A lawyer represents the interests of one party and can initiate legal proceedings.

A mediator is independent and helps both parties make agreements together. The goal is to reach joint solutions without going to court.

Mediation is often faster, cheaper, and less burdensome than legal proceedings. Moreover, the parties themselves retain control over the agreements reached, instead of a judge making a decision.

Yes, that is possible. In mediation, one independent mediator guides both parties. If you reach agreements together, the mediator can arrange the divorce through the court, without either of you needing your own lawyer.

No, mediation is not mandatory. However, more and more people are opting for it because it is often faster, cheaper, and less burdensome than legal proceedings. Judges do encourage mediation, particularly in divorce cases, because it often leads to sustainable solutions and less escalation. This is, of course, also in the best interest of any children involved.

On average, a mediation process takes a few weeks to a few months. The duration depends on how quickly you reach agreements together.

During mediation, you discuss together all matters that need to be settled, such as children, finances, and the home. The mediator guides the conversation and helps to record agreements and subsequently submit them to the court.

If you are unable to reach an agreement together, you can always choose to hire a lawyer or initiate legal proceedings. Everything discussed during mediation remains confidential.

No, that is not necessary. However, it is important that both parties are willing to enter into a dialogue.

That concern is very understandable. A divorce is profound for children, but with good agreements, parents can provide a great deal of peace and stability. During mediation, the children are the focus. The mediator helps the parents make joint agreements that offer clarity.

An average divorce process via mediation typically costs between

€3,400 and €5,000 per person (excl. VAT) depending on the complexity of the situation and the number of sessions required.

The total cost of mediation depends on, among other things:

• the number of meetings required
• the level of consultation or conflict between the parties
• agreements regarding children and finances
• any international aspects or complex asset situations

The better you are able to make agreements together, the faster the process often goes.

In addition to the costs for the mediator, there are further costs for:

• court fees
• documents (e.g. marriage certificate and extracts)
• optional home appraisal costs
• optional costs for financial advice
• optional costs for arranging a meeting room

In most cases, yes. With mediation, you work together on a single process, which usually results in lower costs than when both parties hire their own lawyer.

Yes, in most cases the costs of mediation are borne jointly, often half each. Other arrangements are also possible.

Sometimes subsidized legal aid is possible (legal aid grant). This depends on your income and assets.

In most cases, both parties pay the costs of the mediation together. We agree in advance on exactly how this will be divided. This is often done 50/50, but a different distribution is also possible.

In some situations, the costs can be (partially) offset against the agreements regarding the divorce, or there is entitlement to subsidized legal aid (legal aid grant), depending on income.

This is always clearly discussed during the introductory meeting, so that you know in advance what to expect.