Divorce Mediation — Frequently Asked Questions

A mediator’s job is to help you and your spouse resolve every issue in your divorce — facilitating positive communication and keeping the atmosphere productive so you can reach a mutual agreement. We make sure each of you has equal time to state your concerns, clear up confusion as it arises, explain how each matter will be handled legally, and refer you to third-party experts (appraisers, accountants) when they’re needed.

Yes. A divorce lawyer has the experience to give you the legal information you need to make decisions that protect your future — and when your mediation succeeds, an attorney-mediator can prepare and file all of the court documents for you. Our mediators are practicing Long Island attorneys.

No. In a successful mediation, courtroom appearances are not necessary — your entire divorce is resolved without either of you ever stepping into a courtroom.

It depends on the complexity of your divorce and the matters involved. Sessions may be spread out so each of you fully understands the consequences of your decisions. Compare that with litigation, which typically runs 9 months to 2 years — mediation moves at your pace, and your mediator will map out a realistic timeline in your first session.

Yes — on average, divorce mediation costs 40%–60% less than divorce litigation. Most mediations here run $4,000–$7,000 total, shared between both spouses, instead of each of you paying a separate attorney’s retainer. See our process and fees for the full breakdown.

A qualified mediator won’t allow one spouse to overpower the other. Both of you receive the same unbiased treatment and are fully informed of the legalities surrounding your divorce. If a mediator ever feels one party isn’t handling the process in good faith, they will take action — up to discontinuing the mediation.

Any divorce can be handled through mediation. Where the finances are complicated, we encourage both parties to bring in third-party help — accountants, financial planners, appraisers — so every decision you make is an informed one.