When individuals are looking to explore their divorce options, the cost of the divorce is always on the top of the list. While individuals understand they need help, spending thousands of dollars on a divorce lawyer is not always the best choice. When couples explore the alternative option of divorce mediation, this is the path that gets them to the most affordable divorce option. A litigated divorce can end up costing around $25,000+ per individual, whereas with divorce mediation the average cost is between $3,000 - $7,000 split between the 2. Costs will also determine on how well the 2 individuals can communicate to come to a mutually beneficial agreement.
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Another great advantage to divorce mediation is that WE DO NOT TAKE SIDES. Each person is allowed the opportunity to speak and provide their opinion on how the various issues of the divorce should be sorted out. This will allow an open canvas for which we all understand the issues at hand then can work to resolve each of those issues until completion.
For over 3 decades, A Fair Way Mediation has worked hard to become one of Southern California's trusted divorce mediation firms, helping 100s of couples come to a peaceful conclusion. That's why we like to say, Experience Does Matter. We have seen it all and can help you navigate any issue in the relationship to help you both move on.
Affordable Divorce Mediation
Our team will work hard provide you with an affordable divorce. We don't want you spending thousands in unnecessary dollars to reach the same agreement you would if you had used divorce mediation to begin with. We also understand there can still be resentment and anger involved, we work hard to minimize these emotions to provide a peaceful communication outlet, keeping the end goals in mind. Bottom line, each side just wants to be heard and treated fairly, this is the goal that we strive for!
About A Fair Way Mediation
As one of Southern California's top divorce mediators, A Fair Way Mediation has helped 100s of couples to obtain an affordable and peaceful divorce without going to court. We save our clients thousands of dollars in litigation fees and specialize in all forms of divorce mediation including military divorce and same sex divorce mediation. Our divorce mediators are skilled in all the facets of mediation and will guide you through the process. We provide divorce mediation services for couples throughout San Diego, Palm Springs, Riverside County and Rancho Mirage, Temecula, and Cathedral City.
We offer a no cost consultation, please fill out our "Start Evaluation" form or give us a call!
Why Couples Turn to Mediation
Encourages Communication
Unlike traditional divorce proceedings that can create further conflict, mediation encourages open dialogue between the spouses. By providing a supportive environment, the San Diego divorce mediation team at A Fair Way Mediation promotes effective communication allowing both parties to express their concerns and needs in a positive manner. This approach helps couples maintain a peaceful relationship, even more so when children are involved. Your San Diego divorce mediator will act as a neutral 3rd part to help sort through the issues that need to be discussed and agreed upon, giving plenty of time for each side to express their goals and work to a solution. Oftentimes with litigation, couples end up having to communicate directly with their respective lawyers which can increase the amount of time to complete the divorce and lose the ability to convey their thoughts and needs accurately to the other spouse.
Decision-Making Power
Mediation also gives couples more control over the decisions that will impact their futures. Rather than having to rely on a judge to make a final determination that will dictate your future, mediation allows couples to participate in negotiations to reach mutually agreed upon solutions. This level of control reduces the feeling of helplessnes and leads to greater satisfaction with the final settlement. Most marriages have issues that couples specifically understand for themselves, and it's difficult to have to present a case in front of a judge who does not fully understand the intricacies of your marriage and that will ultimately decide your fate based information that is provided by the respective lawyers.
Cost-Effective and Time-Efficient
Compared to a traditional litigated divorce, mediation is cost-effective alternative. The streamlined process that mediation provides can significantly reduce the legal fees. While litigation costs for a divorce can easily exceed $25,000+ per person, the average cost of a mediated divorce ranges from $3500 - $7000 (depending on the complexity of the case and the couple's ability to communicate). Mediation also provides a time-efficient solution as the average time to mediate a divorce can range from 3 weeks to 3 months, on average. With litigation, it can take up to 8 months to simply get your first hearing in front of the judge depending on the court's backlog. Couples are looking to move on and don't want the process to last longer than it needs to be which is why most couples turn to mediation.
Privacy and Confidentiality
When couples choose to go the litigation route and have their case seen by a judge, it becomes public record. In general, couples want to remain private throughout their divorce, there is no reason to have personal issues, finances, and discussions available for others to see. Mediation is the private way to get a divorce because all discussions and sensiive matters are kept out of public exposure. For mediation cases, couples do not go to court, all matters are settled out of the judicial system and once the agreement has been made, the final court papers (marital settlement agreement), are submitted to the courts to be finalized, keeping your personal matters private.
Post-Divorce Cooperation
Because mediation is the cooperative approach to a divorce, it leads to improved post-divorce relationships, even more so for those who have children. Mediation allows couples to work together to find common ground and resolve their disputes which lays the foundation for a healthier co-parenting dynamic. With a peaceful approach to the divorce, couples are able to have an agreement without anger that will lead to a better future for both.