An Illinois Mediation Order is a court-ordered process in which a mediator, who is a neutral third-party, helps two parties come to an agreement on matters such as child custody, visitation, parenting time, support payments, and other family law issues. The mediator facilitates a discussion between the two parties, and helps them reach a resolution without going to trial. There are two types of Illinois Mediation Orders: Mandatory Mediation Orders and Voluntary Mediation Orders. Mandatory Mediation Orders are court-ordered when a family law dispute cannot be agreed upon between the parties in court, and the court orders the parties to attend a mediation session in order to resolve the dispute. Voluntary Mediation Orders are when both parties agree to attend a mediation session to resolve the dispute.