Except if there is domestic violence, issues about custody, removal and visitation should be mediated. Spouses mediating custody issues should not migrate to financial issues because court rules provide that the mandatory mediation program is limited to non-financial issues because the mediator (such as a mental health professional) may not be qualified to mediate financial issues. Moreover, financial issues, such as the amount of child support, are generally easy to determine once the issue of custody has been established.

The court or either spouse may order a conciliation conference when it seems there is a chance of reconciliation. [Illinois Complied Statutes Annotated Chapter 5, 402].

Within 60 days after the first meeting with the judge, parents must attend a parenting education class before the court decides a divorce. This class teaches parents ways to avoid hurting their children during the divorce. Both parents must take this class, which is at least four hours long.