Center for Divorce Resolution - Chicago

12/09/2025

When you choose CDR to mediate your divorce, you don't just get access to your mediator(s), but you get access to our network of divorce experts across various fields. Whether you need help with estate planning, counseling, or real estate, we have people ready to help.

DM, call, or email us today to set up your consult.

12/02/2025

As we approach the end of 2025, many couples ask: “Should we finalize the divorce before the end of the year or wait until after the new year?” Here are a few reasons why the timing matters:

🧾 1. Tax Filing Implications

Your marital status on December 31 determines how you file your taxes for the entire year. If you finalize your divorce before year-end, you’ll file as “single” (or “head of household” if applicable). Waiting until January means one more year filing jointly.

💰 2. Financial Planning & Bonuses

Year-end often means bonuses, commissions, and investment payouts - all of which can affect marital property division or support calculations. Timing can make a big difference in equitable distribution.

🗓️ 3. Strategic Timing for the New Year

Some people prefer to start the new year with a clean slate - emotionally and legally. Others wait until after the holidays to reduce stress on family gatherings or children. Both strategies have merit depending on your circumstances.

⚖️ 4. Legal & Practical Considerations

Courts often experience holiday slowdowns and early filing deadlines. If you want a hearing or resolution before year-end, you will need to act quickly.

🎯 Bottom Line:
Whether you should finalize before or after December 31 depends on your unique financial, emotional, and family situation. A consultation with an experienced divorce mediator or attorney can help you make the most informed choice.

11/27/2025

To our clients and former clients: thank you for trusting each of us and the Center for Divorce Resolution during what is often one of the most difficult seasons of life. We do not take that trust lightly. It is a real honor to be invited into your story, and we are grateful for the resilience, honesty, and grace you have shown along the way.

To those who have reached out, referred someone, or kept us in mind: thank you. Your support and confidence in our work means more than you probably realize, and we are deeply appreciative.

And to our colleagues and professional partners: thank you for your collaboration, your steady counsel, and the care you bring to the people we serve. We are grateful for the way we work together, and for the standards we hold each other to.

We hope this holiday gives you a moment to breathe, to be with people you love, and to feel supported. And if this season is heavy or complicated, please know you are not alone.

Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you again for being part of the Center for Divorce Resolution community.

Sharon Count and David Fein

11/26/2025

If you are currently asking yourself whether or not you're ready to mediate your divorce, this blog will help guide you through the thought process. One of the greatest benefits of mediation is having a neutral third party who can provide guidance and clarity throughout the process. If you’re feeling uncertain before getting started, we always encourage you to reach out with your questions. We’re here to help you navigate your options with confidence.

Read the full blog now: https://centerfordivorceresolution.com/blog-divorce-mediation/am-i-ready-to-mediate-my-divorce

11/17/2025

Mediation works best when everyone follows shared ground rules. These principles create a safe, respectful space where real progress can happen.

1. Respect the Process: Everyone gets a fair chance to speak - listen actively and avoid interruptions.
2. Confidentiality is Key: What’s said in mediation stays in mediation.
3. Focus on Solutions, Not Blame: Keep the discussion forward-looking and aim for resolution, not confrontation.
4. Speak Honestly and Respectfully: Use “I” statements, not accusations. Honesty builds trust.
5. Stay Open-Minded: Be willing to consider different perspectives and compromise.
6. Let the Mediator Lead: The mediator ensures balance and fairness—trust the process.

11/14/2025

This is a story about how I navigated my first Christmas holiday without the kids. Time does heal. Thank you to Chicago North Shore Moms for this opportunity to share!

This heartfelt piece comes from North Shore mom Sharon Count, who shares her personal story of navigating the first Christmas without her children after divorce.

11/13/2025

While every state may have slightly different rules, a significant change in income may impact child support. However, this change is not automatic and must be requested by either parent in order to initiate the change.

If you want to request a change but also want to avoid the court system, we recommend using mediation to revise your parenting plan. Mediation allows for an expedited request process that can then be filed by the court.

Want to learn more about the process for revisions in mediation? DM, call, or email us today.

11/11/2025

Yes! Even if your divorce was finalized through litigation, you can absolutely use mediation to update or modify your parenting plan.

Before your session, we’ll talk through the specific areas you’d like to revisit. That way, when we meet, we can focus on solution-oriented conversations and work toward a resolution that supports both parents and, most importantly, your child(ren).

11/05/2025

When you work with us, you don't just get access to your mediator(s), you get access to our entire divorce referral network! We are personally aware of how much support you will need, which is why we have assembled a team that is ready to aid in every aspect from real estate to single-parent coaching.

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween from the CDR team! 🎃