FAQs

What’s the difference between mediation and litigation?

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

Additional considerations:

  • Mediation allows couples to control the pace and schedule sessions at their convenience

  • Litigation timelines are subject to court availability and mandatory waiting periods

  • Mediation costs are typically shared between parties

  • Litigation often involves additional expenses for expert witnesses, court filing fees, and discovery processes

  • The emotional cost of prolonged adversarial litigation can be substantial

These figures represent national averages and can vary significantly based on location, complexity of assets, custody arrangements, and whether specialized issues (business valuations, complex financial holdings) are involved.

What is arbitration?

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.

What is a CDFA?

A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) is a financial professional who specializes in the financial aspects of divorce. They help divorcing couples understand how financial decisions made during divorce will impact their financial future, analyzing issues like tax consequences, property division, retirement account splitting, and long-term financial planning. CDFAs work alongside mediators, attorneys, or directly with clients to ensure financially sound divorce settlements.

how do I know if mediation is right for me?

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

why is mediation considered a holistic divorce?

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.