Jerald A. Kessler | Professional Mediation

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Jerald A. Kessler | Professional Mediation
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Helping Individuals And Families Across Illinois With Mediation Services For 35 Years

Illinois Estate Lawyer Resolving Estate Disputes With Care And Efficiency

Estate conflicts can affect family relationships and create long-lasting emotional turmoil. Thanks to Illinois estate law, mediation provides a strategic approach to resolving sensitive disputes surrounding wills, inheritance and asset distribution without the need for lengthy court battles. However, these delicate legal challenges require professional navigation that protects family dynamics while helping ensure a fair resolution.

I am attorney Jerry Kessler, a full-time mediator at Jerald A. Kessler Professional Mediation who has spent 35 years assisting clients throughout the North Shore, Chicagoland and all of Illinois. As a well-seasoned mediator who has been included in the Super Lawyers list, I offer a compassionate and practical approach to resolving estate conflicts.

What Are The Benefits Of Mediation In Illinois Estate Law Disputes?

My focus is solely on mediation, helping ensure clients receive crucial guidance through even the most emotionally charged disputes. You can trust me to be well-versed in mediation, which provides several advantages over traditional litigation for resolving estate disputes:

  • Reduced emotional stress: It encourages open dialogue and mutual understanding, which lessens the emotional toll on all parties involved.
  • Lower costs: Mediation is typically more affordable than litigation. My “pay-as-you-go” fee structure eliminates the need for costly retainers, making mediation accessible to more families.
  • Quicker resolution: While lawsuits can drag on for months or even years, mediation often resolves disputes in days or weeks.
  • Privacy: Unlike court proceedings, which are part of the public record, mediation sessions are confidential, protecting sensitive family matters.
  • Flexible solutions: Asset distribution mediation allows for creative agreements tailored to the unique needs of each family, offering outcomes that a courtroom cannot provide.

As you can see, mediation is not just an alternative to litigation but is often the more favorable choice for resolving disputes over estates and wills. However, it is normal to be uncertain whether mediation is the right path for your situation. A skilled Illinois estate lawyer can go over your options clearly and explain how mediation might benefit your family. By taking advantage of my legal experience in resolving will conflicts, families can address their concerns collaboratively, preserving relationships and fostering cooperation.

How Is Mediation Executed In Estate And Will Disputes?

The Illinois estate law mediation process is designed to be straightforward and collaborative. This goal can be achieved through:

  • Selection of a mediator: Parties agree on a neutral third party to guide the discussion. As a seasoned mediator, I bring decades of experience to help families navigate sensitive issues.
  • Initial meeting: During the first session, I clarify the goals of both parties, establish ground rules and create an agenda to help ensure productive discussions.
  • Facilitated discussions: As the mediator, I interpret concerns, frame issues and assist in finding common ground. My role includes relaying information, managing emotions and keeping discussions focused.
  • Reaching an agreement: Once both parties agree on a resolution, I help draft a settlement agreement that reflects their decisions and can be legally binding if needed.

Throughout the process, my focus remains on empowering families to make decisions that work for everyone involved. My estate dispute resolution approach combines legal experience with compassionate communication, creating an environment where constructive dialogue can flourish.

Start Resolving Your Estate Dispute Today

Navigating disputes over wills and estates requires a calm, impartial perspective and a focus on solutions that benefit everyone. That is why I chose to dedicate my career to helping families across Illinois resolve conflicts peacefully and effectively.

With the convenience of Zoom, you can participate in mediation from the comfort of your home, helping ensure accessibility for all parties. Call my Libertyville, North Shore and Chicagoland offices at 847-367-4500 or email me to schedule a consultation and begin the path toward resolution. Together, we can achieve the best legal outcomes that honor your loved ones’ wishes and protect family relationships.