Divorce Mediation 101

Divorce mediation is becoming increasingly popular for couples that wish to amenably end their relationships. Nearly a quarter million people use mediation for divorce yearly in the US.  A divorce mediation attorney acts as an unbiased third party, which allows for easier negotiation.  Mediation is often less expensive than litigation, and leaves both parties feeling as though they have successfully settled their divorce, rather than haven been taken advantage of by their ex-spouse.

In the US, divorce is a 28 billion-dollar a year industry, with the average divorce costing about $20,000.  Attorney and court fees can soar if a settlement cannot be arranged in a timely manner.  Mediations can be a short as a few weeks, or one to two meetings. Mediation costs can be split between both parties, where as litigation usually results in each partner hiring their own lawyer.

Court systems can be taxing on a divorcing couple’s emotions. Divorce mediation allows couples to tell both sides of the story, which is often not the case in the courts.  The mediation and settlements are voluntary, therefore less controversial.  The mediation is also confidential, and there will be no public record of the arguments, or court proceedings as there is in divorce.