The decision of who you should hire to help you facilitate an amicable resolution to your divorce is a very important one. When interviewing a prospective divorce mediator you want to make sure you ask the following questions:
- Does the mediator require an initial upfront retainer ? If so how much?
- What is the mediators hourly rate ?
- How quickly can the mediation commence?
- typically how long does the mediation process last ?
- What can I expect in terms of aggregate costs ?
- Does the mediator actually prepare a settlement agreement ?
- Does the mediator assist with the processing of the finalization of the divorce with the court?
Each mediator that you may speak with will have different answers to the above questions . Vincent DeLuca the head partner of the Villani and DeLuca matrimonial law Department does not require any upfront retainer when he is assisting couples who are attempting to obtain an amicable divorce . He simply keeps track of his time and request payment once he has prepared a comprehensive draft of a marital settlement agreement, which governs the terms of the parties divorce and will eventually be filed with the court once the divorce is finalized . Mr. DeLuca’s hourly rate is $400 an hour . Typically when scheduling a mediation with Mr. DeLuca the initial session takes place within 14 days from the date with the parties contact the office to schedule an appointment . The length of time it takes to finalize the process is dependent on the parties and the number of issues that are in dispute . Quite often, if the parties are amicable, Mr DeLuca is able to finalize the terms of settlement within one or two mediation sessions . On average the cost of a completed mediation could be anywhere between $1,500 and $2,500 . Obviously the cost is completely dependent on the nature of the case and the facts presented . Mr DeLuca does prepare an actual form of a settlement agreement for the parties . As the mediator Mr DeLuca is unable to facilitate the finalization of the divorce on behalf of one of the parties. Typically at the conclusion of the mediation the parties will retain their own independent review attorneys to assist in the finalization of the divorce and file all the necessary paperwork with the courts . On occasion the parties choose to finalize their divorce Pro Se, without the assistance of attorneys . Should you have any questions relative to the mediation process please feel free to contact the Law Offices of Villani and DeLuca to speak with Mr. DeLuca and have same answered .
