How Much Does Divorce Mediation Cost

Learn how much divorce mediators charge on average and what factors can affect the cost of your divorce.

Private Divorce Mediation Costs

The cost of private mediation ranged from $3,000 to $8,000. The cost of a private mediator or mediation service varies depending on a number of factors, but the overall cost is normally between $3,000 and $8,000. (usually divided with your spouse).

Divorce is nearly usually a painful experience. However, it does not always have to be a protracted court struggle that causes further emotional and financial distress. Many couples have discovered that divorce mediation may assist them in deciding how to handle the practical aspects of their divorce, such as dividing their property and debts, child custody and visitation, child support, and alimony, in a way that reduces tension and promotes collaboration. It may also assist them in reducing the cost of divorce.

How Mediation Affects Divorce Costs

Couples who go through successful mediation—that is, mediation that results in a settlement agreement on all of the problems in a divorce—can avoid the high costs of a typical, combative divorce. People who mediate a divorce settlement are also less likely to go back to court after the divorce to request adjustments, such as a custody modification, according to research, which adds even more expenditure.

But how much does mediation itself set you back? That question does not have a clear response. The cost of divorce mediation, like the entire cost of divorce, is determined by a number of factors, which we’ll discuss below. The main price difference, however, is determined by which of the three major forms of mediation you use:

Mediation can be private, court-sponsored, or community-based.

The cost of a private mediator is higher than that of court-sponsored or community mediation. Private mediation, on the other hand, is more likely to result in a comprehensive resolution of all concerns in your divorce, which could save you money in the long run.

The Price of Divorce Mediation in a Private Setting

You and your spouse will choose and pay a neutral, trained mediator in private divorce mediation. You could also use a divorce mediation agency, which would assign you a mediator (more on that below). Rather than making decisions for you (as a judge would) or advocating for one side or the other (as your lawyers would), the mediator will work with you to find solutions to the challenges in your divorce that you can both agree on. (Learn more about how divorce mediation works.)

The overall cost of private divorce mediation is usually between $3,000 and $8,000, however it might vary depending on the circumstances. If you and your spouse split the expense 50/50, as most couples do, each of you will pay between $1,500 and $4,000 on average.

The cost of mediation is determined by two factors: the mediator’s rate (typically hourly or by the session) and the number of hours of mediation required to reach an agreement on the problems in your case. As we’ll see below, there are other components that go into each of these basic ingredients.

Rates for Attorney-Mediators

The hourly rates for an attorney divorce mediator ranged from $250 to $500.
The hourly prices paid by divorce mediators who are also attorneys vary widely, based on the lawyers’ experience, specialized training, and geographic location.

Rates of non-attorney mediators

The hourly rates for non-attorney mediators ranged from $100 to $350. Non-attorney divorce mediators typically charge less than attorneys, however hourly charges vary depending on qualification, training, experience, and location.

Packages for Divorce Mediation

After an initial examination of your case, some private mediators or mediation agencies will charge a set rate. In some areas, there are also companies that offer flat-rate packages for divorce mediation services without requiring an assessment of your circumstances. In most circumstances, the cost of either sort of flat-rate package is between $4,000 and $5,500, though it can be more in complicated cases. Mediation packages may offer varying levels of service or features, so pay attention to the fine print when comparing prices. Some services charge a flat fee for an infinite amount of mediation hours, while others have a limit (with an extra hourly charge if further sessions are needed). Others, following a free initial consultation, will quote a flat charge that is relevant to your case. Some services use family law attorney mediators, while others use non-legal mediators, or a combination of the two.
Preparing a formal settlement agreement and/or completing other divorce forms may or may not be included in the package.

Source: https://collaborativedivorcetexas.com/steps-telling-spouse-want-divorce/