Divorce mediation is becoming increasingly popular due to its non-adversarial approach and cost-effectiveness. Duffy & Associates gets you through the process – giving you better footing for your future life.

We Provide the Roadmap
Duffy & Associates outlines the process in easy-to-understand terms, from identifying the information you need, the negotiation points and joint decisions that need to be made, to the procedural requirements of the dissolution or divorce.

Once all matters have been decided, Duffy & Associates drafts the full mediated agreement, specifying the terms of the divorce and addressing all issues required by the Domestic Relations Court.

Costs a Fraction of Contested Divorce
According to most sources, the average cost of a litigated divorce in the United States is $15,000 for each side. If both parties’ legal fees are comparable, the total cost becomes $30,000.

In contrast, couples choosing mediation pay a mediation fee, court filing fee, and attorney fees for drafting the required paperwork. The sum of all these fees amounts to 5-10% of the average total cost of a litigated divorce, depending on its complexity and the part of the country in which the couple lives.

You’re in Control
In divorce mediation the couple controls how quickly or slowly decisions are made, and what the terms of the divorce will be. The couple comes to mutual agreement on all of the terms of the divorce during the mediation process, in contrast to a litigated divorce in which the Domestic Relations Court sets hearing dates and judges make all final decisions.

Easier for Everyone
The worst aspect of a divorce for couples and their families is the inherent conflict. In mediation, spouses improve their communication. This enables them to move on successfully with their separate lives – and their integrated lives in cases where children are involved.

The way a marriage ends can also significantly impact the way one approaches future relationships. For couples with children, ending a marriage in a non-adversarial way makes joint parenting much healthier and easier for all involved.

Emotions Are Managed
Many people simply want to be heard and understood in the divorce process. However, on their own this can get out of control, as each person triggers anger and resentment in the other, often times unintentionally. A trained mediator can assist the parties in acknowledging feelings without allowing feelings to control the decision-making process.

You Can Still Go to Court
When people use divorce mediation, they do not give up their right to go to court. Any issue that cannot be resolved in mediation can always be addressed separately in court. All of the other agreements that were reached in mediation are still documented by the mediator and used by the couple when finalizing their divorce.