Expert Attorney Explains How Mediation Costs Are Split

Divorce mediation costs are usually split 50/50, but couples often adjust the share based on income and ability to pay. In New York, a higher-earning spouse may cover more so mediation stays fair and accessible. This article explains common fee-splitting approaches and practical considerations when one spouse earns significantly more.

Ray Hrdlicka – Host – Attorneys.Media

So, who pays for the cost of a divorce mediation?

Bill Leininger – Divorce Mediation Attorney – Richmond County, NY

Great question. Common sense. If we have a house husband or a housewife and they’ve been taking care of their kids, maybe the most important job either one has, and the other person is out working six days a week, making $200,000 a year, does it make any sense to say, oh, you each have to pay 50% of the fee?

The answer would be no, unless there’s a joint bank account, which is accessible by the parties. In that case, it may be from a joint bank account. But ordinarily, we’ll do it pro rata. You know, if someone has a part-time job, you know, while the kids are in school, they’re making $10 an hour, maybe $300 a week, and the spouse is making $200,000 a year. You may want to have the person with the part-time job paying 10 or 20% to have skin in the games.