Divorce Mediation Cost Calculator

Use the calculator below to estimate the total cost of your divorce process:

					Per Spouse	Both Spouses
Mediation Sessions [Enter sessions and session length below]
Number of Sessions		Session Length (hrs)		Hourly Rate
	x		x		$ –	$ –
[Average 3–5]		[Average 2 hrs]

Draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to record terms of settlement [Average 2½ hours of mediator’s time]					$	$

Attorney consultations per spouse (optional) [check box to include, then enter hours and rate below]
Number of Hours		Hourly Rate
	x				$ –	$ –
[Average 1–3]		[Average $350]

Miscellaneous professional fees per couple (optional) example – pension or real estate appraisal [check box to include]
Number of Hours		Hourly Rate
	x				$ –	$ –
[Average 1–3]		[Average $200]

Court Filing Fees					$	$

Preparation of Marital Settlement Agreement from MoU by [select] Attorney Paralegal/Legal Document Assistant					$ –	$ –

TOTAL COST OF DIVORCE USING MEDIATION					$ –	$ –

Cost Savings: Divorce Litigation vs Divorce Mediation

Identify which scenario below most closely fits your situation. Compare the costs of a litigated divorce (middle columns below) with divorce using mediation (calculated above). The difference is the mediation savings:

	Cost of Litigation		Mediation Savings
	Per Spouse	Both Spouses	Per Spouse	Both Spouses
“Friendly” divorce. No children and no real estate. No spousal support. Both spouses retain attorneys.	$	$	$ –	$ –

Low-conflict divorce. Children and/or real estate. Some negotiation via spouses” attorneys.	$	$	$ –	$ –

Medium-conflict divorce. Children, real estate, and/or defined benefit retirement plan. Settlement negotiation via spouses’ attorneys.	$	$	$ –	$ –

High-conflict divorce. Children, real estate, retirement plans, other assets, etc. Contest over spousal support. Ultimately settles via attorneys pre-trial.	$	$	$ –	$ –

Contested case. Child custody, complex assets, and spousal support in dispute. Formal discovery process. Multiple hearings and/or trial.	$	$	$ –	$ –

Summary: Litigation vs Mediation

	Litigation	Mediation
Loss of control

Destroys relationships

Protects children

Private and confidential

Depletes community property

Efficient and convenient

Up-front retainer required

Preserves parties’ dignity

Mediation Fees