Providing Divorce Mediation Services Throughout California
Besides the mental stress, divorce in California can be financially draining, depending on the method you use. The average costs of divorce in California can vary depending upon the options, which are as follow:
These figures can change based on factors such as more complicated custody issues, such as a move away, disagreements regarding child and spousal support, and complicated asset division.
In California, you can complete your divorce quickly. In fact, you can be done with a divorce as soon as you finish the legal procedures and reach an agreement.
This is often confused with the mandatory waiting period for divorce in California. If you are done before the 6-month waiting period, your status as a married person will not dissolve until the 6 months have elapsed.
You would have a divorce judgment, but still be legally married until the time elapses. However, your case may take much longer to complete, depending on the complexity and whether your spouse disputes a lot of your case.
If you want a more affordable, faster, and less stressful option, try mediation with experts like Dina Haddad, one of the best divorce mediators in California.
With divorce mediation, both parties can collaborate and keep costs low while still having a high-quality agreement that addresses complicated topics. On average, our mediated cases are finished with a completed and filed divorce judgment within 6 months.
Getting a legal separation or divorce in California requires a fee. The cost is $435 per person, but this price can change based on county fees.
The counties with additional fees as of the publication of this blog include San Francisco County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County. For people who cannot afford the fee, California offers a fee waiver, which means you do not need to pay the filing fee.
In order to qualify for the fee waiver, you must complete a fee waiver demonstrating that paying the fee would create financial strain. Often, this means someone who receives public benefits, is a low-income individual, or cannot afford basic needs and court fees.
The courts take into consideration household income. If you are unemployed, but your spouse is working, you may not qualify for the waiver.
Mediation allows you to work with an expert like Dina Haddad to settle disputes and complex matters without needing lengthy court sessions.
How much you pay for a divorce depends on several factors, including divorce methods, children, and disputes.
Let’s break these key elements down and reveal how they affect divorce costs.
The divorce method you choose primarily determines how much you spend during the entire process. The most affordable approaches are mediation and DIY divorces, as these remain in a private sphere, reducing legal costs.
On the other hand, litigated divorces are typically the most costly because they involve attorney fees, court sessions, and sometimes expert witnesses. The litigation process is inefficient and is a matter of time vs. court rules, instead of the time used to create workable solutions.
Collaborative divorces attempt to reduce litigation costs because the attorneys agree not to use the court at any time. However, collaborative divorces can cost as much as a litigated divorce because they involve two attorneys and often a forensic CPA and mental health professional. Also, all communications require all team members to be on the email, further increasing the costs.
Each option has its benefits for certain divorce matters. However, you do best to avoid the court system and work out a solution with your spouse.
When you have children, you will want to take more time to consider the agreements you reach in a divorce and how it will impact your children.
This will require more time from you and your spouse. In court, it’s very costly, and often the court orders for children are basic and do not address the family’s real concerns.
Even though it takes time, resolving child issues is incredibly important, especially the details. Take the time to detail your custody schedule, the division of payments between you and the co-parent, and how you will handle changes to the schedule in the future.
However, if you do not have children with your spouse, you will not need to work out child custody and child support, which, by default, reduces the number of complexities and costs for your case.
Related: How to win Child Custody Mediation?
What’s the difference between a contested and uncontested divorce? In simple terms, an uncontested divorce is one where both parties are able to reach an agreement without having to go to trial. This includes all issues related to their divorce.
On the other hand, a contested divorce is much more expensive because the couple could not resolve something related to their divorce. The parties had to go to court for a trial, which is incredibly expensive.
As previously mentioned, the divorce method you choose will greatly affect the cost of the process. But are there other options besides litigation? Let’s explore all your options and how much you may pay.
What it is:
Guided DIY Divorce is a do-it-yourself approach where you basically handle most of the paperwork yourself, but with a little help from divorce experts. This legal help ensures you fill all details correctly to avoid rejections and delays.
