Save Your Money for Better Things: How Mediation Can Cut Divorce Costs in California

Nobody likes throwing money away—especially on a divorce.

Trust me, as a seasoned family law attorney, I’ve seen way too many couples on the brink of spending $25,000 to $35,000 each on lawyers for a fairly straightforward divorce, just to end up in a never-ending court battle. But guess what? It doesn’t have to be that way. Mediation is like the shortcut you didn’t know you needed, and it can save you a ton of money.

Let me give you a real-life example. I had this couple come to me, poised for financial disaster. They were about to go all-in on high-priced attorneys, ready to fork over tens of thousands just to get their divorce over with. I stepped in with a little expert guidance, and instead of bleeding their bank accounts dry, they used mediation. We worked out the issues in dispute - amicably, and they were able to enter into a Marital Settlement Agreement. Long story short—they were able to finalize their divorce for a fraction of the cost. We're talking thousands saved that went toward, you know, things they actually wanted to spend money on.

Here’s the thing: In mediation, you and your spouse sit down with me—a neutral third party—and we hammer out the details together. One flat fee, no endless attorney bills, no dragging it through the court system. Because mediation moves faster and focuses on cooperation, not conflict, you’ll avoid the financial black hole that traditional divorce can suck you into. And instead of being stuck paying for a courtroom battle, you get to keep that hard-earned cash for your next chapter.

If saving money sounds appealing—and I’m pretty sure it does—then mediation is the way to go. At TheModernDivorce.com, I help California couples keep the costs down, the stress low, and the process moving. Let’s work together to get you divorced without breaking the bank.