“How much will this Divorce Cost?” It’s a question that everyone facing a divorce has to ask. It is not an easy one to answer. The cost of a divorce can vary widely and depends on many different factors. In my experience, the most significant factor that drives the cost of a divorce is the divorce process choice. Process options include litigation, which is usually the most expensive, collaborative divorce which can be less expensive and mediation which is historically the least expensive.
Divorce Mediation is generally viewed as the most cost-effective process for two reasons. First, because the majority of the work is done with only one paid professional. (Compared to an adversarial divorce process, where at a minimum, you have two lawyers working). Second, because in mediation the parties are working together toward the same goal rather than at cross purposes to each other.
Even within the same process, the cost can vary by the complexity of the issues and the dynamics of the parties. The cost of mediation, for example, depends upon the motivation of the parties (why have they chose mediation), and their ability to accept the reality that without a mutually acceptable resolution, there is no resolution.
In mediation, I believe it is important for each spouse to stand up for what matters to them, but to do so with a recognition that a successful solution will also require that the other spouse achieves what is important to them. In this way, mediation creates a scenario where the parties are truly incentivized to work together toward a common goal. Mediation is an excellent choice for those who want to avoid the high costs of an adversarial divorce and want to focus on finding a solution that works for everyone.
After many years spent litigating divorces in court, I now limit my family law practice to mediation and collaborative divorce because I believe that for most people, those process options provide better, more satisfying solutions with the least amount of collateral harm. And the fact that they tend to be more cost efficient than the adversarial process is a tremendously valuable benefit as well.
Contact an Experienced Divorce Mediator
If you’re considering divorce, it’s important to work with an experienced professional who can help you understand your options and provide guidance on the most cost-effective approach for your situation. Ivan Alter is an experienced New York Mediator with 30 years of practice as a family law attorney. Our office is located at 118 N. Bedford Rd. Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. You can also schedule an appointment today by calling 914-861-2400 or by email ivan@ivanalter.com
