Mediation vs Litigation

Client
“I have learned many ways on how to work with my spouse on how to raise our kids together; respect for my partner is important and you need a strategy”

B.Z. - Client
"We are so fortunate to live in a society whereby we do have choices especially when it involves children and the safety of them."

Client
“This seminar helped me realize how important communication is and being open to my co-parent will help; The best part is that the kids are the most important through the divorce process”

L.S. - Client
"Thanks for helping us to keep things civil during the rough times so that we could end up at this place. We are very thankful to have this second chance."

Client
“I appreciated: facts about divorce statistics; information regarding research and the effects on children; different scenarios/behaviors of parents; how kids are faced with different emotions and reactions as they get older”

G.L. - Client
"Thanks for your work with us, you did a masterful job getting us through the issues without either of us walking out. At the end, I do think our resolution is fair for both parties."

Client
“I have learned that we need to work very hard at putting the history, emotions aside to raise the children we brought into this world and raise them the very best we can”

B.L. - Client
"Other than financially – my divorce is picture perfect – no kid visitation rules – you had a lot to do with that and I thank you."

K. Y. - Client
"I spoke to my ex-husband on the phone the other night on what would have been our 10th wedding anniversary. Our conversation was authentic and completely loving. Thank you to Fairway Divorce for attaining a truthful and mindful division of our lives."

B. C. - Your City Interview Dec 12, 2006
"My specific goal was to try and get it done as quickly as possible and as painlessly as possible. I had got my first legal bill for an hour and a half of time and it was over five hundred dollars and realized maybe I should look at other options."

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How can you keep your dignity intact when your divorce is on TV? The latest Fairway guest blog on Kris and Kim...: Fairway Divorce Mediation Solutions - Karen's BlogFairway Divorce Mediation - When sound Financial Divorce Solutions are needed a Divorce Mediator is the smart alternative to traditional divorce.Comments: 0

Mediation vs Litigation

There are two paths you can choose when faced with divorce:

	Mediation	Litigation
Cost	Flat fee or $250/hour for mediation time (shared between parties) Average total: $8,000-$20,000	Average rate for attorneys $300-$600/hr each Average total: $20,000 + per person
Time	Average time: 3-8 months (depends on needs of couple)	Average time: 2–5 years (depends on court schedule)
Role of the Law	Legal information provided by mediator, but no legal advice given	Legal information and legal advice given by counsel
Impact on Children	Children's interests are central to decision making	Children often become 'pawns' in the battle between spouses
Emotional cost to Parties	Allows for healthy airing of diverse views and emotions More comfortable, cooperative	Increases anxiety and stress Little opportunity to address concerns
Impact on Communication	Promotes improved communication Sets stage for joint decision-making Encourages personal empowerment	Discourages communication Sets stage for future disagreements and possible court appearances
Decision Making	Clients make their own decisions	3rd parties (judges and attorneys) make decisions
Confidentiality	Discussions and financial information are confidential Usually no court appearances	Hearings are open to the public Financial information is part of the public record Several court appearances