Mediation involves both parties meeting with a mutually selected neutral third party who assists in reaching an agreement. The goal of mediation is to facilitate rational discussion that leads to a desirable outcome. Mediation can be a great alternative to the traditional court-based divorce procedure.
Cost
Divorce can be extremely expensive, and mediation is a great way to minimize costs. Mediation typically costs less than litigation. Altogether, it’s not uncommon for couples to incur charges in the range of $6,000 to $8,000 for mediation in Colorado. Depending on your particular facts and circumstances, the costs of your mediation could be higher or lower. While this may seem high, remember that the costs of conducting a divorce through the traditional court system are usually higher. Litigation can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000.
Efficiency
Mediation is scheduled much sooner than trial. Typically, mediation can be scheduled in 1-3 months. This depends on which mediator is being used and how quickly the parties exchange disclosures. Most sessions range from 2 to 4 hours, and most couples need at least 3 sessions to finalize everything. This differs greatly from court. A trial can take anywhere from twelve to eighteen months to occur and take even longer for a final verdict to be reached. Most people desire a quick divorce; therefore, mediation can be a great route to take.
Control Over the Outcome
Mediation allows for the parties to have a say in the terms of their agreement. Each party is allowed to advocate for their wishes, and the mediator, unlike a court, cannot enforce a decision that isn’t mutually agreed upon. Usually, both parties satisfied with the results.
Contact The Drake Law Firm for More Information
If you’d like to learn more, reach out to the Drake Law Firm today by giving us a call at 303-261-8111.