The average cost of a Massachusetts divorce is between $25,000 and $40,000; more if the issues of the divorce must be decided in a trial.
Cost of Divorce Mediation
Ultimately, the cost for mediation depends upon you and your partner. I’m Hingham divorce mediator Carolan Hardy, Esq. My role as your mediator is to work with both parties to facilitate discussion for you to make decisions for the separation agreement. I am here to assist you step by step, or to work with you to show you what you can do on your own.
The cost for mediation is in your hands. This is your divorce and no two divorces are alike. The cost will depend on the amount of time you spend preparing for mediation and the willingness and cooperation between the parties. That being said, I have had parties complete mediation for $2,500, to those with more complicated issues of valuation for $12,500.
Parties, if they so choose, can work outside of mediation to prepare a draft financial statement and collect requested documents. Coming to the mediation session prepared to make decisions will help the process and ultimately save you time and money.
All families work at different paces. This is your divorce and I am here to assist you and make this process work what best suits your family.
How Many Sessions Will Be Needed?
When significant differences exist, it may require multiple mediation sessions over the course of several months. But the speed with which an agreement is reached is largely in the hands of the participants, not the court calendar or a lawyer’s schedule. And unlike the traditional divorce process where all the work goes on behind the scenes, participants in mediation are much more aware of delays and the costs they are incurring. This can provide an incentive to work more cooperatively in order to save money.
So while it is true that the total cost of a mediated divorce will vary, it is also true that mediation can leave significantly more money in your pocket as you begin a new phase of life. It will also keep your private matters and personal family issues, just that, private and out of the public courtroom.
Learn more about the cost of divorce and how divorce by mediation can help in your case. Call 617-750-9709 to schedule a free initial consultation at the Quincy or Hingham office of Divorce and Family Mediation Services. Or contact Hingham divorce mediator Carolan Hardy.