ESTIMATE OF MEDIATION EXPENSES

Every client has a right to understand and manage the costs of their mediation process.  However, every divorce or family matter is different as every family has different needs and issues, making it difficult to accurately estimate your costs without knowing your personal history and issues to be resolved. The first mediation session, we dive into your personal history and identify issues to be discussed and resolved in mediation.

Please note, this estimate does not apply to court ordered mediation. If you have been ordered to mediate with Erin Birt, please read more about court ordered mediation here. 

How Long Will Mediation Take?

Some mediation cases can be concluded in three hours (2 sessions) and others may require 10 mediation sessions or more. By comparison, if parties litigate (file pleadings with a court), the timing is unpredictable, and a court case can last on average 18 months.

What Will Impact Mediation?

The factors that will impact mediation are:

• Willingness and ability of the parties to negotiate fairly and efficiently with each other;
• The Level of Conflict and Communication Problems;
• Complexity and Emotionality of Parenting Issues (if there are children);
• Size and Sophistication of the Financial Estate and ability and willingness to disclose assets and liabilities;
• Settlement or Mediation Expertise of Lawyers (to be utilized either during or after mediation) and Other Divorce Professionals;
• Ease of Scheduling and Willingness to Reach Agreements.

How Much Will Mediation Cost?

For mediation, both parties share in the costs and typically each party pays 50% of the overall costs; in comparison to litigation, where each party has to pay 100% of the attorneys fees upfront to their attorney to start litigation.

The following estimate of costs is based on averages in my experience. The estimate should also give you an overview of the structure of mediation. Remember: These are only ranges and your situation may be very different.

Click here to receive your cost estimate for mediation.