Over 50% of all divorces are pro se, or people go the courthouse, get the paperwork, and work it out between them. Counties are becoming more helpful in assisting you through the process. They cannot give any form of legal advice and often mediation is limited. Most counties offer some mediation assistance for conflict over custody and visitation of children. In the Portland area, St. Andrews Legal Aid is a helpful resource if you qualify for assistance. The Oregon Bar offers a modest means option, again, if you meet the qualifications for assistance.
If people desire help with a professional who remains neutral, a non-attorney mediator is a good option. Most, like myself, have a mental health background, and can assist with the delicate and difficult conversations necessary in divorce. Non-attorney mediators will usually be less expensive than attorney mediators. Attorney rates are usually substantially higher than non-attorney mediators. I often save people between $7,000 and $10,000 even with a non-contested divorce. If people become adversarial, I can save them closer to $50,000.
Mediators help to turn the temperature down in a conflict. If you believe some subjects will be quite volatile, an experienced mediator can help parties reach agreement with a minimal amount of drama. Drama and conflict cost money. The more you fight, the more your attorneys will make. Aggressive attorneys will fight for you. And, you will pay for it.
There is a time and place for attorneys. Attorneys are often consulted during mediation. Clients find it helpful to know where boundaries within the law fall and what might be an outcome if their case went to litigation. I only refer clients to collaborative attorneys with specific training. This aids parties to remain within the mediated context and resolve issues without court intervention. In a full collaborative case, each party retains an attorney and I act as facilitator. This is still less expensive than working only with attorneys. You are paying two attorneys fees per hour compared to my lower fee that is split between parties.
There are some cases that justify litigation. You may be in an abusive relationship. Your partner only responds to legal pressure. Your partner may be hiding assets or withholding funds to pay bills. This requires usually requires swift legal action.
If you have specific questions, just give me a call. I give a FREE 15 minute phone consultation. 503.352.9447
