your parenting plan or divorce result,so why not it be both you and the other parent intentionally creating it? If you both communicate pretty well, and have similar goals (but of course have differences, too-that is the whole point of mediation!), and put your children as the first priority, we would love to meet with you!

+ What is family/divorce mediation?

It is made up of the mediator (Ragen Mediation, LLC) and you and the other partner/parent. We discuss any concerns or issues that are present or might come up in the future, and then we draft a document that reflects your agreement. We are neutral, impartial and facilitate the discussion toward a hopeful resolution.

+ 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- $500 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 $170/hour.

Package 2- $750 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 $160/hour.

Package 3- $900 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 $150/hour.

Total costs are NOT per person-it is per couple mediating.

*Sliding scale options may be 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.

+ Can you tell me more about your coaching services?

I work as a coach to help you feel empowered in the divorce or mediation process. We curate a coaching plan that best fits your needs. Inquire for more information and pricing.

+ Who does Ragen Mediation, LLC work with?

We work with low to moderate conflict divorcing families. We DO NOT work with high-conflict. *We no longer accept court-appointed cases. We work with families who hire us outside of the court process. While many clients are in the central Illinois area, you do not have to be local to work with us! We meet virtually over Zoom.

+ 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?

We no longer accept court appointments. We typically work with clients who are wanting to mediate before they start the court process.

+ 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?

In-person mediations are available on a case-by-case basis. In-person mediations may require additional costs for gas/travel.