Mediation vs Litigation Costs
Mediation Average Cost
$1,500 - $5,000
Per person for complete divorce mediation
Litigation Cost
Billed hourly
Per person, with no fixed total, for a contested court divorce
Potential Cost Difference: Mediation may cost substantially less than litigation when both people are ready for structured conversations, shared information, and practical decision-making.
Important Disclaimer: These cost estimates are general information only, not legal, financial, tax, or accounting advice. Actual costs vary based on your circumstances, including asset complexity, parenting issues, and level of disagreement. Use this page as a starting point for questions to ask a qualified mediator, attorney, or financial professional.
What's Included in Mediation Costs?
Mediator Fees
Professional mediators in Minnesota typically charge $150-$300 per hour. Most uncontested divorces require 10-20 hours of mediation time.
Typical Cost: $1,500 - $6,000
Court Filing Fees
Minnesota requires filing fees to process your divorce. These are the same whether you mediate or litigate.
Typical Cost: $300 - $400
Document Preparation
Legal documents must be prepared correctly. Some mediation services include this; others may require outside help.
Typical Cost: $500 - $2,000
Attorney Review (Optional)
Many people choose to have an attorney review their mediation agreement. This is optional but recommended.
Typical Cost: $500 - $2,000
Factors That Affect Your Costs
- •Complexity of assets: More assets may require additional mediation sessions
- •Children involved: Custody and support arrangements may add complexity
- •Agreement level: The more you and your spouse agree, the faster mediation proceeds
- •Professional help needed: Some situations need appraisers, accountants, or other experts
Ready to Understand Your Divorce Mediation Options?
Let's talk through your situation, what may affect cost, and whether mediation is a practical fit.
Related Resources
Next steps
If you are past reading and closer to deciding, these are the pages worth your time.
Want the whole process first? Watch How a Prepared Mediation Works (Free Video Course)
Prep tools
Get ready on your own time
Digital download
$39
Mediation-Ready Divorce Prep Workbook
A fillable PDF workbook plus a companion spreadsheet for getting ready for mediation.
- All six big issues, one at a time
- A balance sheet that adds itself up
- One purchase covers a copy for each spouse
$39, flat fee. It does not count or credit toward the mediation session fee. General information, not legal advice.
Digital download
$19
The Co-parent Message Kit
Before-and-after message scripts for scheduling, money, and kid logistics.
- Nine before-and-after scripts
- A plan for hot messages
- A 7-day plan, one small move a day
$19, flat fee. It does not count or credit toward the mediation session fee. General information, not legal advice.
Digital download
$29
Two-Home Calendar and Expense Template
A spreadsheet for life in two homes, for Excel or Google Sheets.
- 12-month shared calendar
- Holiday rotation
- Shared expense split tracker
$29, flat fee. It does not count or credit toward the mediation session fee. General information, not legal advice.
Free tool
How a Prepared Mediation Works (Free Video Course)
A short free video course on how divorce mediation works, from Flannel People Mediation.
- Six short videos
- Watch at your own pace
- Free on Gumroad
Free call
Rather talk it through?
- 15 minutes with Ryan or Kate
- Ask anything about the process
- No cost, no commitment