The Illinois Order of Referral-Court annexed Mediation (IOR-CAM) is an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process used by the courts in the state of Illinois. It is a voluntary process in which parties to a dispute are assisted by a neutral mediator in finding a resolution without the need for a trial. The IOR-CAM is used for civil, family, and probate cases that are pending in the circuit court or appellate court in Illinois. It is typically used in cases involving divorce, child custody and support, and other family law matters. The IOR-CAM process begins with a court order of referral to mediation. The parties must agree to participate in the mediation process, and the court will appoint a mediator qualified by the court. The mediator facilitates communication between the parties and helps them reach an agreement. The mediator does not impose a decision or settlement on the parties, and the parties are free to accept or reject any proposed settlement. If the parties agree to a settlement, the mediator will draft a written agreement that both parties must sign. There are two different types of IOR-CAM: private and court-coerced. In private mediation, the parties voluntarily agree to participate in the mediation process, and the court is not involved in the process. In court-coerced mediation, the court orders the parties to participate in mediation, and the court is involved in monitoring the progress of the mediation. The IOR-CAM is a helpful tool for parties to resolve their disputes without the need for a trial. It helps reduce court costs, allows parties to tailor a resolution to their specific needs, and provides a private setting for the parties to communicate and work towards a resolution.