San Diego Divorce Mediation – Flat Fee Packages

San Diego Divorce Mediation - Flat Fee Packages

When families are seeking a different path than court litigation, mediation may be an option.

At San Diego Divorce Lawyers, APC, we offer a flat rate mediation services as an affordable alternative to a traditional route with a divorce attorney.

The costs associated with mediation depend on the complexity and the individual issues of each case which, in turn, will determine the amount of time needed to complete the mediation. 

For some of the benefits of mediation, read our blog post “Why choose mediation for your divorce?”

Option 1: Basic Divorce Mediation For $5,000*

This flat rate option is specifically designed for a simpler divorce in which there are no major disagreements about child custody, support and the division of assets and debts and will typically be a short-term marriage (a marriage of less than 10 years duration).

The parties will likely have minimal assets, are W-2 employees and have no business interests. The services included in this flat-rate package are:

  • Preparation, service and filing of all initial court documents;
  • Preparation of both Parties’ financial disclosures;
  • One-half hour caucus, in person or via telephone, with the Mediator and each Party prior to mediation;
  • Three hours of mediation with both Parties and the Mediator (this will include a 15-minute break);
  • Reasonable Mediator and staff time responding to telephone calls, e-mails and questions from the Parties; and
  • Preparation, filing and minor revisions of the Marital Settlement Agreement and Judgment forms.

Option 2: Enhanced Divorce Mediation For $6,500*

This flat rate option is for parties who will likely need a little more guidance on issues, including child custody and visitationchild support and spousal support, debt and property division and possible separate property claims and business interests.

Most families select this option. The services included in this flat rate package are:

  • Preparation, service and filing of all initial court documents;
  • Preparation of both Parties’ financial disclosures;
  • One-half hour caucus, in person or via telephone, with the Mediator and each Party prior to mediation;
  • Six hours of mediation with both Parties and the Mediator (this can either be three 2-hour sessions or two 3-hour sessions and all sessions will include a 15-minute break);
  • Reasonable Mediator and staff time responding to telephone calls, e-mails and questions from the Parties; and
  • Preparation, filing and minor revisions of the Marital Settlement Agreement and Judgment forms.

*This figure does not include the court filing fee of $435, per party, paid directly to the San Diego Superior Court.

Add-On Mediation Time To Option 1 Or Option 2

Sometimes unforeseen issues arise during mediation that need to be resolved so the parties can avoid going to court. If your issues become more complicated and cannot be concluded during the three or six hours of mediation included in the flat-rate options or require additional expertise, we offer the following add-on options:

  • Each additional three hours: $1,500. For more complex cases, additional time is necessary to complete the financial disclosures and to finalize the marital settlement agreement.
  • Three hours of Co-Mediation for complex custody and visitation issues with the parties, the Mediator and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist: $2,000.
  • Three hours of Co-Mediation for complex financial issues with the parties, the Mediator and a Financial Expert: $2,500.

Post-Judgment Modifications Starting At $1,500

After your divorce is finalized and some time has passed, it may be necessary to address your Judgment regarding enforcement issues, modifications of child custody and visitation or support issues.

These issues can also be addressed in mediation as an alternative to filing a motion to modify the prior court orders.

Mediations for post-judgment issues will include:

  • Review of the current orders for the subject at issue;
  • Three hours of mediation with the parties and the Mediator;
  • Reasonable Mediator and staff time responding to telephone calls, e-mails and questions from the Parties; and
  • Preparation and filing of the Stipulation and Order modifying the prior court orders;
  • Filing fee paid to the Superior Court of San Diego to file Stipulation & Order.

The Post-Judgment Modification Mediation Packages we offer are:

  • Three hours of mediation with both parties and the Mediator (this will include a 15-minute break) for $1,500;
  • Three hours of Co-Mediation for complex custody and visitation issues with the parties, the Mediator and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist: $2,000.
  • Three hours of Co-Mediation for complex financial issues with the parties, the Mediator and a Financial Expert: $2,500.

You can reach out to us at any point during the separation process. We will keep you informed as to your rights and advise you on what steps you can take, as well as actions to avoid.

Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation at (619) 866-3756