Marriage is something that is considered a lifetime commitment, but sometimes relationships don’t work out and divorce becomes necessary. According to Forbes, back in 2021, there were a total of 689,308 divorces occurred across the 45 states of the United States. With the same year having 1.9 million marriages, it’s easy to see that divorce is becoming more and more common.
It’s not surprising to many that the cost of divorce can be quite high. Not only are there emotional costs associated with a divorce, but also financial costs as well. The average cost of divorce can be anywhere between $15,000 to $20,000.
However, with the right approach, you can save costs on your divorce. Divorce mediation is an option that couples can take to help resolve conflicts in an amicable and cost-effective way. While there are those that are hesitant to try mediation, the truth is that it can be a great way to save money during your divorce process.
How Much Does Divorce Mediation Cost?
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between $3,000 to $10,000 when you hire private divorce mediators in Long Island. However, there are still other expenses to consider such as filing fees, court costs, and attorney’s fees. But the good thing is that divorce mediation cost is lower than having your divorce go to court.
Who Pays for Divorce Mediation?
In a normal setting, both parties will share the costs of divorce mediation. However, depending on the state you are in and the specifics of your situation, one party may be liable for the full cost or a larger portion than the other.
It’s important to discuss this with your mediator to make sure that you understand who is responsible for paying fees associated with the process.
How Do Divorce Mediators Charge for Their Services?
In general, there are two types of fees that divorce mediators may charge.
- One is a flat fee that covers the entire mediation process and another is an hourly rate which can be anywhere from $100-$400+ per hour.
- The hourly rate is usually preferred if the mediation process takes longer than expected or involves more complex issues.
The hourly rate can be based on whether the mediator is an attorney or another kind of professional. For an attorney acting as your mediator, you can expect to pay $250 to $500 per hour as opposed to a psychologist or mediator with specialized training who may charge $100 to $350 per hour.
When choosing a divorce mediator, make sure to ask upfront about their fees and any other associated costs that you may not have considered.
What Other Factors Affect the Cost of Divorce Mediation?
Charging you a flat rate for divorce mediation service doesn’t mean that they have a fixed cost. The costs of the process can still vary depending on a few factors such as:
Length of the mediation process
Since every case is different, the length of the process can vary. Most cases take a couple of months but it can be longer if both parties are not willing to compromise or if the issue is more complex.
The number of sessions required
A divorce mediator usually charges per session which means that the total cost can depend on the number of sessions that are needed to resolve the issues.
Complexity
Child custody, division of assets, and other complex issues can add to the cost of mediation since they require more time and effort from both parties as well as the mediator.
Location
The location of the mediation can also affect the cost. Some states have laws that regulate how much mediators can charge for their services which can lead to different costs depending on where you are. Also, take into account additional expenses such as gas or parking if you need to travel to the location.
How Can You Save Money on Divorce Mediation?
Not everyone is capable of paying mentioned rates for divorce mediation. That’s why it’s important to look into other options that can help you save money when going through the process such as:
- Researching for cheaper options online or within your local community
- Negotiating with the mediator on the cost of services
- Choosing a pro bono service or using government-sponsored programs
- Working together with your soon-to-be ex-spouse on the terms of the divorce
- Considering legal aid or free services from non-profit organizations
Final Thoughts
Divorce mediation is a great way to avoid costly divorce litigation and to have an amicable divorce process. It is, however, important to be aware of the costs associated with it and to take steps to reduce the costs as much as possible.
If you are in Hauppauge, Long Island, and other nearby areas, feel free to contact us at Win-Win Divorce Solutions. We offer divorce mediation services at reasonable rates and can help you save money on your divorce process.
Call us today to get a case evaluation!
