What is the cost of divorce mediation?
The cost of mediation is substantially less than an adversarial divorce. There is one mediator who works with both parties rather than each party having an attorney.
Most attorneys require a substantial retainer and charge between $250 to $350 per hour. In an adversarial proceeding discovery is required which is very timely and expensive. Both parties may be subjected to depositions which are stressful and costly. In mediation the parties voluntarily provide the necessary information to the mediator and opposite party.
Although it is recommended that each party have an attorney review the agreement reached in mediation and provide advise regarding the law and the effect of the agreement, it is still substantially less expensive than contested proceedings.
If you feel that your divorce or dissolution can be resolved by mediation, you should contact an experienced mediator who is also an experienced Family Law Attorney. It is important that the mediator have family law experience in order to assist the parties in developing an agreement that is within legal boundaries.