We get a lot of inquires asking “what does mediation cost?” For me, I immediately think “a ton less than hiring attorneys.” I understand that price is a factor in seeking out services, but do you really want the cheapest mediation service you can find when looking at making extremely important life decisions around your finances and kids?
Because our mediation fees are tremendously lower than the cost of hiring 2 separate attorneys, I think the numbers speak for themselves; especially given that our Mediators are Arizona licensed attorneys and have a background in counseling with a positive psychology approach. But what about the other “costs” of divorce? The following illustration may help:
The “COSTS” of Divorce
Mediation vs Attorneys
 | Mediation $7,500 – $15,000+ | Attorneys $50,000 – $300,000+ |
| Type of Process | Collaborative* Amicable* Peaceful | Adversarial* Win-Lose* Lengthy Battle |
| Time Frame | Typically 3-5 Months | Typically 1-3 YEARS |
| Process | Collaborative Mediation Sessions with your shared Mediator No Involvement with the Court You both make all decisions | 2 Separate Attorneys, Discovery, Hearings (Court Appearances), Motions, Expert Witnesses, Depositions Judge makes all your decisions unless your attorneys negotiate a settlement |
| Fees Include | Mediator Fees for 1 – 4 sessions, preparation and follow-up summary, preparation and filing of your initial court documents, preparation of your Property Settlement Agreement, Consent Decree, Parenting Plan, Child Support Order and associated documents and exhibits, revisions, research, coordinating with your other professionals (retirement, trust, accounting), if applicable, all admin fees, finalization of all of your Decree documents, email/text/phone correspondence, follow-up and closing | Attorney time, expert witness fees, court fees, admin fees, assistant fees, email feels, phone fees, document review and drafting fees – usually billed in 10-minute intervals |
| Value | Maintain Friendship Amicable Co-parenting Gentler Process Keeps Communication Open Quicker (Value Your Time) Move Towards Peace Maintain Control Maximize Financial Resources Support Throughout | 100s of Hours Each Side Trying to Win the War Breakdown in Communication Negative Impact on Couple, Family, Kids Lengthy Stressful Overwhelming Can Take an Emotional Toll Very Expensive – Financial Burden |
| Attorney Involvement | If Needed (Trust, Family, Business) | 100% Involved – billing for every step, email, call, review, motion, hearing, drafting |
If you value a more peaceful, amicable process and have simple, basic assets, call us at Affordable Mediation for a free consult to discuss your situation at 602-714-7447. For more complex assets or higher net worth, contact Modern Mediation at 480-780-3798.