Breaking Up Shouldn’t Break the Bank: Divorce Without a Lawyer

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When people think about divorce, they often picture courtroom showdowns, pricey lawyers, and enough paperwork to make you want to crawl into bed for a week. What's the first thing you think when your best friend tells you her husband asked for a divorce? "You better get a good lawyer." But why? It is estimated that only 5% of contested divorces make it to the courtroom, meaning most settle out of court usually on the eve of trial, after months or years of litigation and seemingly endless attorney fees.

Most people do not need to hire a lawyer to separate assets and develop parenting plans. Mediation is an empowering, less litigious and less costly alternative where couples can determine for themselves how they want to separate assets and co-parent their children.

Here's how:

Mediation Keeps Things Civil (Mostly)

A mediator is a neutral third party trained to help both sides reach agreements on key issues like property division, parenting, and finances without taking sides or pushing an agenda.

Unlike lawyers, mediators focus on collaboration and finding common ground, which can lead to solutions that feel fair to both parties and also preserves the co-parenting relationship.

Mediation is Less Expensive

Lawyers’ fees can add up faster than you can say “irreconcilable differences.” The average cost of mediation is a fraction of a lawyer-led divorce with mediators charging an estimated $300 to $600 per session with couples requiring an estimated two to ten sessions.

Mediation is Faster

Divorces with lawyers can drag on for months—sometimes years—due to court backlogs, legal posturing, and unnecessary delays. Mediation sessions are scheduled at your convenience. Couples who come to mediation prepared and willing to cooperate can finalize an agreement in just a few sessions but may need up to ten sessions for more complicated or complex cases.

You Determine Your Outcome

One of the biggest advantages of mediation is that you and your ex maintain control over the terms of your divorce rather than leaving decisions in the hands of a judge. This leads to more tailored solutions that reflect your unique circumstances rather than a one-size-fits-all court ruling.

Mediation is Better for Co-Parenting

If kids are involved, keeping things civil is crucial. Mediation can help reduce the emotional strain of divorce and promote healthier communication, which can set the tone for future co-parenting. The focus is on finding compromises that benefit everyone, especially your children.

Mediation offers a faster, more affordable, and often more harmonious path forward. It allows you to retain control over the process and reach agreements that work for you and your family. And with the money you save, you can begin to build your new life post-divorce.