According to Forbes.com and many other sources, divorce is expensive. The US average ranging between $15,000 and $30,000. This same (and related) research indicates that divorce mediation is significantly cheaper…typically less than $5,000. And these figures do not account for the transactional costs such as stress, anxiety, depression and negative effects on children.

Like attorneys, most mediators charge by the hour. The average total cost of divorce mediation (with me) is approximately $2,000. In addition to the mediator’s fees you will need to pay a county filing fee (approximately $400 in MN) and if you choose to hire a professional for legal drafting, you should also expect an additional $500-1,500. On average, my clients incur a total combined cost of approximately $3,000.

To put this amount into perspective, a typical retainer paid to a divorce attorney (by one spouse) is $3,000 (or more); which means, if you both retain an attorney the starting price will likely be at least $6,000. Throw in some adversarial legal tactics and high conflict spouses and the fees sky rocket. I personally spent about $75,000 getting divorced; my ex spent much more.  In addition to the financial drain, we also experienced numerous problems relating to our high conflict and litigious legal process. By the end we hated each other and could not effectively parent our kids. It took more than three years to undo the damage.

The transactional costs of an adversarial divorce are hard to measure. Although stress, anxiety, depression and conflict are common realities of divorce, the mediation process is structured to reduce these negative non-monetary costs, especially for the children as well as save a significant amount of money.

SOURCE: //www.forbes.com/2006/11/07/divorce-costs-legal-biz-cx_lh_1107legaldivorce.html

A MESSAGE FROM AMS, LLC - RE: COVID-19

The safety of clients, ourselves, and colleagues is our top priority while we remain available to assist you as you navigate the new and uncharted territory caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Offering All Services Virtually

While providing virtual ADR services was not part of our plan, we have made the necessary accommodations to ensure we can continue to serve our clients during these unsettling times. All services are currently available through virtually. We are using Zoom for videoconferencing. We suggest that you download this app to your phone or the program to your computer at https://zoom.us/download.

 

Limited In-Person Services

We have resumed limited in-person services for sessions with 1 or 2 participants scheduled for a maximum of 2 hours. Masks are required in our building and in session. Availability is subject to change based on local regulations and CDC guidelines.

 

Office Hours

Our office hours remain the same and we remain available by phone and email. The main office number is 952.252.1492. Gabe can be reached via email at gabe@amsmediationplus.com.

 

New Clients Welcome

We offer free 1-hour divorce consultations via Zoom. Potential PC and PTE clients are invited to schedule a free 15-minute phone call. Please call 952.252.1492 to set up an appointment. We are here to help!

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we all continue to adapt to these rapidly changing and chaotic times. Stay strong, stay resilient, and stay healthy!

 

Sincerely,
Amber Serwat & Gabe Frye
ADR Professional & ADR Assistant

Divorce Mediation & Dispute Resolution Services - Amber Serwat Mediation

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