Mediation Data
Divorce Mediation Success Rates
Mediation has an 85% success rate for reaching agreements, costs 60% less than litigation, and resolves 3x faster. Couples who mediate report 78% satisfaction compared to just 45% for those who litigate.
Mediation succeeds because it gives couples control over their outcome, keeps matters private, and creates a non-adversarial environment that preserves co-parenting relationships.
Settlement Rate
85%reach agreement
High success rate
Cost Savings
60%less than litigation
Avg $7,500 vs $18,500
Time Savings
3xfaster resolution
4 months vs 12+ months
Satisfaction Rate
78%highly satisfied
vs 45% litigation
Mediation vs Litigation Comparison
Across every measurable metric, mediation outperforms litigation for couples who can work together constructively.
| Metric | Mediation | Litigation | Savings/Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | $7,500 | $18,500 | 60% |
| Average Duration | 3-4 months | 12-18 months | 70% |
| Settlement Rate | 85% | 95% (forced) | N/A |
| Satisfaction Rate | 78% | 45% | +73% |
| Compliance Rate | 90% | 65% | +38% |
| Post-Divorce Conflict | 22% | 58% | -62% |
| Children Affected Negatively | 18% | 42% | -57% |
Mediation Success by Issue Type
Some issues resolve more easily in mediation than others. Financial matters generally succeed more often than emotionally charged issues.
| Issue Type | Success Rate | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | 88% | Medium | Financial focus helps |
| Parenting Plans | 82% | Medium-High | Child-centered approach |
| Spousal Support | 79% | High | Emotional component |
| Child Support | 92% | Low | Formula-based in most states |
| Business Valuation | 75% | High | Complex financial issues |
| High-Conflict Cases | 62% | Very High | Often need hybrid approach |
| Domestic Violence History | 35% | Very High | Often inappropriate |
Mediator Types & Success Rates
Different mediator backgrounds offer different strengths. Dual-mediator teams (attorney + therapist) have the highest success rates.
| Mediator Type | Success Rate | Hourly Rate | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attorney Mediator | 86% | $350-$500 | Legal complexity |
| Mental Health Professional | 84% | $200-$350 | Communication, emotions |
| Financial Expert | 82% | $250-$400 | Asset division |
| Dual Mediators (Attorney + Therapist) | 91% | $400-$600 | Comprehensive |
| Retired Judge | 88% | $400-$700 | Reality testing |
Full Data Access
Complete Statistics Report
Get the complete United States divorce data with all 50 state comparisons
Excel SpreadsheetAll 50 states divorce data for your own analysis
PDF ReportFormatted United States report to share with clients
3-Year Trend DataHistorical comparison showing rate changes over time
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Mediation by State
Many states mandate mediation for custody disputes. Success rates and costs vary by state.
| State | Mandatory Mediation | Success Rate | Avg Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Yes (custody) | 87% | $8,500 |
| Florida | Yes (all) | 85% | $6,800 |
| Texas | Optional | 82% | $5,500 |
| New York | Yes (custody) | 84% | $9,200 |
| Illinois | Yes (custody) | 83% | $6,500 |
| Ohio | Optional | 80% | $5,200 |
| New Jersey | Yes (custody) | 86% | $8,800 |
| Massachusetts | Optional | 88% | $9,500 |
Why Mediation Works
Research identifies key factors that make mediation successful.
92%
Control over outcome
Parties decide, not judge85%
Confidentiality
No public court records78%
Preserves relationships
Important for co-parenting88%
Flexible scheduling
Evenings, weekends available82%
Creative solutions
Options beyond court rules76%
Lower stress
Non-adversarial environmentPrepare for Successful Mediation
Splitifi helps you prepare for mediation with organized finances, clear proposals, and documented priorities. Couples who come prepared have higher mediation success rates.
- Financial organization tools
- Proposal templates
- Parenting plan builders
- Settlement tracking
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the success rate of divorce mediation?
Divorce mediation has an 85% success rate for reaching agreement. This means 85% of couples who attempt mediation are able to resolve all issues without going to court. Success rates vary by issue type and mediator.
How much does mediation save compared to litigation?
Mediation costs approximately 60% less than litigation. The average mediated divorce costs $7,500 compared to $18,500 for a litigated divorce. Complex cases can see even larger savings.
How long does mediation take?
Mediation typically resolves in 3-4 months, compared to 12-18 months for litigation. Most mediations require 3-5 sessions of 2-4 hours each. Simple cases may complete in as few as 2 sessions.
Is mediation appropriate for all divorces?
No. Mediation is not recommended in cases involving domestic violence (35% success rate), severe power imbalances, or where one party is hiding assets. High-conflict cases may need a hybrid approach combining mediation with occasional court involvement.
Cite This Page
Splitifi. "Divorce Mediation Success Rates: Statistics & Comparison." Splitifi.com, February 2026, https://www.mysplitifi.com/statistics/mediation-success-ratesData sources: Association for Conflict Resolution, American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, State Court Administrative Offices.