FAQs

  • Mediation

    • Time: Typically 3-6 months from start to finish

    • Cost: Generally ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 total

    • Sessions: Usually 3-8 sessions (2-3 hours each)

    • Hourly rates: Mediators typically charge $200-500 per hour

    Litigation

    • Time: Often 1-3 years from filing to final judgment

    • Cost: Generally ranges from $15,000 to $50,000+ per person

    • Court appearances: Multiple hearings, often with lengthy delays between

    • Attorney fees: $300-500+ per hour, with retainers often starting at $5,000-10,000

  • Arbitration is a private dispute resolution process where a neutral third party (arbitrator) hears evidence from both sides and makes a binding decision that resolves the dispute. Unlike mediation, where the parties create their own agreement, the arbitrator has decision-making authority similar to a judge, but in a less formal setting outside the court system.

  • Control Over Outcomes

    • Couples create their own solutions rather than court-imposed decisions

    • Customized agreements that address unique family circumstances

    • Ability to develop creative solutions outside standard court templates

    Confidentiality

    • Private process, unlike public court proceedings

    • Discussions remain confidential (with exceptions for mandatory reporting)

    • Financial and personal matters stay out of public record

    Reduced Conflict

    • Promotes cooperation rather than adversarial positioning

    • Focus on problem-solving instead of "winning"

    • Creates foundation for positive post-divorce communication

    Comprehensive Outcomes with Full Disclosure

    • Ensures all parties have complete financial information

    • Builds trust through transparency

    • Creates more durable agreements based on accurate information

    • Reduces risk of future disputes over hidden assets

    • Legally compliant outcomes that courts will approve

    • Prevents potential agreement invalidation due to financial concealment

  • Emotional Well-being

    • Less stressful than courtroom proceedings

    • Encourages respectful communication

    • Better preserves important relationships, especially co-parenting dynamics

    Future-Focused Approach

    • Emphasizes moving forward rather than assigning blame

    • Establishes frameworks for handling future changes or conflicts

    • Teaches communication skills applicable beyond the divorce process.