Is mediation cheaper than litigation alone?
This is a very popular question. Many clients want a less expensive alternative to litigating divorce and separation issues. Legal fees for litigating a contested divorce can be staggering, and some families feel they would prefer to put this money aside for their children instead. Statistics have shown that on average a litigated contested divorce in Canada can run between a few thousand to $20,000 per party in legal fees. (Source :http://www.readersdigest.ca/mag/2007/08/divorce.php). The truth is that most cases do not go to an expensive trial and that a settlement is usually reached prior to trial. Clients are encouraged to determine how best to do this at the best cost. This may involve a mediator alone, a lawyer alone, or both.
