Costs and Fees:
HOW MUCH WILL MEDIATION COST?
The cost of mediation depends upon the level of conflict between the parties (higher conflict tends to mean more sessions will be required to reach agreement) and the complexity of issues involved. Before mediation begins, it is difficult to predict with precision how much it will cost to reach agreement. One thing that you can count on is that a successfully mediated agreement will cost significantly less than going the adversarial route.
In complex cases, it may be necessary for parties to engage other experts such as accountants, appraisers, actuaries and consulting attorneys.
The introductory session is free, and generally lasts about half an hour.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL IT TAKE TO REACH AGREEMENT?
It is difficult to predict how many sessions will be required, before getting into the mediation. The total cost depends on the complexity of issues, the level of conflict, and the way the parties process information. A good mediation should not be rushed. It is well worth the time taken to be sure that parties are fully satisfied with the agreement they develop.
After the first complete session, it is easier to forecast how many more sessions may be required. A typical comprehensive divorce mediation may require three or four sessions of up to three hours each, plus one individual session per party, for a range of $2,000 to $3,800 or more. An elder care mediation may range from one session of two or three hours to several sessions of two or three hours each, with a sliding scale.
Please call for more detailed information about mediation fees.
HOW IS TIME BILLED?
A deposit is required when the agreement to mediate is signed, before the first session is scheduled. Payment is required at each session for the amount of time spent in mediation and time spent between sessions in correspondence, research or drafting. A rule of thumb is that each mediation session will last about one and a half to two hours, and follow-up memos, phone calls or correspondent may take another thirty minutes per session.
If you ever have questions about a bill, I encourage you to ask for clarification.
CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
I accept payment by credit card via PayPal and Amazon.com.
