Need help reaching an agreement on one or more issues? Usually, you can get there without a lawyer via mediation. During divorce mediation, you and your partner meet with a mediator (an impartial third party) to work through your disagreements and develop equitable divorce terms. Expect to pay between $3,000 and $8,000 for a service like this (usually far less than lawyer fees).
The type of mediation you choose impacts your cost. A private mediation process with an experienced professional is your most expensive option. Community-based mediators charge much less.
The complexity of your case (how many children you have, how much property you own, how much you disagree, and more) can also impact your cost. The simpler your scenario, the less you'll pay.
Divorce mediation is a short-term process that can help you settle disagreements without engaging in lengthy court battles.
Some states require mediation, especially if couples can't agree on custody decisions. But other couples use this process to help them save money on lawyers. If they can decide matters in mediation, their cases will move faster.
While mediation can save you money, it can also be relatively expensive if you cannot work things out and end up needing several sessions.
In California, mediation experts can charge as little as $150 per hour or as much as $1,000 per hour. The more complex your situation and the more rancorous your relationship, the more you’ll spend on experts to help you untangle the mess.
Many different professionals and groups offer divorce mediation. The person you choose to help you settle the terms of ending your marriage, and the type of fees they can charge, can dramatically affect your bill.
Private mediators are attorneys, counselors, or financial analysts who work with divorcing couples. They set their own rates based on demand and expertise.
Your private mediator might charge you in these ways:
Professionals like this can charge almost anything they like. And the more experience they have in helping divorcing clients, the more they might demand from you.
Find a partner like this through a web search. Most organizations have websites and social media accounts, so you can locate them quickly. If you have a divorce attorney, that professional may have recommendations too.
Some states, including California, offer mediation through the court system. The state picks up some of the fees, which could save you money.
If you live in California, choosing a partner mediator means paying just $150 per hour for the first 2 hours of help. You'll spend more if you can't resolve your issues during this conversation. Find a California court-sponsored mediator here.
Some people are leery of using court-sponsored options, but they can't afford private services. Community mediation could be a good option.
Community mediators charge on a sliding scale to help families in need. They're often in high demand due to their low cost, so prepare to wait for an appointment to open. But if you can secure this type of help, you'll save a lot of money.
The National Association for Community Mediation maintains a searchable list for couples. You could also ask your divorce lawyer for advice about community-based options.
Crafting a divorce budget is hard when you're working with per-hour arrangements. A mediation package is different. You meet with an organization and pay one fee for your entire divorce mediation package.
Two typical types of packages exist:
Don’t think of your package fees as final if you're on a strict budget. Plan for the worst case in that scenario. If you get into negotiations with your spouse and things go terribly wrong, you could expect to pay more.
Companies offering mediation packages are also easy to find with a web search. Just remember to find someone close to you. While some offer mediation via tools like Zoom, others require in-person sessions.
