The Numbers Behind Divorce Mediation - 3 Fast Facts

For those of you who have read my profile you know that I hold a Master’s degree in Finance which I feel gives me a unique perspective on the matter of divorce mediation.  Recent estimates break mediator backgrounds out as follows:  60% attorneys, 30% social workers / psychologists and 10% financial professionals.   But when you think about it, getting a divorce is probably the second largest financial transaction you will ever undertake, second only to the purchase of a home.  Matters of Equitable Distribution of marital assets and liabilities, Child Support and Spousal Support / Alimony are all financial matters and that is why I strongly feel choosing a mediator with a financial background is one of the most important decisions you can make.

Regardless of what type of mediator you choose, I think there are some compelling reasons, numerically of course, to lead you to choose divorce mediation over litigation. I’d like to present 3 fast facts to you here today and let the facts speak for themselves.

1. 95% of all divorces settle before going to court - studies have shown that a large majority of divorce cases are actually resolved before either party ever sets foot in a courtroom.  There is no doubt that attorneys play an important role in our legal system.  If you were ever going to court to fight a lawsuit you should absolutely hire the best attorney you can but if the chances are 95% in favor of you working out a settlement before court, then shouldn’t you consider using someone other than an a attorney?  Why would you need an attorney if you aren’t going to court?
2. 85% of all mediated child support orders are adhered to one-year later while only 50% of all court-ordered child support orders are - you’ve heard me say this before so please forgive me but even though you are getting a divorce and you are no longer wife and husband, you will always be mom and dad.  When two adults have a hand in agreeing on what a support amount will be, the statistics show they are more likely to adhere to that agreement.
3. Mediated divorces cost between $20,000 & $71,000 less than litigated ones - A recent Wall Street Journal article put the costs of a litigated divorce at $78,000 and a “collaborate divorce” using two attorneys to act as mediators around $27,000.  A mediated divorce is around $7,000, including attorney fees.  And assuming a competent mediator or attorney, the results will be exactly the same.

I hope these fast facts can help you see some of the numerical benefits of mediation. And as always, we at Equitable Mediation Services are here to help and answer any questions you might have about divorce mediation so please feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to set up a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your specific situation.