There are also advantages in speed and cost. Agreements often take less time to complete since parties negotiate directly with each other, using lawyers primarily as consultants. The amount of legal time and related expense is reduced as a result. According to one California study, the cost of mediation is less than half the cost of conventional negotiation. Studies have also shown that parties are more satisfied with mediation than negotiation through attorneys, and there is better compliance with mediated agreements.
Mediators charge by the hour.
Janet Weinberger is an attorney who practices divorce mediation in Newton. A former president of the Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation, she has graduate degrees in both law and social work. But watch out. They're trained to represent their client's interests zealously. Don't be fooled by the polite veneer.