In the best interests of you and your children, you have decided to legally separate from your spouse. Thus far, the proceedings have not descended into acrimony and you would like to keep it that way if you can help it. But how do you do so? One way to divorce peacefully is to engage the services of a divorce mediator. If you need assistance determining if that is in your best interests, please read on, then contact one of our experienced divorce mediation attorneys in Bergen County, NJ to learn if divorce mediation is better than litigation in New Jersey.
How much does it cost to conduct divorce mediation in New Jersey?
The average cost of divorce mediation in the Garden State varies from $100 to as much as $250 a session. It usually is requested that both parties contribute to the costs, eliminating any possible feelings that the one who pays may be getting preferred treatment. That price range would include from 1 to 5 mediation sessions, the preparation of a settlement agreement and the cost to prepare and file the paperwork for a divorce. Conversely, the average total cost of divorce is $4,500 to $5,000 when there are no contested issues. The average rises to $6,500 to $7,500 when there is one dispute but no trial and $11,000 to $13,000 for two or more disputes that are resolved through a settlement.
What happens during divorce mediation and what are its benefits?
Mediation occurs when you and your spouse elect a neutral person, i.e. the mediator, to discuss openly the issues involved in the divorce such as custody of the children and parenting time, child support, division and distribution of the marital property, and alimony. The sessions usually last two hours. After the initial session, the couple attends 1 to 5 one-and-a-half- to two-hour sessions in which the mediator will guide them to make their own decisions on how they wish to end their marriage.
By choosing divorce mediation instead of litigation, you increase the likelihood of a peaceful divorce. Such peaceful divorces offer the following benefits:
- Calmly discussing and deciding the terms of the divorce
- Divorcing without setting foot in court
- Keeping the costs of divorce as low as possible
How can a Bergen County family law attorney help you?
As we have laid out, employing a divorce mediator can spare you from losing precious time and money. It can also prevent an undue rise in stress. If you think that you and your spouse can separate on more or less pleasant terms, then you should reach out to one of our skilled Bergen County NJ family law and divorce attorneys to discuss what you should do next. Our firm will inform you of your rights and responsibilities in this matter, as well as provide guidance as to the best course of conduct. Do not let yourself be unhappy. Give us a call today.
Contact our experienced Bergen County firm
At Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark, our attorneys have extensive experience helping clients to understand and protect their legal rights before, during, and after the divorce process in towns across New Jersey and Bergen County, including Hackensack, Ridgewood, Paramus, Teaneck, and Fort Lee. To speak with our team of divorce lawyers today in a free and confidential consultation regarding your concerns about your divorce, please contact us online, or through our Hackensack, NJ office at (201) 397-1750.
