Private Vs. Court Ordered Mediation

If you have decided to get a divorce, you may have heard about private mediation and court-ordered mediation. Although they are similar in nature, the two types of mediation do differ slightly.

Although it varies by state, the court could order you and your spouse to undergo mediation. In general, this usually applies to divorce cases where there are visitation or child support issues; in some states, court-ordered mediation only applies to these issues.

Private mediation generally covers the other issues that arise during a divorce, such as property division and other financial issues. The other primary difference between the two is cost. If a court orders you to undergo mediation, there is little to no cost to you. Should you opt for private mediation, you will be charged a per-session or hourly fee.

Should mediation prove to be unsuccessful, call a family law attorney to discuss your legal options.