WHY MEDIATION?

The two primary benefits of mediation are: 

(1) Saving money; (2) Protecting yourself and your children from the extent and duration of emotional trauma and turmoil. Each benefit is discussed below: 

Saving Money: A divorce case that is not mediated and involving only financial issues in dispute, typically costs each party minimum attorney’s fees of $5,000.00 to $7,500.00 each. 

If there are custody or parenting issues to be resolved, the fees can easily double and that for a case that ultimately resolves by agreement. A fully litigated case typically runs from $20,000.00 each where there are many financial issues, to $50,000.00 to $100,000.00 or more each in contested custody cases. 

In addition to attorney’s fees for the parties, if the parties cannot agree on a custody and parenting plan, an attorney is typically appointed to serve as a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) to protect and promote the best interests of the children. The GAL usually costs several thousand dollars, all of which must be paid by the parents. 

Minimizing the Trauma of Divorce 

Study upon study has demonstrated that parties who mediate their divorces are far happier with the results of the process than those who litigate. Other studies have demonstrated how destructive high conflict divorces are to the health and well-being of parties and their children. The best reason to mediate is because you deserve it.