How does mediation compare to going to court?

Mediation generally costs 70 to 90 percent less than contested litigation, where each spouse can pay $15,000 to $50,000 or more before the case resolves. It's also far faster: most mediated divorces finish in three to five months, compared with the 12- to 18-month average for a contested case in court. Beyond the numbers, mediation keeps decisions in your hands rather than a judge's, and it tends to preserve the working relationship you'll need if you're co-parenting for years to come. The cost and timeline comparisons above reflect New Jersey market ranges reported by family law and mediation practitioners; your own case may differ. This information is for general education and is not legal advice.