What is Divorce Mediation?
Mediation is a process where a neutral third party helps separating couples reach agreements on issues like parenting, support, and property division. The mediator doesn't make decisions—they facilitate productive discussions.
Benefits of Mediation
- Significantly less expensive than litigation
- Faster resolution (months vs years)
- More control over outcomes
- Less adversarial—better for co-parenting
- Confidential process
- Flexible scheduling
When Mediation May Not Work
- History of domestic violence or abuse
- Significant power imbalances
- Hidden assets or dishonesty
- One party refuses to participate in good faith
- Urgent safety concerns
Frequently Asked Questions
Private mediators typically charge $150-400 per hour, with most divorces taking 10-20 hours total ($1,500-$8,000).