Saving Money

Separation and divorce can be outrageously expensive.  A litigated divorce, when each person hires an attorney to advocate for their interests, averages $25,000, and cases that actually go to court may run many times higher than that.

A collaborative divorce, in which each person's attorney works towards resolution with the couple, and uses financial advisors, coaches, and other experts, will still cost $5,000 at the very least.

At Family Mediation Services, the average cost is $2,000 ---for a complete mediation for couples with custody (parenting), financial, property, as well as support issues.  The cost varies depending upon many factors, including the complexity of your situation, the extent of agreement or disagreement, and your willingness to do the necessary  "homework."

This cost, which can be split between the parties, includes all the sessions and the  writing of a memorandum detailing your precise agreement. One of the ways Family Mediation Services keeps the costs down for you is by charging you only for in-person session time, no fees for drafting your memorandum or summarizing financial information (with a 4 hour minimum of session time). 

Even if, as recommended, attorneys provide legal advice, review your agreement, and use it as the basis for a document written in legal language, you will not be spending a huge amount of your hard earned money at a time when you can least afford to do so.