Erin Birt, JD, CADC

ADR Experience

I have been a mediator since 2004, helping families resolve conflicts with practical, efficient, and respectful solutions. Over the course of my career, I have successfully mediated 600+ matters, specializing in parenting and divorce mediation. My approach emphasizes minimizing court involvement while addressing the unique needs of each family.

Key Areas of Expertise

• Mediation: Crafting child-centered parenting plans that promote cooperation and long-term stability. Facilitating equitable financial resolutions, including asset division, spousal maintenance, and child support.
• Resolution-Focused Divorce: Utilizing the Restorative Divorce® process to help families transition with clarity and respect.
• Co-Parenting Skills Development: Assisting parents in building effective communication strategies for smoother collaboration.

Professional Highlights

• Restorative Divorce® Creator: Developed and trademarked a mediation process focused on minimizing conflict and empowering families to work toward positive resolutions.
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC): Brings a unique perspective to cases involving substance use or emotional challenges, ensuring sensitive and effective mediation strategies.
• Extensive Courtroom Knowledge: With over 20 years of family law experience, I understand the complexities of litigation, which informs my ability to guide families toward out-of-court resolutions.

Notable Achievements

• Successfully mediated complex parenting and financial disputes, including high-conflict cases.
• Recognized for balancing compassion and practicality in ADR settings.
• Committed to ongoing professional development in family mediation and conflict resolution techniques.

Commitment to ADR

My mission is to provide families with a supportive, respectful environment to address disputes and find sustainable solutions. I am:

1. A member and board member of the Mediation Council of Illinois.
2. A mediation skills trainer for various Illinois bar associations and guest trainer at the Mosten Guthrie Mediation Training.
3. Dedicated to achieving 40+ hours of continuing education each year in family law, divorce mediation, and substance abuse counseling.

Whether through in-person or virtual mediation sessions, I focus on helping clients move forward with confidence and clarity.

Approach

At the heart of my practice is the Restorative Divorce® process, a trademarked approach designed to minimize court involvement and foster constructive solutions for families navigating divorce. This process combines my legal expertise with a family-centered perspective to address both the emotional and practical aspects of separation.

How Restorative Divorce® Works:

1. Individualized Guidance: Each family’s needs are unique, and I tailor mediation sessions to address specific parenting, financial, and emotional goals.
2. Conflict De-Escalation: By creating a supportive environment, I help families navigate difficult conversations with respect and clarity, ensuring that all voices are heard.
3. Future-Focused Resolutions: The process emphasizes creating agreements that are practical, equitable, and sustainable for the long term.

Core Principles of Restorative Divorce®:

1. Clarity: Clear communication and step-by-step guidance help families reduce uncertainty and stress.
2. Respect: Sessions are designed to foster mutual respect and understanding, even in challenging circumstances.
3. Efficiency: The process streamlines decision-making, saving time and resources compared to court litigation.
4. Child-Centered Solutions: Prioritizing the well-being of children ensures agreements that promote stability and long-term success.

A Better Way Forward:

With over 20 years of experience, I have seen firsthand the toll traditional litigation can take on families. The Restorative Divorce® process offers an alternative—a practical and compassionate way to address disputes, preserve relationships, and create a positive foundation for the future.

Whether through virtual or in-person mediation, my approach focuses on guiding families toward resolutions that meet their unique needs and empower them to move forward with confidence.

Education

1. Juris Doctor (JD)
   DePaul University College of Law
   Graduated in 2003, focusing on family law and alternative dispute resolution.
2. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Medical Anthropology
   Case Western Reserve University
   Graduated in 2000, studying the intersection of culture, health, and human behavior.
3. Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
   College of DuPage
   Completed certification in 2010, providing specialized skills to support clients facing substance-related challenges.
4. Mediation Training
   College of DuPage
   Completed comprehensive mediation training in 2004, equipping me to facilitate effective conflict resolution.