frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about TCD.
Divorce raises a lot of questions — about process, cost, timing, and what happens if you can't agree. These are the ones we hear most often. If you don't see yours here, the first consultation is free and there's no obligation.
the process
What is the Contained Divorce process?
It starts with a brief, no-charge consultation to determine whether TCD is a good fit. If it is, an Agreement to Mediate is signed, a deposit is paid, and the first mediation is scheduled.
Before that first session, both parties provide intake and financial information. The first mediation is two hours and covers agenda setting, position statements, and a determination of whether additional neutrals — such as a financial planner or co-parenting therapist — are needed.
Once a Memorandum of Understanding is reached, each party may choose to have an independent attorney review the agreement. Documents are then drafted and filed with the court, which finalizes the divorce.
What does document preparation cost?
Depending on the complexity of the case, document preparation typically runs between $1,200 and $3,000, plus court filing fees. TCD maintains a list of attorneys available for document preparation.
$1,200 – $3,000
Varies by county
No charge
why tcd
Why choose the Contained Divorce over traditional litigation?
Traditional divorce often becomes unruly and expensive. Attorneys advocate for their individual clients, which leads to a flurry of pleadings, hearings, and discovery — escalating conflict and costs while moving parties further from agreement.
At the end of litigation, someone rarely "wins," and the parties have spent significant money for an outcome that often wasn't far from where a productive early conversation might have landed.
How is TCD different from a DIY app or AI-generated documents?
The Contained Divorce is not a self-help tool. It is a collaborative process designed to produce a lasting, legally sound agreement tailored to your family's specific circumstances.
Divorce is a legal process with financial implications that can be difficult and expensive to correct if done incorrectly. Self-help tools and AI frequently produce misinformation, omissions, or misguided language that create problems later.
if you can't agree
What happens if we can't resolve our differences?
Although rare, sometimes parties are unable to reach agreement on one or two specific issues. In those cases, legal counsel and the court can weigh in on just those points — while the rest of the agreement remains intact.
Time spent in mediation before engaging attorneys typically results in a faster, lower-cost legal process, because the parties are informed and the issues are already narrowed. Think of it as doing an inspection before listing a house — you go in knowing exactly what you're dealing with.
timeline & cost
How many sessions will we need, and how long does it take?
The timeline and number of sessions is highly personalized and depends on the level of conflict, the complexity of the issues, and the family's sense of urgency. On average, families complete 3–4 mediations over 3–4 months.
The schedule is set entirely by the parties — which allows families to move forward in a measured, controlled way. This tends to produce less conflict and more durable agreements.
Still have questions?
The first consultation is free and there's no obligation. Let's talk.