ADR Systems is proud to share that our senior mediator and arbitrator, Hon. Helaine L. Berger, (Ret.), was recently featured in the August/September 2025 issue of Chicago Lawyer. The article, “Across the Table,” explores couples and family business mediations and includes Judge Berger’s insights into the growing trend of “gray divorces” — cases in which long-time, older partners decide to end their marriages.

Drawing on her 19 years of experience in the Cook County Circuit Court’s Domestic Relations Division, Judge Berger explains the unique challenges these mediations present, from the emotional weight of late-in-life separation to the complexities of dividing pensions and retirement assets. She underscores the importance of creative problem-solving and careful attention to financial detail, as well as the value of mediation in helping parties move forward with dignity and certainty.

Judge Berger’s perspective reflects ADR Systems’ commitment to thoughtful, tailored dispute resolution that meets the needs of each unique case.

Read the full Chicago Lawyer article.

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Hon. Helaine L. Berger, (Ret.) is an experienced litigator who tried cases in Criminal, Chancery, Law and Domestic Relations before serving as a judge in Cook County’s Domestic Relations Division for 19 years. She has been active in the legal community, including Chair of the CBA’s Fee Committee and President of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois. Judge Berger concentrates her practice in family law and is flexible and creative in her approach. She has helped ADR Systems launch an innovative fast track mediation program for family law cases.

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