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Meditation In Arizona
If the spouses were to retain separate attorneys to represent them in the divorce, they would pay a retainer of about $2,500 – 7,500 each, costing $5,000 – $15,000 just to get started. According to attorney sources, the average divorce in Maricopa County costs $30,000-$50,000.
Private Mediation:
A divorce mediator in private practice can charge from $100 to $1,000 per hour. An average session usually cost is $100 to $300 per hour. The exact charge depends on the mediation’s location and years of experience.
The Cost Of Mediation:
A frequent question about mediation in Arizona is the cost. One thing is certain: mediation is almost always less expensive than litigation. Mediation can resolve conflicts quickly, generally taking hours instead of months or years. Litigation is expensive because it includes: (1) discovery, (2) frequent exchange of letters between attorneys to address issues and gather information; (3) retention of experts and interviews of potential witnesses; (4) preparation of exhibits and trial questions; and (5) actual time in court. It is not unusual to spend $5,000.00 just in the week or two prior to trial. The cost of litigation can reach tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars for the whole litigation, depending on the matter litigated.
Attorneys and other professionals can be used in the mediation process. Its is also possible to complete a mediation with one professional – your private mediator. What is more, the parties to a mediation generally share the cost of the mediator, thereby further reducing the cost.
The cost of the actual mediation varies depending on the amount of time you need to resolve your conflict. Also, mediators charge a variety of different hourly rates. Many trained mediators, including this author, charge around $250.00 per hour.
While you may be able to get a “discount” mediator, the old adage – you get what you pay for – often holds true.
Concerns with Bad Mediators:
In Arizona, anyone can call themselves a mediator – one does not need any training or skill to do so. A bad mediator is frequently worse than no mediator at all. When choosing the professional for your meditation sessions, make sure to check the their bio, client testimonials if available, overall experience and whether or not both parties feel comfortable with working with this mediator. Main objective is reach and negotiate the agreement.
