Is Mediation Cheaper Than Using Lawyers to Handle a Divorce?
Many lawyers charge a retainer fee of between $2,500 and $5,000 for most average cases, and bill the client for services in addition to the time covered by the retainer. The retainer amount will be substantially more in complex cases, so the cost of mediation from beginning to end can be less than the combined retainer fees would be if the parties hired lawyers to handle the divorce. Typical divorce costs can run two to ten times higher than the mediation cost. Also, keep in mind that “cost” not only means dollars spent but the emotional cost to the parties and their children who go through litigated divorces. This emotional cost is greatly reduced by the mediation process.
Many good Family Law lawyers charge a retainer fee of between $2,500 and $5,000 and then bill the client for services in addition to the time covered by the retainer. The retainer amount will be substantially more in complex cases. The cost of mediation from beginning to end can be much less than the combined attorneys fees would be if the parties hired separate lawyers to handle the Family Law case from start to finish. Typical Family Law cases which result in trial can run two to ten times higher than the cost of a mediated outcome. Also, keep in mind that “cost” not only means dollars spent but the emotional cost to the parties and their children who go through litigated Family Law proceedings. This emotional cost is profoundly reduced by the mediation process.
