Portland, OR family law attorney Katie Goss talks about the cost of divorce mediation compared to traditional divorce. She explains that mediation costs can vary depending on the format chosen. If parties hire a private mediator, they pay the mediator’s hourly rate for preparation and participation, which can differ based on the mediator selected. Mediation can also take different forms, such as proceeding without attorneys or involving attorneys, in which case the hourly rates for the attorneys’ preparation and attendance would also apply. While these costs are not insignificant, they are typically far less than the expenses associated with preparing for and attending a trial. As a result, parties often save a considerable amount by resolving their issues through mediation rather than litigation.