What are the costs?

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Mediation provides a low cost alternative to the high costs of traditional divorce litigation. It is unfortunate that one has to concern themselves with finances while dealing with the other stresses of a divorce. However, everyone going through a divorce is concerned with finances both with the costs associated with the divorce and preserving their assets for themselves and their children.

Mediation is affordable by almost everyone. The first step is contacting a mediator to help. Most Mediators divide the Divorce Mediation process into two segments the first part is a series of meetings held to determine the issues, and your mediator assists in finding resolution.

Typically, the cost of a mediator is based on a per hour charge for mediation sessions. The fee for the Mediation sessions is divided between the two parties or community funds can be used. The number of mediation session hours necessary depends on the complexity of the issues and the personalities of the parties involved. However, as a general rule almost all cases can be settled in between four and twenty hours of mediation time.

After all necessary issues have been resolved; the second part of divorce mediation involves the preparation of documents for the Court. Most Mediators charge a flat fee for this service. This fee usually includes the document preparation, copies, phone calls, notarization of documents, delivery of documents to the court and meetings with the clients. Again the clients split this fee.

There may also be other costs involved in dissolving a marriage, some of which are unavoidable such as court costs. Court costs may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction but almost always involve a few hundred dollars. Also, some parties may have their martial settle agreement reviewed by their attorney, accountant and /or financial advisor. Sometimes parties agree to use an appraiser to set the value of property or a business. It may also be necessary to use an outside expert to divide a pension plan. Whatever your particular situation may be, a Mediator will always be willing to discuss various options the fully disclose all costs involved.

For Divorce Mediation:

$350.00 per/hour for the mediation sessions.

$300.00 Initial Filing Fee

$2,700.00 for preparation and processing of all legal forms and for the drafting and revision of the Marital Settlement Agreement.

 

For Civil Mediation:

$350.00 per/hour split equally between the parties - two hour deposit required.

$300.00 Non-refundable administration fee per party.