How much does divorce mediation cost?

There is no single national price for divorce mediation. What you pay depends on who provides it (a court-connected program or a private mediator), how the mediator bills (by the hour, by the session, or a flat fee), how many sessions your issues take, and how the fee is split between you. Some states set court-program fees by law, and some reduce or waive them for people who cannot afford to pay.

We do not publish "average" or "typical" prices for private mediators, because no official source publishes them. This guide explains what drives the cost instead. To estimate your own total, try our divorce mediation cost calculator.

1. Court program or private mediator

Some courts run or connect families to their own mediation programs. Others give you a list of approved mediators, or let you pick anyone. The fee rules can be very different.

Florida example (fees set by law). When a Florida circuit court's family mediation program provides court-ordered mediation, Florida law says the clerk collects these fees per person, per scheduled session, unless the Legislature sets different amounts in the state budget (the General Appropriations Act):¹

Florida court-program family mediation	Fee
Combined yearly income under $50,000	$60 per person, per scheduled session
Combined yearly income over $50,000 but under $100,000	$120 per person, per scheduled session

The same Florida law says no mediation fees under that section may be charged to a party found to be indigent.² These are Florida figures only. They do not apply in other states.

Texas example (fee set by the court). Texas law says a court "may set a reasonable fee" for a mediator it appoints, and unless the parties agree on a method of payment, the fee is taxed "as other costs of suit."³ Texas does not set a dollar amount in that statute.

Private mediators set their own fees, so compare written fee terms from more than one mediator.

For state detail, see divorce mediation cost in Florida and divorce mediation cost in Texas.

2. Hourly, per session, or flat fee

How the mediator bills changes what you pay:

• Hourly. You pay for the time spent, sometimes including preparation and drafting. Ask how time is counted and whether time outside sessions is billed.
• Per session. You pay a set amount for each scheduled session, whatever its length. Each added session adds another fee.
• Flat fee or package. You pay one price for a defined set of services, such as a set number of sessions plus a written agreement. Ask what is included and what costs extra.

Whatever the method, get it in writing. Some states require this. In Idaho custody mediation, for example, a mediator's fees and expenses "must be clearly set forth and explained at the initial conference with the parties."⁴

3. How many sessions you need

If you pay by the hour or by the session, the total depends on how long mediation takes. That depends on things like:

• how many issues are open, such as the parenting plan, child support, property, and debts
• how complete and organized your financial records are
• how much you and your spouse already agree on
• whether new issues come up along the way

You can often save time by settling simple issues before the first session, bringing complete financial documents, and making a list of the issues that are still open. See how to prepare for divorce mediation and how long divorce mediation takes.

4. How the fee is split

Who pays is usually set by your agreement with each other, the mediator's fee agreement, or the court's order. State rules differ. Labeled examples:

• Idaho (custody mediation): "Each party is responsible for one-half of the mediator's fees and expenses unless other arrangements are made between the parties or ordered by the court."⁴ For other family issues, Idaho's rule says the parties pay a pro rata share unless they arrange otherwise or the court orders it.⁵
• Florida (court referrals): When appropriate, the court may apportion mediation fees between the parties and state each party's share in the referral order.⁶
• Texas (court-appointed mediators): Unless the parties agree on a method of payment, the court taxes the fee as a cost of the suit.³

Some couples split fees evenly. Others split them based on income. Put whatever you decide in writing.

5. Free or reduced-cost options

Some court programs reduce or waive fees for families who qualify. Florida, as noted above, charges no court-program mediation fee to a party found to be indigent.² Florida's family rule also says that, unless the parties agree otherwise, a court may send a family case to a mediator or program that charges a fee only after deciding the parties can afford it.⁶

Rules vary by state. Ask the court clerk, the court's mediation office, or a self-help center what is available where you live.

Costs beyond the mediator's fee

The mediator's fee is not the only cost of a divorce. Other costs may include:

• Court filing fees. These are set by each state or court. In Florida, for example, the party who starts a dissolution of marriage case pays the clerk a filing fee "of up to $295" (when there are not more than five defendants), and other charges may apply.⁷
• Lawyers. You may want a lawyer to review the agreement, even if the lawyer does not attend sessions. See do I need a lawyer for divorce mediation.
• Other professionals, such as appraisers or financial experts, if you choose to use them.
• Cancellation or late fees, if the mediator charges them.

Questions to ask any mediator about fees

• Do you charge by the hour, by the session, or a flat fee?
• What is included, and what costs extra, such as drafting the agreement?
• Is there a retainer, minimum fee, or travel charge?
• What do you charge if we cancel or reschedule?
• How will the fee be split between us?
• Can you give us the fee terms in writing before we start?

Rules vary by state. See how mediation works in your state → To compare family mediators, browse by state or get matched.

This is general information, not legal advice or a price quote.