How Does Mediation Work in Wisconsin?
In divorce mediation, parties briefly explain their positions on each issue, and the mediator assists in reaching a series of compromises. The mediator facilitates communication and resolution, often leading to the settlement, and allowing you to avoid trial. This can be done in a single session, or over a series of sessions.
Divorce Attorney vs Mediator in Wisconsin
Divorce Attorney | Mediator |
Law degree | Degree in social work, psychology, or family law and trained in divorce mediation |
Attorney confidentiality | You control the outcome & agreements rather than a judge |
All court files are public | Mediators usually charge by the session |
Lawyers charge by the hour | You and your spouse schedule appointments together |
You schedule your appointments | Decisions tend to be made quickly and without professional consultation |
How Much Does Mediation Cost in Wisconsin?The cost of mediation in Wisconsin typically ranges from $3,500 to $7,000. The price is affected by circumstances surrounding your divorce, like shared debts, property ownership, children, and spousal support. Unlike other family law firms, Divergent doesn't charge by the hour. Our mediation services are fixed, meaning you know right away how much your divorce will cost. We know you have enough to think about -- an unpredictable monthly bill shouldn't be one of them. |
Divorce Attorney |
Law degree |
Attorney confidentiality |
All court files are public |
Lawyers charge by the hour |
You schedule your appointments |
Mediator |
Degree in social work, psychology, or family law and trained in divorce mediation |
You control the outcome & agreements rather than a judge |
Mediators usually charge by the session |
You and your spouse schedule appointments together |
Decisions tend to be made quickly and without professional consultation |
How Much Does Mediation Cost in Wisconsin?The cost of mediation in Wisconsin typically ranges from $3,500 to $7,000. The price is affected by circumstances surrounding your divorce, like shared debts, property ownership, children, and spousal support. Unlike other family law firms, Divergent doesn't charge by the hour. Our mediation services are fixed, meaning you know right away how much your divorce will cost. We know you have enough to think about -- an unpredictable monthly bill shouldn't be one of them. |
Mediation for all types of situations
Divergent Family Law has experience in every area of divorce mediation. Our services include situations requiring:

Divorce Mediation Checklist
What To Prepare:
After you schedule and before you meet, your Divergent divorce mediator will email you exactly what to prepare for your first session. Usually, this includes instructions on how to create an account to file for divorce electronically, allowing you to file for divorce in your first mediation session.
What To Bring:
Be ready to discuss solutions. You usually don’t need to bring anything to your first divorce mediation session. If your mediator needs something from you, they’ll contact you well beforehand to explain what to bring.
What To Expect:
- Your mediator will explain the rules of mediation, which include rights and obligations during the process.
- Your mediator will guide you through the divorce forms, and file your paperwork upon completion.
- You’ll discuss issues that need to be handled on a temporary basis (child placement, bill payments, etc.), and find a solution until you agree on an official settlement.
- Your mediator might assign you some “homework” for your next session — including working on a parenting plan or compiling financial statements.