FAQs

These are the questions clients come to me with. If something isn't covered here, the free consultation is the right place to ask. Every situation is different — and every question deserves a direct answer.

What's the difference between mediation and hiring my own attorney?

When you each hire attorneys, those attorneys are adversarial by design — they fight for their client's best outcome, regardless of cost, time, or the effect on your family. Mediation is collaborative. You both work with one neutral attorney/mediator to reach an agreement that works for both of you. You keep control. You keep more money. And it's usually over in months, not years.

Do I need to be on good terms with my spouse to do mediation?

No. High-conflict couples can and do benefit enormously from mediation. What matters is a willingness to participate in the process. Sandra has worked through intense anger, grief, betrayal, and conflict — emotion is expected, and part of what she manages.

What if we agree on some things but not others?

That's most couples. Mediation doesn't require you to agree on everything before you start. It's the process by which you get there

What does flat-fee pricing actually cover?

All sessions, unlimited communication between sessions, drafting of your marital settlement agreement and parenting plan (if applicable), child support calculations, and referrals to vetted professionals in Sandra's network. There are no hourly billing surprises. Mediation Services start at $3,000.00

How much does it cost compared to litigation?

Retainers for litigation attorneys typically run $4,000–$10,000 each — and those are often gone within a month or two. Then an hourly fee of $200.00 to $500.00 plus. No two divorces are the same, and every family’s needs are different. Sandra’s fees start at $3,000 to create a bespoke package of services tailored to your divorce. Her fee, based on the complexity of your case, is typically split between parties, meaning each person pays a fraction of what they’d spend in court. Clients are encouraged to keep their money for their futures.

Can I still have an attorney review the agreement before I sign?

Yes — and Sandra encourages it. Because both parties are informed throughout the process, outside review rarely surfaces surprises. It's simply a final safeguard.

What happens if we can't reach an agreement in mediation?

It happens, though it's uncommon. Sandra will be direct about whether an impasse is likely resolvable. Clients always retain the right to pursue litigation — but most find that understanding what court actually looks like (in time, cost, and emotional toll) helps them find their way to an agreement.

Do you handle cases involving children?

Yes. Parenting plans and child support calculations are a core part of the practice. Sandra takes children's well-being seriously — the shorter and more collaborative the process, the better the outcome for kids.

What geographic areas do you serve?

The Greater Philadelphia area, including Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, and Chester Counties. Virtually for all of Pennsylvania. Office locations in Philadelphia, Bala Cynwyd, Radnor, Malvern, and Plymouth Meeting.

What does the process look like from start to finish?

The process begins with a complimentary consultation to assess your specific situation and determine the right approach for your family. From there, both parties work through financial disclosure, asset identification, and negotiations — guided at every step by Sandra. Each decision is reality-tested before it is finalized. The process concludes with a thorough marital settlement agreement (and parenting plan, if applicable) that both parties have reviewed, understood, and had the opportunity to have independently reviewed by outside counsel before signing.

How long does the process take, and what does it cost?

Most cases are resolved in 2 to 5 months, typically across 3 to 5 two-hour sessions — though this varies depending on whether children are involved, the complexity of your finances, and the pace of disclosure. Sandra's fees are flat-rate, starting at $3,000 and determined after the initial consultation, once the scope of your situation is understood. The goal is always to keep costs down while ensuring nothing important is left unaddressed. Because the fee is fixed from the start, clients know exactly what to expect — which matters enormously when financial uncertainty is already high. Fees are typically split between both parties, making mediation a fraction of the cost of separate litigation attorneys whose retainers alone often run $4,000–$10,000 each and are frequently exhausted within the first month or two.

Do you also offer virtual sessions?

Yes. Virtual mediation sessions are available via Zoom for clients throughout the Greater Philadelphia region and across Pennsylvania. The process, the attention, and the quality of the work are identical to in-person sessions — the format simply adapts to what works best for your situation.

What makes Zell Divorce Solutions different from other mediation practices?

Our boutique, concierge-style mediation services set us apart. We limit the number of clients we take on to ensure personalized attention, connections to other vetted professionals that may be needed by the clients, and tailored solutions. We also offer flexible scheduling, including virtual sessions, to accommodate your needs and provide a high level of support throughout the process. Sandra is an active Pennsylvania attorney and certified mediator who intentionally limits her caseload to ensure every client receives focused, personalized attention. There are no packages, no rigid procedures, and no volume targets. Every engagement is built around the specific needs of that family, with access to a curated network of financial analysts, therapists, mortgage professionals, appraisers, and life coaches who are ready to step in when needed. Unlimited communication and flat-fee pricing mean clients never hold back a question for fear of the next invoice.

Do you help clients with life after the divorce, not just with the agreement itself?

Yes — and this is one of the ways Zell Divorce Solutions operates differently from a standard mediation practice. Reaching a signed agreement is not the finish line; it is the beginning of an entirely new chapter. Sandra has spent years building a curated network of vetted professionals who are ready to step in at exactly the right moment — so clients are never left Googling for help at the worst possible time.
That network includes therapists for adults and children (matched to your specific needs), Certified Divorce Financial Analysts (CDFAs) who help clients build a stable financial picture post-divorce, Certified Divorce Lending Professionals (CDLPs) who navigate mortgage and housing transitions, realtors, appraisers, health insurance providers, new will providers, life coaches, and more. You do not vet them. You do not start from scratch. You simply get connected — to the right person, at the right moment, by someone who already knows your situation.

Can't I just use AI or search online to get AI divorce guidance?

You can — and most people do, at some point in the process. AI and online resources can be genuinely useful for understanding general concepts, common terms, or what questions to ask. But there is a significant difference between information and guidance.

AI does not know Pennsylvania law as it applies to your specific county, judge, or financial picture. It cannot reality-test whether you can actually afford to keep the house. It cannot read the room when emotions are running high and one party is about to make a decision they will regret. It cannot call a trusted mortgage broker on your behalf, refer your child to the right therapist, or advocate for an outcome that is genuinely fair to both sides. It will not be there when the agreement needs to hold up years later — or when life changes and the terms need to be revisited.

Sandra brings something no algorithm can replicate: legal expertise, personal experience, professional judgment, and genuine accountability to the families she works with. Information is available everywhere. Trusted guidance, from someone who has lived it and built a practice around it, is rare.

Ready to work with Sandra?

The First Step Is a Conversation.

Mediation spots are limited. Sandra works with a select number of clients at a time to ensure every family receives the attention they deserve. If you're ready to take the first step — or even just curious whether this is the right path — reach out today.

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