What happens in it:
With The Complete Divorce, you are provided an online platform to complete all required court forms, including the Marital Settlement Agreement. In addition, users receive detailed video tutorials, checklists and flowcharts.
The program includes reviewing and filing your documents at a fraction of the cost. There are other online divorce programs, but none provide the level of expertise as The Complete Divorce.
Who it’s for:
This option is best for couples with few assets to divide and almost no disputes to fight over in court. It is also great for short-term marriages or those looking for a cheaper method of divorce.
Average Divorce Cost:
Costs start from as little as $299 in total for a California divorce.
Consider contacting Dina’s TCD services for help with the DIY divorce, along with a free eligibility check.
What it is:
An online divorce could be divorce mediation or a DIY service. The term online divorce really can encompass many different options, but basically a virtual option for individuals who wish to finalize their divorce from the convenience of their home.
What happens in it:
If you are mediating, this would mean the divorce mediation sessions are virtual. If you are doing a DIY program, you are doing it online (and not at an office or courthouse).
Who it’s for:
Those looking to fit a divorce into their busy lives.
Average Divorce Cost:
Varies depending on the process you choose.
Take advantage of Dina Haddad’s expert services and free consultations.
What it is:
An alternative dispute resolution process that involves a third-party neutral mediator helping both sides reach an agreement.
What happens in it:
The negotiator encourages a collaborative conversation between both parties to find common ground on financial matters, parental responsibilities, and other important issues.
Who it’s for:
It is excellent for divorcing spouses who are committed to finding a respectful solution that works for themselves and their family. Divorce mediation is not ideal for fighting couples or those unwilling to calm their emotions for a logical discussion.
Average Divorce Cost:
Costs range from $2,500 to $7,500 for each individual involved.
Schedule a free video consultation with Dina Haddad and learn how an experienced mediator can ease divorce.
What it is:
It is a team-based approach in which both parties choose a neutral third party, often an attorney, to facilitate discussions and help reach an agreement outside of court.
What happens in it:
It involves open discussions and negotiations to try and help both parties reach an agreement, especially a fair one.
Average Divorce Cost:
Around $15,000+ per person.
What it is:
It is the traditional court-based approach where each party hires an attorney to represent their personal interests.
What happens in it:
A judge makes the final decisions if no agreement can be reached.
Who it’s for:
Couples with highly contested issues or complex legal needs.
Average Divorce Cost:
$30,000+ per person, and more for complex cases.
Note that divorce litigation can make the dissolution of marriage take more time, as several court sessions are needed to understand and resolve disagreements between both parties.
The way you approach a divorce truly impacts many factors, including cost and how effortless or stressful the journey becomes. Fortunately, in California, mediation and DIY divorce settlements are the best divorce methods for saving money and easing the separation process.
With experienced mediators like Dina Haddad, you will receive appropriate assistance for your unique circumstance. An expert mediator will help you simplify complex issues and help you come to an agreement without incurring excess costs.
If you need a straightforward yet expert supportive solution in California, Dina’s experience and professionalism could be the perfect solution for this life-changing chapter in your story.
Book a free consultation call today.
The cost and time spent on divorce become significantly lower when both parties agree on all issues. If you have an uncontested divorce, you can use the DIY divorce method, which can cost $299, or mediation, which can cost $2,000 to $5,500, depending on the situation.
The cheapest divorce method is a DIY divorce, where you file all papers yourself. This starts around $299. However, you may need mediation and legal support to ensure legal accuracy and to settle disputes with the other party.
In general, each person is expected to bear their own divorce costs. However, in certain situations, the judge may deem one spouse responsible for the other’s costs if the spouses have significantly different incomes.
Families First Mediation is a pioneer in the field of divorce mediation. Our entire divorce mediation team takes great pride in being active trainers, divorce mediators and teachers of mediation in the greater California area. If you are considering a collaborative divorce, legal seperation or looking for a san jose divorce lawyer we have services that may be beneficial to you. Take advantage of our vast expertise and background in the field of divorce mediation and our genuine desire to help with your divorce mediation services.
