July 1, 2010 - Illinois County Court Launches Foreclosure Mediation Program

The circuit court in Will County, Illinois, launched a foreclosure mediation program in June. According to The Lincoln-Way Sun, mediation services will be available to homeowners facing foreclosure who meet certain eligibility requirements. For example, they must be employed and currently live in the home being foreclosed. If a homeowner requests mediation, the lender would be required to participate. The program is being funded by a $150 foreclosure filing fee.

Click here for the full Lincoln-Way Sun article.

May 4, 2010 - Chicago Court Launches Foreclosure Mediation Program

The Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, launched a foreclosure mediation program this week. Cook County serves Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. Under the program, homeowners who receive foreclosure summons are given the option of meeting with a housing counselor, who will work with them to identify possible alternatives to foreclosure. According to the program's website, homeowners then meet with an attorney to "discuss the housing counselor's recommendations and prepare for a court date that will determine whether the foreclosure case can be mediated with the lender."

Visit the program's website for more information.

April 7, 2010 - Latest Edition of Analyzing the Alternatives Published Online

The Winter/Spring 2010 edition of Analyzing the Alternatives is now available online. The cover story for this edition discusses RSI's Model Forms Project, an initiative RSI has undertaken with the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution to create professional evaluation forms for use in court mediation programs. The newsletter also reviews efforts in Cook County, Illinois to create a foreclosure mediation programs. This edition announces the launch of RSI's blog and social networking pages on Facebook and LinkedIn, and introduces RSI's newest Executive Committee member, Frances Kao, a partner at the international law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.

Click here to read the full newsletter.