Why Staying Out of Court Saves You Money~ 3 min read
Avoiding court during your divorce will save money because you reduce attorney time, avoid court-driven deadlines, and limit the conflict. Mediation and Collaborative Divorce keep your divorce discussions focused on solutions instead of arguments, which lowers the overall cost and helps you reach agreements more efficiently.
Why the Court Process Increases the Cost of a Divorce
When you file for divorce in court, the process immediately becomes more expensive. Deadlines start running the moment documents are filed. Your attorney must prepare pleadings, respond to filings, and follow court requirements, even while you are still trying to settle your case. This creates a situation where you pay for both preparation and negotiation at the same time.
Court filings also increase tension. When one side files something that is upsetting or defensive, the other side may feel compelled to respond, which leads to more work and higher fees. Even if everyone wants to settle, the court system itself pushes the case forward on a schedule that requires ongoing attorney involvement.
Why Mediation and Collaborative Divorce Cost Less
Mediation and Collaborative Divorce help you stay out of court, which lowers both the financial cost and emotional strain. Without court deadlines, you and your co-parent can move at a pace that fits your situation. Attorneys focus on problem-solving rather than preparing for trial, which significantly reduces time spent on your case.
You also avoid expenses such as guardian ad litem appointments, contested hearings, and multiple rounds of motions. These services are costly and often unnecessary when parents are willing to work together. By staying engaged in Mediation, you limit the need for procedural steps that quickly add up the cost of a divorce.
Why Court Makes Settling Harder
Staying out of court does more than save money. It makes it easier to reach agreements. Once a case enters the courtroom, people often become defensive or anxious. Court filings can feel personal, even when they are simply part of the legal process. This tension can make it harder to talk openly, which slows down progress.
In contrast, Mediation creates a more comfortable setting. A mediator will help keep emotions in check, encourage cooperation, and lower the temperature in the room. Even if you do not settle the entire case at once, you may resolve smaller issues that move you closer to a full agreement. This still saves money by reducing the number of unresolved topics.
When Mediation Helps to Save Money Without a Full Agreement
Even when Mediation does not result in a complete settlement, it is still beneficial. You exchange important documents, clarify financial questions, or resolve several smaller topics. This work shortens what remains to be decided later, which leads to lower attorney fees overall.
Parents can return to Mediation after gathering more information or after emotions settle. Because Mediation promotes cooperation, it creates long-term savings even when resolution takes more than one session.
Contact Family Ally
At Family Ally, we help you explore divorce options that protect your finances and reduce unnecessary conflict. Through Mediation and Collaborative Divorce, we guide you toward solutions that keep your case out of court and focused on what matters most. Call Jennifer Piper at 314-449-9800 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support your family.
Family Ally is located at 130 S. Bemiston Ave., Suite 608, St. Louis, MO 63105.
FAQ’s
1. Is it possible to settle a divorce without going to court at all?
Yes. Mediation and Collaborative Divorce allow you to resolve the entire case privately without courtroom involvement.
2. Do court deadlines increase attorney fees?
Yes. Once a case is filed, attorneys must meet strict deadlines and prepare required documents, which increases time and cost.
3. What if my co-parent refuses to try Mediation?
A judge may still order you to attempt Mediation before moving forward with a hearing.
4. Does Mediation still help if we only settle part of the case?
Absolutely. Even partial agreements reduce future attorney time and make the remaining issues easier and less expensive to resolve.
Jennifer R. Piper is a family law attorney, mediator, and parenting coordinator with more than 20 years of experience serving families in the St. Louis area. She is certified as a Guardian ad Litem and frequently appointed by courts to represent children in high-conflict cases. Jennifer is a former Chair of the Family and Juvenile Law Section of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis and an active leader in local and state bar organizations.
Her professional recognition includes being named to The Best Lawyers in America® (2017–2025), Missouri Super Lawyers (2021–2024), and receiving a Women’s Justice Award from Missouri Lawyers Weekly. Jennifer also holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. She regularly speaks on family law topics and has helped shape family court procedures through her service on multiple committees.
