Medina's Divorce Mediation
The goal is to assist couples with a fair and equitable divorce
Divorce Mediation
Reasons for Divorce Mediation
-Medtiation is cost effective
-Mediation is less stressful
-Mediation is a cooperative process
-Mediation focuses on a fair agreement
The Alternative is Litigation
-Litigation is very expensive
-Litigation can take several years
-Litigation is stressful and involves court
-Litigation is adversarial
Anna Medina, Ph.D
Anna Medina is a certified divorce mediator. She is skilled in the area of negotiation and conflict resolution. The goal of mediation is for both parties to come to a fair and equitable agreement so that they can get an uncontested divorce. Anna Medina will provide the couple with additional resources that are recommended such as referrals to a local CDFA (Certified Divorce Financial Analyst). A CDFA can provide clients with data analysis that indicates the finanacial effect of a given settlement. The analyst can assist with understanding short and long term effects of property division or understanding tax consequences of different settlement proposals. Meeting with a CDFA is not required but is recommended and Anna Medina can assist in coordinating this resource (CDFA's will charge a minimal fee of their own). Other mediators may advertise that they charge less for a quiker divorce. However, you are making important decisions that will have long term consequences and you need to make informed decisions. Anna Medina will assist the couple in making informed decisions.
Mediation vs Litigation Prices
Divorce mediation is far less expensive than hiring an attorney and proceeding with litigation. The average lawyer will charge between $4,000 to $10,000 to assist you with your divorce (and this is a low estimate). Mediation costs are significantly lower. At Medina's Divorce Mediation the couple will receive a free initial 30 minute consultation and the average cost for the mediation process will be $750 (this price includes two sessions that are one and a half hours each. It is roughly $250 each session and this includes the price of the mediation agreement called a memorandum of understanding). The couple will file this mediation agreement in court upon the completion of the mediation process. If the couple's case is more complex (multiple properties, multiple retirements or IRAS etc.) there may be additional fees.
Couples NOT appropriate for
Divorce Mediation
The following situations are examples of cases which are appropriate to seek advice from a lawyer because a mediator is not able to assist in the following cases:
-Couples with a pre-marital contract should seek advice from a lawyer.
-Couples who have had ongoing domestic violence should seek advice from a lawyer.
-Couples who have an open case with CPS or DCFS should seek advice from a lawyer.
-Couples who have a restraining order against a partner in the relationship should seek advice from a lawyer.