Divorce can be very expensive, especially if it gets messy. Here is everything you need to know about the cost of divorce mediation in California.
No two couples will face the same costs for divorce or mediation. While the average cost of an amicable mediation is $5,000, that price can rise depending on location. Most mediators charge hourly or per session, meaning that the more time that it takes to come up with an agreement, the more money a couple will end up spending on mediation. While it may seem smart to hire a cheaper, non-legal mediator, that can often leave couples upset with the outcome of the divorce agreement as those mediators tend to get the job done quickly rather than correctly.
Related: Divorce Mediation in California: What You Need to Know
The Cost of a Mediator in California
No divorce cases are the same, and therefore no two divorce cases cost the same. The fees for mediation are calculated by the hour, so couples need to determine how many sessions they think is the right amount of time for them to come to an agreement without breaking the bank.
The average cost of an amicable mediation is $5,000, not including the costs of divorce consultants and other attorneys. Most mediation cases cost between $4,000 and $8,000. However, in Los Angeles County, it can cost up to 10 times as much. It is important to keep in mind though that litigation (deciding divorce agreements through the court) can be 3 times more expensive.
The more sessions couples need to come up with a divorce agreement, the more mediation will cost. There are certain aspects of married life that will naturally take a longer time to come to an agreement on and will therefore naturally increase mediation costs. These aspects include children, shared property, shared businesses, and assets and debts.
How the mediator is paid is up to the couple. Generally, mediators ask that the money come out of a joint account or each spouse pays half.
The Cost of Non-Attorney Mediation Services
Some businesses advertise divorce mediation and legal document services for much lower rates than what someone would typically pay when hiring an attorney as their mediator. It is very important for couples to know that even though these services may be cheaper, they are often provided by non-legal professionals or paralegals who are focused on getting the job done quickly rather than correctly. While it is smart for couples to explore all of their options while searching for a mediator, hiring someone who is not an attorney could result in an ultimately unsatisfying divorce agreement.
FAQs About Mediation in California Divorce and Its Cost
What if we can’t reach an agreement or resolve our matter?
Mediation does not work for everyone. Some couples try to work out the agreement of their divorce through mediation and they just cannot do it. These situations are more common than one might think, and there is no shame in agreeing that meditation is not the solution and attempting to try litigation. This trial and error is important, but will eventually up the cost of the divorce. Couples will still have to pay mediators even if they do not reach an agreement, and will then have to pay even more to solve everything through litigation. Mediation is a cost-effective way for people who feel like they could amicably resolve a marriage, however, those couples that are not able to reach an agreement will end up paying more than they would have if they had just gone with the litigation route.
Related: What Happens If Divorce Mediation Is Unsuccessful?
Should I consult an attorney in mediation?
Yes, people should always consult an attorney while in mediation because a mediator is a neutral third party and cannot give legal advice. Consulting a divorce attorney is the key to ensuring that an individual’s rights are protected and that their primary goals are achieved. This will increase the cost of the divorce, but it should not increase mediation costs.
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If you have any more questions on the cost of divorce mediation in California, contact us. Get your free consultation with one of our experienced Divorce Mediation Attorneys to discuss your unique legal situation.