Mediation is a cost-effective alternative to litigation in family court. In divorce mediation, parties can settle all aspects of their divorce in private without attorney fees. At the end of mediation, attorney Jin Kim will draft the required legal forms to secure an uncontested divorce with court orders. Best of all, divorce mediation is offered on a pay-as-you-go basis or flat fee, making the total cost of divorce transparent and more affordable.
Low-cost Divorce Mediation
Mediation can be an affordable divorce option. Sacramento family law attorney Jin Kim offers low-cost divorce mediation services payable by credit card. Her services are provided on a pay-as-you-go basis meaning that payment is only due at the time of service. Accordingly, couples who are agreeable or have few issues can save thousands of dollars compared to litigation in family court.
$375 First Consultation
The first consultation costs $375 and allows the parties to learn more about divorce mediation and explore its viability with respect to their issues. Many couples find that mediation is viable and beneficial in terms of privacy and cost. If the parties decide to pursue mediation a mediation agreement is signed and future mediation sessions scheduled with outlined objectives.
$375 Future Mediation Sessions
Future divorce mediation sessions last one hour and cost $325 per session. During the session divorce mediator Jin Kim leads the parties in negotiations to secure agreements on the identified issue. When the parties come to an agreement on all issues attorney Jin Kim will formalize the agreements in legal documents that will be filed with court.
$5,500 Flat Fee Divorce Mediation
Some clients want to know the total cost of mediation before starting the process. To help clients focus on the issues in mediation and not the cost, divorce mediator Jin Kim offers a flat-fee mediation package that includes the initial consultation, 5 hours of mediation, the petition, marital settlement agreement, financial disclosures, and final judgment packet.
Mediation FAQs
What is mediation?
The definition of mediation under the law is “a process in which a neutral person or persons facilitate communication between the disputants to assist them in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement”.
Who is a mediator?
The law defines a mediator as a neutral person who conducts a mediation. It includes any person designated by a mediator either to assist in the mediation or to communicate with the participants in preparation for a mediation
When is mediation required? Can I enter into mediation even if it’s not required?
Mediation is required in the following cases:
- Contested visitation or custody
- Stepparent or grandparent visitation
However, a party can still choose to undergo mediation even if the law does not require it.
What are the tasks of the mediator and the parties in mediation?
The mediator’s task is to assist the parties in coming to an agreement that works for both of them. In mediation, it is the parties themselves who are responsible for ironing out the issues and coming to an agreement.
What are the benefits of mediation?
The following goals are just some of the benefits of mediation:
- Encourage communication and cooperation
- Prevent detrimental actions between parties, such as verbal attacks, blaming or punishing.
- Layout all possible options for resolving the dispute
- Design a plan that’s a good fit for the children if custody is an issue
How can I determine if mediation is appropriate in my case?
It is best decided on a case-to-case basis. The parties must at least be able to identify their motivations, needs, and wants before deciding to go to mediation. In addition, mediation is only appropriate if the parties can find a good mediator, and in small towns that may be hard to find.
What advantages can be gained if I choose to go through mediation?
There are several advantages to mediation, such as the following:
- Parties get to decide for themselves, instead of submitting the decision to a third person.
- Parties have the option of choosing flexible arrangements that will best serve their needs
- Mediation is a more private forum to air out grievances and concerns, as it is protected by confidentiality.
- Communication between parties is improved.
- Less traumatic for the children involved.
- Mediation may result in a faster resolution of divorce.
- Cost-saving compared to other options, like litigation in family court.
What risks do I expose myself to if I choose to go through mediation?
The primary risk in mediation is that the parties are the ones who are responsible for coming to an agreement, instead of an impartial third person deciding on their behalf. As such, there is the possibility that a party may receive an unfair settlement. If the unfair settlement is challenged in court, parties may be subject to more costs.
Who are consulting attorneys?
Consulting attorneys may be hired by each of the parties in addition to a mediator. They function more as advisers in this case. They are often referred to as ‘independent legal counsel’ in this case.
What services can my lawyer give me if it is a mediation without counsel present?
The following services may be provided by a lawyer in this case:
- Reviewing the agreement to mediate
- Give the client advice on the procedure to be followed
- Assist the client in identifying the issue to be discussed
- Guide the client with regard to necessary information and documentation.
- Provide the client with a thorough understanding of the laws involved.
- Suggest solutions and strategies.
When can I terminate or withdraw from mediation?
A party can choose to terminate or withdraw from mediation at any time, for any given reason.
How is mediation distinguished from arbitration?
In mediation, it is the parties who state their positions and it is the parties themselves who decide on a settlement. Arbitration is more like court, with the arbitrator acting as a judge on the issues.