When facing a child custody dispute, emotions can run high, and legal battles can quickly become expensive. Mediation offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional courtroom litigation. The good news is that from Brunswick County at the tip of our state all the way through the capital in Raleigh and up into the mounts of North Carolina child custody mediation is mandatory in almost all custody litigations filed.Here’s how mediation can save you money:1. Lower Legal FeesCourtroom litigation often involves lengthy preparation, multiple court appearances, and extensive lawyer involvement, which leads to higher attorney fees. Mediation, on the other hand, is typically quicker and requires fewer billable hours from your lawyer. How much does a child custody court case cost you may wonder? Well if you are just getting through temporary custody, you are generally looking at around $5,000.00 in attorney fees. On the other hand, if you need experts and multiple hearings, it is not unusual for a complex child custody case with deep seated psychological issues to cost in excess of $20,000.00 in lawyer fees or much more.2. Avoid Court CostsFiling fees, expert witnesses, costs of service of process, and other court-related expenses add up in litigation. With mediation, you bypass many of these costs by settling matters outside the courtroom, resulting in significant savings. Yes, you will have to split the costs of a mediator if you choose private mediation, but court ordered mediation is free so you can save a ton of money by utilizing this free resource.3. Faster ResolutionMediation often resolves custody disputes faster than going to trial. A quicker resolution means fewer lawyer hours and fewer days taken off work, saving you both time and money. After the court ordered parenting class, you can generally get into a mediation for child custody within two (2) months or less from filing.4. Flexible and Controlled CostsMediation allows both parties to control the pace of discussions. You can address all aspects of your custody arrangement at your own speed, without waiting for court availability if you choose a private mediator, reducing the overall expense. Remember the court mediator is free, but limited. They have many, many people to meet with and only a limited about of time for your case so you may need to have multiple sessions which can take time.5. Minimized Conflict, Long-Term SavingsBy fostering collaboration instead of conflict, mediation helps preserve relationships between co-parents. Reducing animosity now can prevent future legal battles, ultimately saving you money on potential modifications or enforcement actions later.In short, mediation can be a practical, affordable solution to resolving child custody disputes, providing a pathway to a peaceful resolution while keeping costs in check.