Frequently Asked Questions about Divorce Mediation

• How much does mediation cost?

 

Mediations are by and large far less expensive than a "traditionally" litigated divorce.  A mediated divorce generally costs $6-8,000 in total while a more traditionally handled divorce can cost $15-25,000 and up, depending on the complexity of the case.  I typically make $1,000-3,000 per mediation, with the balance of the expenses going to attorneys, the court and experts.

 

In a mediated divorce, the parties are paying the mediator to assist the parties in coming to a settlement.  The costs in a mediated divorce also may include retaining review/advising attorneys, experts (like accountants, appraisers), filings, etc.  In a traditional divorce, both parties are each paying attorneys to go through all the information and prepare a "case" for their client.  This "case" usually does not result in a quick resolution, as the other party has a case too.

 

Where you save the money in mediating a divorce is in not paying two attorneys to work fully on your case.  The mediator works out all of the issues while the attorneys review the final document (the memorandum of understanding), create the property settlement agreement and make the filings with the court.

 

The costs paid to the mediator and any experts are generally shared equally between the spouses unless a different arrangement is made in advance.

 

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